Christmas dinner is here. You’ve been served a delicious roast dinner with all the trimmings, but what’s that on your plate? Brussel sprouts, the enemy, the most bitter-tasting vegetable out there. You slide them to your dog, but is it safe to do so?
Dogs can eat sprouts and they are actually rich in fibre and antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals that boost the immune system. They can even help reduce inflammation, making them a very valuable veggie to sneak into them as a snack.
But don’t stop there, let us take you through the ins and outs of why sprouts are such a good snack for your pup.
Are Sprouts Safe for Dogs?
Definitely, sprouts are completely SAFE for dogs to eat. They can be given as a little treat or table scraps and have great health benefits (as you will discover below). Just remember to follow the 10% rule when giving them sprouts – only 10% of their daily food should be treated!
Sprouts are also to be given to them in moderation. Just a couple is all they really need, otherwise, you could end up with a dog that has an upset stomach.
Health Benefits for Your Dogs Eating Sprouts
Sprouts are loaded with great ingredients that prove beneficial to the health of your pup. They contain antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow. They also contain fibre to keep your dog regular.
Not to mention all those nutritious vitamins – namely vitamin K and C, which are ideal for healthy bones and an improved immune system respectively. They also contain vitamins A, B1, and B6 as well as manganese, potassium, and folate.
All of these vitamins and minerals help to keep their joints, coat, and body HEALTHY while ensuring they have enough energy to go about their daily lives.Â
Read Here: Can Dogs Eat Courgettes?
Cons of Your Dog Eating Sprouts
There’s a reason you should avoid feeding your pup sprouts on a daily basis – GAS. This is because sprouts contain something called isothiocyanate, which works by improving the ability of the intestinal muscle to push food and waste through the gastrointestinal tract.
All of this fancy-sounding stuff leads to excess bacterium being left behind, and the only way for it to exit the body is in gas form. So, a few sprouts will clear out the system, but too many are going to lead to some serious stomach upsets.
Don’t be concerned when your dog sends you running from the room because of the foul smells they are producing – it’s normal and won’t last more than a day or two. Sprouts have no toxins, so they are completely harmless.
If your dog has eaten too many Brussel sprouts or any other foods then you may want to consider starting them on Buddy & Lola Tummy Buddy, which is a great option and a quick fix to help settle your dog’s stomach.
How to Prepare Sprouts for Your Dog
The best way for your dog to chow down on sprouts is to have them completely plain. They can be boiled, steamed, or microwaved to perfection. Make sure you wash them first and cut off the stem, just like when you are preparing them for yourself.
If you serve them raw, it will be too hard for your dog to eat and not as satisfying. The best way to cook them is through steaming or microwaving – boiling takes too long and the sprouts are likely to lose a good amount of their nutrients.
Read Here: Can Dogs Eats Olives?
Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how beneficial sprouts are – you never would have guessed just to look at them. Providing your dog with essential vitamins and minerals, their bones and their immune system will thank you for those Christmas dinner leftovers.
Are you curious about the other foods that are beneficial to your pup? Or perhaps you are wondering what you should avoid feeding them? We have an entire series of canine care guides that you are sure to love – check them out.
For over a decade, Adrienne has been a freelance content writer and blogger who’s passion lies in anything related to dogs. Growing up, dogs were a very important part of family life in the Hardwick household. Now, Adrienne is the proud parent to two Swedish Vallhunds called Moose and Pumpkin.