To address the query upfront, we say, why not? Brussels sprouts are indeed a dog-friendly vegetable as they are a good source of nutrition. However, they should be strictly fed in moderation as excess intake has been linked to impaired thyroid function, diarrhea, and gas.
Did You Know?
While cooking Brussels sprouts, avoid boiling them as this method of cooking causes substantial loss of nutrients.
If you are looking for a healthy addition to your pet’s diet, Brussels sprouts is a good option. Considered as nutritional powerhouse, feeding these mini-cabbages will allow your pet to reap multiple health benefits. They are certainly an invaluable choice that can have a positive impact on the long-term health and wellness of your pet. Here’s why your pet should eat these miniature cabbages:
Why Brussels Sprouts are Good for Dogs?
- Brussels sprouts contain a host of nutrients that can help maintain your dog’s health. For instance, vitamin C found aplenty in this vegetable can help strengthen their immunity. Regularly feeding these vegetables can also improve bone health as they contain a great amount of vitamin K―the bone nutrient essential to achieve healthy bones.
- Brussels sprouts are also found to be high in fiber, a vital component for a healthy digestive system. Their fiber-rich content can assist to prevent constipation in dogs.
- Brussels sprouts also contain significant amount of antioxidants, substances that keep cells safe from free-radical damage. The vegetable contains antioxidants like indoles, sulforaphane, and isothiocyanates that are known for their anticancer effects. They are also a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin that promote eye health. So Brussels sprouts with their antioxidant-rich content can certainly contribute to maintaining your dog’s health.
- These mini-cabbages also contain a good deal of vitamins A, B1, B6, folate as well as minerals like potassium and manganese. All these nutrients are essential for your dog and play an important role in normal cellular function.
- Brussels sprout stalk can also be given to dogs. They view it as a bone and enjoy chewing it.
Exercise Portion Control
- Although Brussels sprouts possess plenty of health benefits, that does not mean you can feed as much as you want. These mini-cabbages when given in excess amounts can cause diarrhea. When overfed, isothiocyanates in Brussels sprouts can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
- Also, since Brussels sprouts belong to the family of cruciferous vegetables, overfeeding can affect your pet’s thyroid health. To put it simply, your pet may develop thyroid problems, when Brussels sprouts are fed in high amounts. These vegetables are known to inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones, leading to hypothyroidism.
- Brussels sprouts are classified as gassy foods, so overfeeding can also cause serious bloating and gas in dogs. So make sure Brussels sprouts are fed in moderation to keep their unwanted side effects at bay.
Are Raw Brussels Sprouts Good for Dogs?
- There is no harm in feeding Brussels sprouts, but a better option that can help reduce their ability to cause hypothyroidism, would be to cook these vegetables properly. Studies have shown that cooking can destroy their thyroid-suppressing activity. However, make sure it is not overcooked, so as to preserve its nutrient content.
- Prefer steam cooked method of cooking Brussels sprouts to help maintain their nutrient value. However, whether you prefer cooked or uncooked Brussels sprouts, the basic rule of feeding in moderation has to be followed.
How Many to Feed?
The number of Brussels sprouts to feed will vary according to the size of the dog. For small dogs, half to one Brussels sprouts might be enough but for medium to large-sized dogs, one can feed around 2 to 3 Brussels sprouts. You can always add a few slices of Brussels sprouts in your dog’s meal.
Caution!
Although Brussels sprouts can be safely given to dogs, make sure you do not add any unwanted things to this nutritious snack. For instance, don’t sprinkle salt over Brussels sprouts or combine with butter to enhance their flavor.
To conclude, a dog’s nutrition plays a critical role in keeping it healthy, and adding Brussels sprouts into your pet’s diet will surely allow your canine friend to live a better life.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a veterinarian.