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Tailwise

Vegetable

Can cats eat brussels sprouts?

A little In moderation

A small piece of plain cooked sprout is safe, but cats gain little from it.

If your cat ate some

  1. A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
  2. 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

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: people foods to avoid
  2. Merck Veterinary Manual: food hazards
  3. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines

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

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