Monitoring what your dog eats each day is key to keeping their diet as clean and healthy as possible. Before you feed your dog anything new, you should do some research to ensure that it’s a healthy option. You would that something like cabbage is safe for dogs to eat, but just how healthy is it, and is raw cabbage dangerous or toxic to dogs?
I decided to find out and researched all there is to know about whether dogs can eat cabbage raw, the leaves, stalks, or cooked… plus some popular cabbage recipes.
Many dog owners have asked if cabbage is safe for their dogs to eat, so is it?
Can dogs eat cabbage? Dogs can eat cabbage raw, but there are still some factors you should be aware of before serving it to your dog. While it has health benefits such as being good for skin and digestion, it can make your dog gassy. Too much raw cabbage can also lead to health problems.
In this article, I will explain in-depth the health benefits that cabbage can give to your dog and other factors you should be aware of before feeding it to your pet. If you’re interested in learning more about these topics, keep on reading.
Can dogs eat cabbage leaves and are they safe?
As I stated, cabbage leaves are safe for your dog to eat. Cabbage is also very rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a healthy addition to their diet. Here are some of the health benefits that cabbage can offer your dog.
Cabbage leaves are low in calories
Cabbage is low in calories, no matter how it’s prepared or cooked. One and a half cups of shredded cooked cabbage only contain 17 calories. One leaf of raw cabbage contains about 6 calories, which makes it a great, low-calorie addition to your dog’s meal.
Adding a small amount of cabbage to your dog’s diet is a great way to ensure they receive extra health benefits, while also consuming an appropriate number of calories per meal.
Cabbage leaves contains healthy nutrients
As mentioned, cabbage is rich in healthy ingredients and nutrients that your pup will benefit from. For one, cabbage is rich in antioxidants, which is a powerful ingredient for your dog.
Antioxidant properties aid your dog in living a longer and happier life, so you can’t go wrong with adding something like cabbage into your dog’s food. Cabbage will also aid your dog’s digestion, seeing how it’s rich in fiber.
Consuming the right amount of fiber will keep your dog’s digestive system on the right track by adding healthy bacteria to your dog’s system. If your dog can eat cabbage it will provide your pet with that and keep them feeling alert and energized.
Cabbage is also packed with Vitamin C, which is helpful to your dog’s health in a lot of different ways. Vitamin C will keep your dog’s skin, bones, and blood vessels strong and healthy in the long run.
These are some of the health benefits that cabbage can provide your dog. There are so many positive factors that go into feeding your dog the right amount of cabbage.
Cabbage is said to be cancer-fighting
Like other vegetables like broccoli and kale, you can find a compound known as sulforaphane in cabbage. Studies have shown that sulforaphane is a cancer-fighting compound, and it can have numerous other benefits when added to your diet.
Sulforaphane is also known to reduce the risk of heart disease and aiding in lowering blood pressure. It’s clear that there are so many perks to feeding your dog cabbage, so don’t let your dog miss out on all the health benefits they could be receiving.
Dogs can eat cabbage but in moderation
Whilst it is safe for dogs to eat cabbage, with no concerns over it being toxic, there are still some considerations. Yes, there are health benefits in adding cabbage to a dog’s diet, but as with any human intended food, moderation is key.
Cabbage can give dogs gas
Introducing your dog to a large amount of cabbage can cause gas, so it’s important to be mindful of that. Slowly introduce a small amount of cabbage, so that it will not shock your dog’s system.
While this won’t make them uncomfortable or sick, it’s a factor that you should be mindful of. Slowing introducing your pet to anything new is a process and should require patience.
Cooked cabbage is better than raw cabbage
Both raw and cooked cabbage are harmless to your pet and are packed with health benefits. Most dog owners prefer cooked cabbage for their pet, because that seems to have the most health perks for their pets.
To successfully prepare cooked cabbage for your dog, boil or steam your cabbage in a pot of hot water. Serve it to your dog when it has reached the appropriate temperature. While raw cabbage is still beneficial for your pet, too much raw cabbage can become harmful if fed too often.
Will raw cabbage hurt my dog?
Raw cabbage contains a natural compound called thiocyanate, which can attach itself to your dog’s thyroid gland, which can create hypothyroidism.
While feeding your dog an appropriate amount of raw cabbage isn’t harmful, it’s important to note that too much can lead to health problems such as hypothyroidism.
How much cabbage can a dog eat?
So, what is a sensible amount of cabbage to let a dog eat. Well, as a general guideline a vet might say to you that a dog can eat an eighth of a cup for every 20 pounds they weigh.
If you have a relatively smaller dog, about an eighth of a cup of cabbage leaves shredded up and added to their diet will do just fine. If you have a large dog, you may want to increase the cabbage you add to their meal.
As I stated, it’s crucial to slowly introduce your pet to new foods to ensure that you don’t shock their system. Following the recommended feeding amount will have the best results and keep your furry friend happy and healthy in the long run.
Alternatives to cabbage
While it’s clear to see that feeding your dog cabbage stalks is very beneficial for many reasons, there are plenty of options available to you if you’re looking for alternatives.
Kidney beans
Kidney beans are a great alternative, as they are also rich in antioxidants, similar to cabbage. Boil the kidney beans and allow them to soak overnight – do not feed your dog raw kidney beans. Serve them to your dog unseasoned.
It’s important to follow this step because raw kidney beans can be dangerous for your dog, so make sure to follow the steps to keep your canine happy and healthy.
Brussel sprouts
Another vegetable you can let your dog eat are Brussel sprouts. Brussels sprouts are good for dogs in moderation as they contain antioxidants, are fiber rich, and packed full of essential vitamins.
Whilst Brussel sprouts are safe for dogs, too many can cause an increase in flatulence or gastrointestinal issues.
There good ways and bad ways you should feed them. If you want to know more then read this guide to dogs and Brussels.
Can dogs eat cabbage and onions?
The cabbage element is fine, but not the onions. Onions, like garlic, are part of the Allum family which are known to be toxic to dogs and can cause stomach upsets in small quantities.
The bottom line is, don’t let your dog eat cabbage and onions s it could make them very ill.
Conclusion
In this article, I discussed whether it was safe for your dog to eat cabbage, as well as numerous other factors that go into your dog consuming cabbage. It’s perfectly safe for your dog to eat cabbage, as cabbage has multiple health benefits linked to it.
I also went over factors you should be aware of before feeding your furry friend cabbage, such as an appropriate serving size, why cooked cabbage is better than raw cabbage, and the effect cabbage can have on your animal.
I also offered several alternatives to cabbage that have the same benefits and will keep your dog just as healthy and happy.
So, don’t be afraid to chop up and cook a small amount of cabbage for your dog’s next meal, they’ll be sure to enjoy it.
Disclaimer: Always talk with your vet before feeding your dog cabbage. The comments on this page are based on my own personal views and research and might not apply to all dogs.
You might also like…
I regularly write about what dogs can and can’t eat safely. Here are some more essential guides all pet owners should read.