Can dogs eat Brussels sprouts for Thanksgiving?

If you're serving Brussels sprouts for Thanksgiving, can your dog enjoy them?

Freshly harvested brussels sprouts...
Freshly harvested brussels sprouts... | John Greim/GettyImages

Brussels sprouts can sometimes be an option for Thanksgiving. Some serve them and others don't, which is why Thanksgiving is such a fun holiday.

If you or your family is planning to serve Brussels sprouts this year, then you might be wondering if you can feed them to your dog. The good news is that according to the American Kennel Club, you can feed these to your dog.

The one thing of note is to make sure that you cook them before feeding them to your dog. As you do when you're preparing them for yourself, make sure you wash them before cooking as well. Of course, you need to make sure you skip the seasoning which is something most of us hardly ever forget but your dog will appreciate it.

As long as you set some plain Brussels sprouts aside for your dog, you're able to give them some during your Thanksgiving meal. If you're just giving them some to try, it's recommended to go with just one and if they like it, you can give them a few more. As with most items you can feed your dog, it's a good rule of thumb to skip the seasoning.

Brussels sprouts do have a downside for pet parents.

For those who have fed their dogs Brussels sprouts before, you know the major downside you deal with when feeding them to your dog. Once your dog eats Brussels sprouts, they start to get gassy and from there, it can make or break your day. Given that Thanksgiving is a day of eating and enjoying your company, you probably want to wait to give these to your dog after your company leaves.

If you're not hosting, then you can give some to your dog anytime. Honestly, it's up to you whether you want to handle all those smelly dog farts. While it might not seem like a big deal, I can remember my dog having Brussels sprouts and she cleared out the room fast. Honestly, it might be good to take them on a walk or let them run around outside after eating the Brussels sprouts.

No matter what you decide to do, your dog can enjoy some Brussels sprouts on Thanksgiving as long as you're okay with airing the house out afterward. If you're in an apartment, then why not go for a brisk walk around the block before settling in for a nap?