Did you know that brussels sprouts are essentially mini cabbages packed with vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants? They are a healthy addition to almost any diet, and it´s a very easy one to do as well.
These green mini-cabbages, pack a powerful punch of nutrients in every bite. From the cruciferous vegetables family, and named after the Belgian city of Brussels, are renowned for their unique, robust flavor and remarkable health benefits.
However, can we share this tasty veggie with our feline friends? Can cats eat brussels sprouts? but most importantly, are brussels sprouts safe for cats? if you are here, you´ll probably be glad to hear that brussels sprouts are safe for cats. So yes! Cats can eat brussels sprouts.
Despite being non-toxic for cats, brussels sprouts should never replace any of your cat meals, as cats don´t have the same nutritional needs as us, nor do they get all of the nutrients it contains.
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Do Cats Like Brussel Sprouts?
Some cats are picky, others will bite anything they come across with. Brussels sprouts are no exception. Some cats like them, some others will completely ignore them. But a third group can find a funny, green ball to play with in this mini cabbage. Some cats love brussels sprouts!
This will entirely depend on each cat, being a smelly veggie, your feline friend is probably a part of the “couldn’t care less” group. To properly introduce it to your cat, always let them smell it first. If they are uninterested, do not force them to eat. Cats are good sticking to their habitual diet anyways!
Are Brussels Sprouts Safe For Cats?
Yes, brussels sprouts are safe for cats in moderation. And even if it is a nutritional powerhouse, this does not mean you should get your cat on a 100% Brussels sprouts diet plan, far from it.
Cats are obligate carnivores, so they usually get all the nutrients they need from meat-based diets. So, although brussels sprouts offer plenty of proteins, these are not exactly what your cat needs and it is not yet proven how many useful nutrients they can extract from veggies.
Benefits For Your Cat
- Rich in fiber: Brussels sprouts are a great source of fiber, which can help cats with digestion, speeding up the movement of the stool through the intestine. This is why Brussels sprouts make a great treat for constipated cats. Additionally, fiber can help overweight cats to lose weight, since it makes them feel fuller, thus, eating less and aiding the weight loss process.
- Source of Vitamin K: If your cat gets interested in the tiny cabbage and ends up giving it a nib or two, they could potentially be getting many nutrients and vitamins, but most importantly, vitamins C and K. If your cat is a bit crazy (or has been diagnosed with “orange”) they have probably got a cut or a wound while terrorizing the hose. Luckily, Vitamin K helps to heal those wounds. It also aids with strengthening the bones, it’s great for cats with metabolic bone disease, and for preventing Osteoarthritis. Brussels sprouts are also rich in vitamin C, which cats also need. However, they are able to produce enough by themselves, so your cat can take it, but they probably have enough already.
Potential Risks of Feeding Brussels Sprouts to Cats
Despite Brussels sprouts joining the safe vegetables for cats to eat list, there are still a few important things to consider when and before feeding this mini cabbage to your feline friend.
On a side note, all human food has some degree of risk for cats, even more, so if we talk about vegetables or plants specifically. As we mentioned before, cats are obligate carnivores and they are not used to digest these type of foods the same way as we humans do.
Food poisoning can also be a thing. Because of the potential use of chemicals during cultivation, it is crucial to carefully wash Brussels sprouts before giving them to your cat (this also applies if you are eating them too!)
Big chunks of food, especially if raw, can be a choking hazard for cats. Because of this and more potential issues, it’s never good to feed raw vegetables to cats, and Brussels sprouts are no exception. Always cook before serving.
Not all kitties are created equally, and while the average cat will mostly have no issues, those with specific allergies could have problems when meeting the tiny cabbage up close. Cats with gastrointestinal issues should also refrain from eating this vegetable and even others, since eating anything outside their usual diet can cause them discomfort and/or diarrhea. This can also happen as a consequence of overconsumption. So, even if you cat has never suffered from this issues, servings should be kept small.
As you can see, even if Brussels sprouts are non-toxic to cats, they can’t be given to them just as is. Next, we’ll share some recommendations on introducing brussels sprouts to your furry friend.
How to Safely Feed Brussels Sprouts to Cats
If after reading the previous section you have determined it would do no harm to your at to try this mini nutrition powerhouse, then you must know how to serve it for them to safely enjoy!
Luckily, the steps are pretty straightforward:
- Cook The Brussels sprouts: Whichever method you prefer, but always serve them cooked. We recommend boiling or steaming, since this will soften them up the most, making it easier for your cat to eat without much effort.
- Cut/chop in bite-sized pieces: This will help your cat avoid any choking hazard, as we previously discussed.
- Serve!: That’s it, let your cat enjoy their treat! Never let this veggie or any other replace one of your cat’s meals, remember they need to get their nutrients as usual, and no vegetable can work as a substitute to their diet.
NEVER ADD SEASONING, ESPECIALLY ONIONS AND GARLIC! Whenever you give human food to your cat, make sure it is plain and unseasoned, as most of these ingredients are toxic to cats and can cause serious gastrointestinal issues.
RELATED: Can Cats Eat Sweet Potato?
Alternatives to Brussels Sprouts for Cat
Do you want an evergreen solution to provide safe fiber to your cat at their will? Then cat grass is the way to go. As we mentioned before, fiber is a much-needed component in any cat’s diet for a carefree digestion process. Cat grass also helps to control hairballs. This is the definitive starter pack for any caring cat mom or dad.
If your cat is deficient in fiber and needs an extra, there are supplement powders that can do the work. This will be mostly helpful for cats that are having digestion issues. Always ask your vet before adding any of these digestive aid powders to your cat’s diet.
FAQ’s
Q: Can kittens eat Brussels sprouts?
A: Kittens should never eat anything outside their vet-recommended diet. If they are so young that they have only had their mother’s milk so far, it should stay that way for the time being.
Q: What should I do if my cat has an adverse reaction to Brussels sprouts?
A: Stay calm, in most cases it will be a light gastrointestinal discomfort, your cat may experience diarrhea but nothing too severe. To feel safe enough, visit your veterinarian for an expert’s opinion that has in mind your cat specifically.
Q: Are Brussels sprout leaves safe for cats to eat?
A: They are not labeled as toxic by any reputable association or source, nor are they classified as safe. For those reasons, we don’t recommend giving them to your cat.
Conclusions
Even if Brussels sprouts are amazing additions to a human diet, they don’t seem to stand out for any reason to cats. Yes, they do provide benefits such as a high fiber content, but we can get fiber elsewhere while minimizing risks.
The good part is, if your cat likes it, there’s probably no harm in giving them a few bite-sized pieces every now and then as a special treat.
