Can Dogs Eat Cabbage? Unveiling the Facts.

Last Updated on August 25, 2023 by Fumipets

Can Dogs Eat Cabbage?

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Dogs are naturally omnivores, so they are interested in many kinds of food, particularly when it is on your plate and just out of easy muzzle reach. Most dog food products include a well-balanced combination of meat, fruit, and vegetables that have been properly prepared for appropriate nourishment. Additionally, your physician could advise giving your dog occasional plant-based snacks to entice him.

Can, however, dogs eat cabbage? Do they even want to, which is more important? Probably. (Remember what’s on your plate?)

Is Cabbage Good or Bad For Dogs?

MYOS Pet’s veterinarian adviser is Dr. Albert Ahn. According to him, cabbage is beneficial for dogs because, like many other vegetables, it is jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy elements.

This crunchy cruciferous vegetable, which dogs may sometimes munch on, is related to broccoli and cauliflower. It is a low-calorie, high-fiber topping option that is also high in magnesium, beta-carotene, vitamin K, and C. It may be included in your dog’s healthy treat allowance, which veterinarians recommend as less than 10% of his daily diet, along with other greens like lettuce and spinach.

There’s a catch, however. Remember that cabbage might lead to gas production, advises Ahn. The culprits in this situation that make things stinking are fiber and raffinose. Sugar in the form of raffinose can only be broken down by gut bacteria via a fermentation process that results in gas production. As a consequence, some dogs may not be able to consume cabbage without experiencing severe flatulence.

Start with a modest amount and, if your dog likes it, notice any unpleasant side effects. A carrot could be a better vegetable choice if they show up!

Thiocyanate, a substance that has an impact on the thyroid gland, is another component present in cabbage. A dog that consumes an excessive amount of cabbage runs the danger of acquiring hypothyroidism. Again, there shouldn’t be any serious problems if you sometimes give a tiny quantity of this green.

How to Safely Feed Your Dog Cabbage

Dogs should be introduced to this great vegetable at an older stage of life, advises Ahn. Puppies often don’t transition to adult food, whether it be dog or human, until they have reached the full height and weight requirements for their breed since they have varied eating habits and nutritional needs as they mature. If you have any concerns, your veterinarian is available to assist you create a customized meal schedule that includes the right proportions of fruit and vegetable supplements.

Can dogs eat raw cabbage? 

Even while it probably won’t hurt your dog in little amounts, prepared cabbage—typically boiled or roasted without any spice at all—is simpler for them to digest. Onions and garlic should be avoided at all costs since they are harmful to dogs. According to Ahn, boiling the cabbage also aids in neutralizing the effects of the thiocyanate.

In addition, he advises consulting with your veterinarian first to ensure that they are on board with the addition of cooked, chopped cabbage to your dog’s diet.

Even after boiling, cabbage leaves are still quite thick and leathery, according to Ahn, making them a choking danger and maybe making digestion more difficult. To dice this vegetable after it has been cooked, just cut it into 1-inch squares and then cut it again to create pieces even half that size or smaller.

Then, as a delectable and varied food topping, sprinkle some on top of your dog’s meal. He’ll assume it came from your dish and feel wonderful! Never tell, we promise.

Can Dogs Eat All Types of Cabbage? What About Other Fruits and Vegetables?

Your dog may consume any kind of cabbage as long as it has been prepared. Dogs are often given Savoy cabbage, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and bok choy, according to Ahn. Both the common green and Napa cabbage work perfectly nicely. The red one is probably the most nutrient-dense of the bunch, while the green one has the most water.

Can your dog eat any other plant-based treats? Ahn affirms. “Make sure to contact your vet about any additional veggies they advise. You may add a complete plethora of nutritious fruits and veggies for diversity.

So, if your veterinarian gives the all-clear, surprise your dog with a smackerel of the foods we listed above as well as several additional risk-free human snacks.

Vegetables

Celery

Cooked zucchini

Green beans

Cut-up cucumber

Pumpkin

Sweet potatoes

Fruits

Apple slices

Blueberries

Cranberries

Melons, such as cantaloupe and watermelon 

Pear slices

Pitted cherries

Raspberries 

Strawberries

These are all healthy options that allow you to enjoy a little portion of your meals with your animal best friend—in moderation, of course. He would gladly give you all of his kibble if you only asked, after all!

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