Brussel sprouts are not really popular among us people. In fact, this vegetable ranks number 40 on the list of most popular vegetables. However, it’s undeniable that brussel sprouts are a healthy veggie which we should include in our diet. But what about our dog’s diet? Can dogs eat brussel sprouts?
Brussel sprouts are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Besides this, it’s loaded with different vitamins, manganese, potassium, and folate. So, you’d think that dogs would benefit from this vegetable as well? Right?
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Well, in this article we’re going to answer the question can dogs eat brussel sprouts and if this vegetable has any benefit on your dog’s health.
If you’d like to learn more about safe and unsafe fruits and vegetables, and human foods and general, you can find more information in the following articles:
- What Vegetables Can Dogs Eat?
- What fruits can dogs eat and which are toxic?
- Can Dogs Eat Spicy Food?
- Which Food Is Good Or Bad For Dogs?
Can dogs eat brussel sprouts?
The answer to the question can dogs eat brussel sprouts is yes, they can! Brussel sprouts are considered to be a safe vegetable for dogs. However, please don’t go overboard with the portions.
Brussel sprouts have a high level of a substance called isothiocyanate. This substance improves the intestinal muscle’s ability to push food and waste through the gastrointestinal tract. Simply put, your dog will be gassy. Very, very gassy.
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With that being said, let’s see what benefits brussel sprouts can have on your dog’s health.
Benefits of brussel sprouts
We’ve already mentioned in the introduction that brussel sprouts are very healthy, but what is it exactly that makes them so healthy?
Brussel sprouts are filled with vitamins such as vitamins A, B, C and vitamin E. All of these have amazing effects on health.
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For example, vitamin A keeps the heart, lungs, and other organs in dogs working correctly, it also keeps their eyes healthy and vision sharp. Brussels sprouts contain Vitamins B1 and B6 which support proper blood circulation and overall heart health.
Then we also have vitamin C and Vitamin K which are great for your canine’s immune system and bone health.
Lastly, we have vitamin E is a great antioxidant that protects your dog’s cells from the damage free radicals cause.
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Besides vitamins, brussel sprouts are also rich in minerals like manganese which helps your dog digest protein and amino acids. And it also contains potassium which is crucial for the healthy function of dog muscles, enzymes, and nerves
Brussel sprouts also contain kaempferol which is a powerful antioxidant that has numerous health benefits. According to experts it helps lower inflammation and prevents oxidative damage in animals.
Downside of brussel sprouts
The one issue that we have with brussel sprouts is that it’s rich in fiber. So as mentioned above, your dog might become gassy if it consumes too much brussel sprouts. This vegetable can and definitely will cause bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
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This is why it’s super important to know how many brussel sprouts you can give your dog. The serving size can be determined by your dog’s size. For larger dogs, a maximum serving size should not exceed three Brussel Sprouts. For smaller pups, it’s only 1/4 to 1 Brussels sprout at a time.
Also, if you’re just introducing brussel sprouts to your dog, make sure to start out with small portions, and build your way up.
Conclusion
The answer to the question can dogs eat brussel sprouts is definitely yes! However, it’s important to feed it in moderation and also keep the downsides in mind as well.
Generally speaking, brussel sprouts can be a great addition to your dog’s diet, but know you’r dog’s serving size and stick to it.
If you’d like to learn more about different vegetables and if they are safe for dogy, you can do that through the following articles:
- Can dogs eat sugar snap peas?
- Can dogs eat arugula? Is it safe for pooches?
- Can Dogs Eat Edamame Beans?
- Can Dogs Eat Kale?
- Can Dogs Eat Beets?