Fall equals cabbage season and I have been cooking a lot of cabbage in casseroles and soups. I started to think if I could chop some cabbage in my dog’s food bowl. I’ve never seen cabbage on the list of foods not to give to your dog so let’s figure out if dogs can eat cabbage safely!
There are so many types of cabbage: white, red, savoy, and napa cabbage. Can dogs eat all of the different cabbages? The short answer is yes, but let’s dive in!
Related: Can Dogs Eat Peas and Carrots?
Is Cabbage Good for Dogs?
Dogs can eat different types of cabbage like napa cabbage, white and red cabbage, and savoy cabbage. Dogs are carnivores by nature and they thrive on animal products. That said, berries and vegetables are also a part of a dog’s balanced diet. Not the main diet, but an important part of it nevertheless.
Cabbage is safe and good for dogs in sensible amounts, like everything else.
Cabbage contains important vitamins and nutrients:
- Cabbage is a source of vitamins B1, B6, C, and K, and minerals like manganese, iron, calcium, and potassium.
Vitamin B6 helps carbohydrates and fat convert into energy. Vitamin K strengthens bones and is needed for blood clotting.
If you are interested, read here more about the benefits of vitamin C for dogs!
And just like carrots, cabbage is low-calorie and full of fiber! Cabbage could be a great filler for your dog if your dog needs to lose weight.
Don’t give your dog meals we eat like cabbage rolls or soup. If you want to give your dog some cabbage, give it chopped or shredded.
Can Dogs Eat Cabbage Every Day?
As I wrote above, cabbage can be part of your dog’s daily diet if given sensible small amounts. Too much cabbage can cause flatulence and an upset stomach. Don’t go overboard.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Cabbage?
Raw cabbage is harder for dogs to digest. Uncooked cabbage is best to be given shredded or chopped. It makes digestion easier. Raw cabbage in large quantities can cause flatulence and digestion problems.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Cabbage?
Cooked cabbage is easier for dogs to digest. If you want to give some cabbage to a puppy, give them a tiny amount of cooked cabbage and see how they like it. Don’t give raw cabbage to puppies just to be safe.
Fried cabbage is not good for dogs because of the cooking method. Frying the cabbage in oil is unhealthy for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Fermented Cabbage?
Fermented cabbage products always contain high sodium. Salt is not good for dogs and therefore neither is fermented cabbage. Pickled red cabbage, sauerkraut, and kimchi are examples of fermented cabbage side dishes.
Sour cabbage is made with salt and spices that are not good for dogs. Pickled cabbage is made with vinegar and dogs don’t like vinegar. Simply, do not give your dog fermented, pickled, or sour cabbage. Too much salt, vinegar, and other spices.
Conclusion
Cabbage can be given to dogs either cooked or raw. Uncooked cabbage digests slower but is safe for dogs to consume as well. Don’t make cabbage the main ingredient of your dog’s diet but it’s a great low-calorie vegetable to add. Cabbage is a source of vitamins and minerals that are also good for dogs.
