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Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts? 

Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

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No matter your personal feelings on the taste of Brussels sprouts, there’s a good chance your pup has eyed them while they’re on your dinner plate. However, before sneaking them to your pet, can dogs have Brussels sprouts? 

The answer is yes—they can eat Brussels sprouts as they are non-toxic. However, like many foods that aren’t dog food, the key is only to feed them these leaf vegetables in moderation. 

Are Brussels sprouts good for dogs?

There’s a pretty good reason why your parents force-fed you Brussels sprouts when you were a kid—they’re packed with nutrients. They have a ton of fiber and important vitamins K, B, C, and A. They’re also a good source of important nutrients like folate and potassium. 

Though your dog can have the occasional Brussels sprout, it’s not a food you should be giving your pet regularly as a treat. It won’t hurt them, but when they eat cruciferous veggies, it can cause a buildup of gases, making your pup uncomfortable. 

To clarify, are Brussels sprouts good for dogs? They can be—but not typically as healthy as they are for humans, and your dogs get all of their nutritional needs met from their commercial dog food. Is giving them a copious amount worth the gastrointestinal upset? No. You should also always consult your vet before introducing a new food into your dog’s diet—cruciferous veggies may not be good for pets with certain health conditions. 

» MORE: Learn about fruits and vegetables that dogs can and cannot eat.

How to feed Brussels sprouts to your dog 

Though Brussels sprouts can be okay for your dog to eat in moderation, you have to be careful how you prepare them. Many of us enjoy Brussels sprouts when they’re swimming in bacon, butter, garlic and onions. Too much fat can harm your pup, and onions and garlic are toxic to canines. 

When feeding your dog Brussels sprouts, steaming is the best way to prepare them. Just make sure to remove the stem and cut them in half for easier digestion. You may be wondering, “Can my dog eat raw Brussels sprouts?” That’s not a good idea. If you’ve ever tried to choke down a raw Brussels sprout yourself, you know they can be tough, chewy and hard to digest. 

If they snatch a dropped, raw Brussels sprout off the floor when you’re preparing dinner, it’s not toxic—just make sure they chewed it well, and it goes down without choking them. For more information, visit our guide, All About Feeding Your Dog.

FAQs About Brussels Sprouts For Dogs

It’s best to stick to under three and ensure that you don’t provide them regularly. That may not seem like a large number to us humans, but a dog’s belly is much smaller than ours—and so is their digestive tract. It doesn’t take that much of a gas buildup to make them feel uncomfortable. 

Canines have different tastes when it comes to food, much like humans. Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts? Yes. Your dog may devour Brussels sprouts like they’re a juicy steak, but another pup may spit them right back at you in disgust. It’s really up to their unique palate. 

This is the main reason why Brussels sprouts and dogs in large quantities don’t mix. As we’ve already discussed, it causes gas buildup, which can give your dog cramping and discomfort. Often, all that gas just comes right back out. 

You may have this same problem when eating cruciferous veggies. Now, imagine it in potent dog form. Feeding your pup lots of Brussels sprouts can make it a tough night for the whole family. 

If your pet has health issues, consult your veterinarian before feeding them something new, even if dogs can normally have it. It’s also always a good idea to feed approved human foods to your pet in moderation—if you’re feeding your dog high-quality dog food, they should be getting all the vitamins and minerals they need. 

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Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Petco’s ACE team is a passionate group of experienced pet care experts dedicated to supporting the overall health & wellness of pets. The ACE team works to develop animal care operations and standards across the organization and promote proper animal care and education for Pet Care Center partners and pet parents, while also ensuring regulatory compliance.