Vegetable
Can cats eat brussels sprouts?
A small piece of plain cooked sprout is safe, but cats gain little from it.
If your cat ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Signs to watch for
- Wind
- Loose stools
How much, how often
A tiny piece, if at all.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Steam or boil, and serve plain
- Cut in half for small dogs to avoid choking
- Avoid sprouts cooked with bacon, butter or chestnuts
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Yes, a sprout or two, cooked and plain, is safe for dogs. They are nutritious but famously cause wind.
How much: One or two sprouts for a medium dog.
Can dogs eat brussels sprouts?Cats In moderation
A small piece of plain cooked sprout is safe, but cats gain little from it.
How much: A tiny piece, if at all.
The details
Brussels sprouts are a Christmas-dinner favourite to share, but the festive table is full of risks: sprouts are often cooked with fat, salt or onion, and nearby dishes may include stuffing, gravy and pudding. A plain sprout or two set aside before seasoning is the safe version.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat brussels sprouts?
A small piece of plain cooked sprout is safe, but cats gain little from it.
How much brussels sprouts can a cat have?
A tiny piece, if at all.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
wind, loose stools.
What should I do if my cat ate brussels sprouts?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is brussels sprouts safe for dogs too?
Yes, a sprout or two, cooked and plain, is safe for dogs. They are nutritious but famously cause wind.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
More foods for cats
Sweet potato
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Tomatoes
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation

