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We all want the best for our dogs but feeding them anything outside of commercial dog food can be tricky.
Most of us know that chocolate is very harmful to dogs, but what about Brussels sprouts? Are they safe for dogs to eat?
The quick answer is yes, they are. But, just like anything else in life, there’s a little more to it than that.
Let’s discuss the things you should consider when feeding your dog Brussels sprouts.
Benefits Of Brussels Sprouts For Dogs
The great thing about Brussels sprouts is that they are packed full of vitamins, fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants that are healthy for dogs.
Brussels sprouts even contains Vitamin K, which helps the blood clot in case of any injuries.
But that’s not all: other vitamins Brussels sprouts contain include B1, B6, A, and C. The antioxidants will help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation, which can help improve the quality of life in older dogs and help the younger ones stay healthy while active.
Drawbacks Of Brussels Sprouts
The major downside of Brussels sprouts is something you will notice instantly: gas.
Brussels sprouts carry isothiocyanate that helps the intestinal muscle’s ability to move waste through the intestinal tract. This leads to excess bacteria, which leaves the body as gas.
Now, this probably won’t make anyone run for the hills as this is the only downside. Brussels sprouts don’t contain anything that is poisonous or toxic to dogs. However, you should contact your vet if gas symptoms last longer than a week.
Preparing Brussels Sprouts For Dogs
Now that we’ve convinced you that Brussels sprouts are safe for your dog, you might be wondering how to prepare the dish.
Well, the best way to prepare Brussels sprouts is to steam them. Steaming is the best way to preserve the nutrients in the vegetable.
Start by washing the Brussels sprouts thoroughly. Cut off most of the stem, leaving the leaves whole, and then steam for five minutes. You can also microwave in water for up to eight minutes.
Another way to prepare Brussels sprouts is to boil them. This takes longer at around ten minutes and doesn’t preserve as many nutrients.
Do not serve raw; the Brussels sprouts will be too hard for your dog to digest. Tip: don’t bother seasoning the sprouts.
Before feeding your dog Brussels sprouts, ensure that it doesn’t have any problems related to diet or allergies. Consult your vet to be safe.
If everything is good to go, we recommend giving your dog smaller portions to start — maybe one sprout depending on your dog’s size and weight. We don’t recommend giving a dog more than three Brussels sprouts per serving at a rate of two or three times per week.
Since you have them on hand, feel free to have some yourself since they’re very healthy for humans too!
Conclusion
We hope this quick article helped give you all the facts and answered your questions regarding giving your dog Brussels sprouts. If you’re unsure or apprehensive about anything, run it by your vet to make sure it’s safe.
Every dog is different, after all, and it’s important to know what unique circumstances your dog faces and if Brussels sprouts are something they should eat. But in general, Brussels sprouts are safe for dogs, as are other vegetables like cucumbers and certain mushrooms.
Enjoy all the benefits that come with this supper veggie!
Thanks for reading. Are you considering feeding your dog Brussels sprouts? Feel free to share your situation in the comments below.