Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts?
As any dog owner will know, most dogs will eat pretty much anything, given half the chance, but a question that many dog owners ask is “Is it safe for dogs to eat Brussels sprouts?”
The truth is that Brussels sprouts are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, but, just like humans, many dogs simply don’t like the taste of them.
Eaten in moderation, Brussels sprouts are very good for a dog. They belong to the same cruciferous vegetable family as broccoli and they are a good source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. The main downside of feeding your dog is Brussels sprouts is that the vegetable can cause flatulence.
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Brussel Sprouts for Dogs
While flatulence in a dog is unpleasant for all those that have to live with it, it is actually quite good for the dog because it helps to keep the dog’s bowel movements regular, which in turn keeps the colon healthy. Brussels sprouts for dogs are a good supplement in the menu, they are rich in antioxidants, which help to fight cancer causing free radicals in the body. Antioxidants also reduce inflammation and improve the circulation.
Brussels sprouts are good for dog’s bones as well. The vegetable contains Vitamin K, which supports the healthy growth of bones, and a range of minerals, including potassium and manganese, which strengthen bones.
The main problem with Brussels sprouts is getting a dog to eat them at all. They are perfectly safe for a dog to eat raw, but it is unlikely that a dog will find raw Brussels sprouts palatable. Many people roast Brussels sprouts, but if sprouts have too much fat on them or too much seasoning, then that will not be very healthy for your dog.
So Can Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts? Are Brussel Sprouts Ok for Dogs?
If you want to feed your dog Brussels sprouts, the best thing to do is try feeding them with just a small amount first. That way, you will find out if your dog will like them and you will also discover if they will cause any reaction in your dog. What you should not do is feed your dog leftover sprouts that have wilted and gone brown, because old sprouts are very likely to give your dog diarrhoea.
Fed to your dog as a part of a balanced diet, Brussels sprouts can provide your pet with important vitamins and minerals and dietary fibre. If you feed a dog too many sprouts, however, your dog will develop flatulence and diarrhoea.
So the answer to the question “Can dogs eat brussel sprouts?” is yes; if you use fresh, clean sprouts in small amounts, there should be no problem at all when you feed them to a dog. If your dog does develop diarrhoea and flatulence shortly after eating them, it would be advisable not feed your dog with Brussels sprouts again, simply because a dog can get the same nutrients from other sources.
