My 6 kg West Highland Terrier ate roasted Brussels sprouts I left on the plate overnight — will they cause gas, and is the overnight sitting a safety issue?

My 6 kg West Highland Terrier ate roasted Brussels sprouts I left on the plate overnight — will

Short answer

The overnight sitting isn't a safety concern for plain roasted sprouts if they look and smell normal, but the Brussels sprouts themselves will likely cause gas in a 6 kg dog. These vegetables contain sulphur compounds and raffinose, both of which ferment in the gut and produce noticeable wind — even in humans. If you want to offer them occasionally, cook them thoroughly and serve only a couple of pieces to keep gas to a minimum. Skip them entirely if your dog already struggles with flatulence from other foods.

Brussels sprouts — Food safety facts

Safe to share · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Safe cooked and plain, but they cause gas in larger amounts.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Safe to share), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Brussels sprouts is not toxic to dogs. The real limit is calories, fat and salt, so treat it as a small extra alongside the normal ration rather than a meal in itself.

There is no poisoning risk here, and the usual problem is simply eating too much at once: a heavy fat or salt load can bring on loose stools or a single vomit. Offer water, keep an eye on the pet for 24 hours, and do not induce vomiting.

Brussels sprouts can stay on the rotation, but only as an extra mouthful: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Brussels sprouts food facts page.

Open the full food page: Brussels sprouts food facts →

My 6 kg West Highland Terrier ate roasted Brussels sprouts I left on the plate overnight — will they cause gas, and is the overnight sitting a safety issue?

Brussels sprouts — Food safety facts

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