Food safety
Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts? Yes, Cooked and Plain
Yes, dogs can eat Brussels sprouts, as long as they are cooked, plain and given in small numbers. The sprouts are not toxic and carry fiber and vitamins, but they are famous for causing gas, in dogs as much as in people. Raw sprouts are too hard to digest, so steam or boil them first. Holiday versions roasted with bacon, butter, balsamic glaze or garlic are best kept on your own plate.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read2 sources
Why Brussels sprouts are safe for dogs
Brussels sprouts are a cruciferous vegetable, in the same family as broccoli and cabbage, with fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and antioxidants. The AKC says dogs can eat them with a few precautions, and nothing in a plain cooked sprout is poisonous.
The precautions are about digestion. Sprouts are dense and fibrous, and they contain compounds that speed up the gut and feed gas-producing bacteria. That is uncomfortable rather than harmful, but it is the reason to keep the serving small.
Gas, and why too many cause trouble
The AKC explains that Brussels sprouts contain isothiocyanate, which increases movement in the intestines and can lead to gas from extra gut bacteria. A dog that eats a handful may be noticeably gassy that evening, with a gurgling belly or loose stool.
The gas is not dangerous in itself, but large amounts can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. If gas or soft stool lasts more than a few days, or your dog seems uncomfortable, stop the sprouts and check in with your vet.
Spreading a few safe pieces across a snuffle mat or packing them into a puzzle toy turns a small treat into a few minutes of sniffing work.
How to cook Brussels sprouts for your dog
Trim off most of the stem and any yellow outer leaves, then cook the sprouts plain. The AKC suggests steaming for about five minutes, boiling for about ten, or microwaving in water for up to eight. Steaming keeps the most nutrients. Raw sprouts are too hard for a dog to digest well.
Cool them and cut them in half or quarters, depending on your dog's size: quarters for a 10 lb dog, halves for a large dog. Leave out herbs, spices, salt, butter and oil.
How many Brussels sprouts by dog weight
The AKC recommends starting with half to one sprout depending on size, and keeping a treat serving to no more than about three sprouts, given occasionally. In practice: under 20 lb, half a sprout; 20 to 50 lb, one or two; over 50 lb, up to three.
Sprouts are low in calories, but they still count toward the 10 percent treat allowance. Offer them a couple of times a week at most, and never as a big side dish next to a holiday dinner.
Holiday sprouts to keep off the floor
At Thanksgiving and Christmas, Brussels sprouts are usually roasted with bacon, pancetta, butter, garlic, shallots, parmesan, honey or balsamic glaze, and sometimes tossed with nuts or dried cranberries. The fat can upset a dog's stomach and garlic and shallots belong to the onion family, which the ASPCA warns can damage a dog's red blood cells.
If you want your dog to share the holiday side, set aside two or three sprouts before seasoning and steam them plain. Ask guests not to slip anything from the table, and watch for dropped food while plates are being cleared.
Brussels sprouts for puppies
A weaned puppy can try a small piece of well-cooked, soft sprout. Puppies' stomachs are sensitive and the gas effect can be stronger, so a quarter of a sprout is plenty for a first taste.
Vegetables are a minor extra for puppies, who need a complete puppy food for growth. If a puppy gets loose stool or seems uncomfortable after trying sprouts, leave them out for a while, and try again later with an even smaller piece.
When to call a vet, and other vegetables
Call your vet the same day if your dog has repeated vomiting, diarrhea that will not settle, a swollen or painful belly, or seems lethargic after eating sprouts, especially sprouts cooked with bacon, butter or garlic. A swollen belly in a large, deep-chested dog needs urgent attention.
If sprouts make your dog too gassy, try green beans, carrots or plain cooked pumpkin instead. They are gentler on the gut and easy to portion.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Can dogs eat raw Brussels sprouts?
It is better not to. Raw sprouts are hard for dogs to chew and digest and can cause more stomach upset. Steam, boil or microwave them in water until tender before sharing.
Do Brussels sprouts make dogs gassy?
Yes, often. They contain compounds that speed up the gut and feed gas-producing bacteria. Keeping the serving to one to three sprouts depending on size helps keep the gas manageable.
Can dogs eat roasted Brussels sprouts?
Only if they were roasted plain. Most roasted sprouts are cooked with oil, salt, garlic, bacon or glaze, which can upset a dog's stomach or cause harm. Set some aside before seasoning.
Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts leaves?
Yes, the outer leaves of a cooked sprout are fine. Throw away any yellow, wilted or dirty leaves, and keep the amount small, as the leaves cause gas in the same way as the sprout.
Are Brussels sprouts good for dogs?
They are safe in small amounts and carry fiber and vitamins, but dogs do not need them. A complete dog food already supplies those nutrients, so think of sprouts as an occasional treat.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
