My two-year-old Yorkshire Terrier Louie has very clear preferences when it comes to vegetables. Most of the time, he sniffs, takes one bite, then pushes them away with his nose. Because of that, I never introduce new vegetables aggressively and always start with very small amounts.
Brussels sprouts often appear as decorative meal toppers because of their compact shape. They are easy to mistake for “mini cabbage,” but their dense structure makes many owners wonder whether they are actually suitable for dogs. I use them occasionally in homemade meals and as treats, so I wanted to clearly organize safe portions, feeding methods, and precautions.
1. Can Dogs Eat Brussels Sprouts?
Yes, Brussels sprouts are safe for dogs when properly prepared. They are not toxic and, when cooked and fed in small amounts, rarely cause serious problems.
In Korea, they are often called mini cabbage or baby cabbage, but their English name is Brussels sprouts. They belong to the same cruciferous vegetable family as cabbage, but their tightly packed leaves make them firmer and harder to digest.
Because of this structure, they should not be treated exactly the same as regular cabbage when feeding dogs.
2. Nutritional Benefits
Brussels sprouts are relatively rich in vitamins and minerals among green vegetables. They contain high levels of vitamin C and vitamin K, along with antioxidant compounds.
They also provide dietary fiber, which can support digestion. However, this is both a benefit and a risk. For dogs, too much fiber can lead to gas, bloating, or loose stools if portions are not controlled.
3. Nutrition Facts (USDA, per 100g)
Raw vs cooked Brussels sprouts show slight differences in calories, fiber, and vitamin content. Overall, they are low in calories and high in fiber and micronutrients.
In a canine diet, Brussels sprouts should be viewed as a supplemental vegetable rather than a primary nutritional source.
4. Recommended Serving Size (3kg Small Dog)
For small dogs, portion control is essential. One to two cooked Brussels sprouts per serving is enough.
When feeding for the first time, start with less and monitor stool quality and gas production. Larger portions increase the likelihood of digestive discomfort.
5. How to Prepare and Feed
Brussels sprouts should always be cooked before feeding. Raw sprouts are dense and harder to digest.
Steaming or boiling is preferred. After cooking, chop them into small bite-sized pieces. Feeding whole sprouts is not recommended due to choking risk.
6. Precautions
Brussels sprouts contain small amounts of goitrogens, similar to cabbage. When cooked and fed occasionally, this is not a concern for healthy dogs.
Dogs with sensitive digestion or frequent gas issues may not tolerate Brussels sprouts well. In those cases, it is better to skip them entirely.
Reflections
Brussels sprouts are safe for dogs, but they are not an essential ingredient. I treat them as an occasional supplemental vegetable rather than a regular part of Louie’s diet, using them about once a month.
When portion size and preparation are handled carefully, the risk is low. Still, not every dog needs or benefits from cruciferous vegetables, and there are plenty of alternatives.
How does your dog react to cabbage-family vegetables?