You may not be able to give it to your kids but you likely won’t have any issues getting your dog to eat brussels sprouts. With their affinity for these vegetables, you might be wondering whether brussels sprouts are bad or toxic for dogs. The great news is that not only is it an enjoyable snack but brussels sprouts are both safe and good for dogs to eat and are loaded with a ton of nutritional vitamins and minerals. Although brussels sprouts are okay for dogs, too much of anything is never good so you shouldn’t feed your dogs a steady diet of them.
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Why Brussels Sprouts Are Good For Dogs
One of the reasons why we should include brussels sprouts in our diets is the fact that they are loaded with nutrients that dogs need to be healthy. For this reason, it is better to give them healthy treats that can supplement their regular diets than to give them tasty treats that have no nutritional value.
Brussels sprouts are loaded with many important vitamins, including vitamin K, which can help build strong, healthy bones, protect their hearts, and aid in blood clotting.
Other health benefits of brussels sprouts for dogs include:
- Vitamins – Brussels sprouts contain vitamins A, C, B1, and B6
- Antioxidants – These help to reduce inflammation and help with blood circulation
- Fiber – Helps to keep the gastrointestinal system healthy, and promotes regular bowel movements
- Sulforaphane – This is a component that helps to fight free radicals that can cause cancer
- Indole-3-carbinol – This is another free radical-fighting component that can help prevent damage to the body caused by cancer and other diseases
Why Brussels Sprouts Are Bad For Dogs
With so many health benefits, it might seem like it is a good thing to feed them to your dog on a regular basis. Well, there can be one huge problem with this. When dogs regularly eats brussels sprouts, they tend to have gas issues. This becomes a bigger health issue if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
Brussels sprouts contain a lot of isothiocyanate, which helps food go through gastrointestinal tracts. However, bacterium builds up and exits the body in the form of gas. Even a small serving of brussels sprouts can cause flatulence.
Too many brussels sprouts can also cause dogs to have an stomach upset along with diarrhea. While this isn’t necessarily going to harm your dog, it isn’t going to make them feel good. Like any food you give to your dog that is not regular dog food, you should give them brussels sprouts in moderation.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Brussels Sprouts in Moderation
If you are going to give brussels sprouts to your dog, it is best to cook them first. You can boil or steam them, and they can also be cooked in the microwave. The sprouts should be firm and green, washed, and with most of the stem removed.
Steam for five minutes, boil for around 10 minutes, or microwave in water for around eight minutes. Do not add any seasonings, and serve plain. Save the butter and salt for your own serving.