Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts?

• Fibre: aids in bowel movement and provides a feeling of fullness for dogs prone to weight gain with few calories
• Vitamins C and K, antioxidants
• Low calorie: a medium Brussels sprout contains about 8 kcal

• Steamed or cooked, without salt, butter, garlic, or onion
• Halved or chopped, puréed for small dogs
• Start with a single piece and monitor for the next 24 hours

A practical example from my work: Bodri, a 12 kg mixed breed, was on a weight loss programme. We replaced part of the treats with steamed vegetables, giving 1–2 Brussels sprouts daily. Within two weeks, the owner reported that Bodri was begging less, and his weight was nicely starting to decrease.

Guideline portions:

• Small (under 5 kg): half a Brussels sprout
• Medium (10–25 kg): 1–2 pieces
• Large (over 25 kg): 2–3 pieces

This, combined with other treats, should not exceed about 10% of the daily calorie intake.

• Bloating and gas: due to the sulphur-containing compounds in cruciferous vegetables. Be cautious with dogs that have sensitive stomachs
• In dogs with thyroid issues, I do not recommend large amounts; discuss with your veterinarian
• Raw Brussels sprouts are hard to digest, always cook them

If your dog is on a diet or you want to incorporate vegetables into their diet, DogDietLab will calculate how many treats fit into the daily allowance based on the weight and activity level provided in your profile, so you don’t have to guess.

This information is for guidance only and does not replace veterinary advice.