Some people love them, some people hate them. The Brussels sprout, named after the city of Brussels, Belgium where it’s believed to have originated from, is one of those veggies that society is rather divided on.
Whether you’re a fan of the Brussels sprout or not, you might be wondering: Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts? Or are these little vegetables dangerous for our pets?
Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family alongside cousins like cabbage, broccoli, and radishes. And like those vegetables, they actually offer some health benefits for our canine companions.
Yes, dogs can eat Brussels sprouts. However, like many human foods, Brussels sprouts should not be given to your dog without taking a few precautions first. Learn about the health benefits that Brussels sprouts offer to our four-legged friends, the risks presented, and how to give them to your pooch safely.
Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts for Dogs
Yes, dogs can eat Brussels sprouts and gain nutritional value from them. These veggies are low in calories and carbohydrates, so you don’t have to worry about them adding extra pounds to your dog’s waistline. In fact, they can even serve as a good dog treat substitute for overweight pups or dogs with diabetes. Let’s take a look at some of the other health benefits that Brussels sprouts can provide for our dogs.
Vitamins
Brussels sprouts are full of essential vitamins that may help your dog’s immune system, various bodily functions, and overall health. Brussels sprouts contain:
- Vitamin K:This vitamin promotes regulated blood calcium levels and assists with blood circulation, along with helping blood clot properly.
- Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B6: These vitamins help your dog gain energy from the food they eat, as well as support the nervous system and help make new cells.
- Vitamin B9: Also known as folate, vitamin B9 helps with blood cell formation, nucleic acid production, and amino acid utilization in the body.
- Vitamin A: Vitamin A is important for your dog’s eye health and supports bone growth and immune system strength.
- Vitamin C:This vitamin has anti-inflammatory properties that may foster a healthy immune system.
Minerals
Brussels sprouts also contain a lot of important minerals, including potassium, calcium, and manganese. Minerals like these help to support a variety of body systems and aid in your dog’s nerve and muscle function, bone health, and teeth strength.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are an important part of your dog’s diet because they fight free radicals, which cause damage to the cells through oxidation. Brussels sprouts provide antioxidants like kaempferol, as well as vitamins with antioxidant properties like Vitamins C and A. In addition to fighting oxidation, antioxidants play a role in combating problems like heart disease, cancer, and even cognitive dysfunction as dogs get older.
Fiber
Another benefit of Brussels sprouts: They’re high in dietary fiber, which your dog needs to maintain a healthy digestive system and regular bowel movements. Having the proper amount of fiber in the diet lets your dog avoid occurrences of digestive tract and stomach issues like constipation and diarrhea.
