Can Dogs Eat Cabbage? Is It Safe?

Did you know that adding some fruits and vegetables to your dog’s diet can be good for them? Up until the mid-1900s, families fed their dogs the leftovers of what they would eat for meals. Now dogs eat dog food we buy in stores, and don’t get human food too often.

Each dog is different, but in most cases eating cabbage is ok for your dog.  Dogs should not eat foods like grapes, chocolate, and avocados. Cabbage is not on the bad foods list for dogs.

The Benefits of Feeding Cabbage to Your Dog

Usually people think of dogs as carnivores, but they are actually omnivores! This means they eat meat and plants. Dogs need plants to survive, so having foods like cabbage in their diets is a good thing.  Cabbage has antioxidants, fiber, and other properties that help keep your dog healthy.  Plus, it won’t break the bank!

Cabbage can reduce pain and swelling. This makes it great for helping arthritis, other types of joint pain, or mastitis in nursing dogs. Cabbage leaves can treat pain and swelling as good as topical ointments you buy from pet stores. Keeping the leaves on the dog may be a bit hard, but there are many tapes and wraps that can help keep the leaves in place. Cabbage can also help your dog fight dry and itchy skin and improve their fur.

Some studies said that people who eat a lot of cabbage can lower their chances of getting certain cancers and their cholesterol. It isn’t clear if dogs receive these same benefits from consuming cabbage.

Things to Watch for When Dog Eats Cabbage

Like humans every dog is different, so there are a few things to consider when letting your dog eat cabbage. Talk to your vet before you introduce cabbage into your dog’s diet if they have an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism) or Diabetes. If your dog is going to have any type of surgery, make sure to stop feeding cabbage two weeks before the surgery.

The other main side effect of eating cabbage is gas! If you feed your dog too much cabbage too fast; a smelly situation may arise!  This happens when your dog is not able to digest the cabbage very well.  Most of the time you can avoid gas by slowing down the introduction of cabbage into your dog’s diet.  Increase the amount you give your dog each day, and you shouldn’t have to wear a nose plug! If you have any questions or concerns, make sure to call your vet.

How Can You Prepare Cabbage for Your Dog?

Cabbage keeps its nutritional benefits whether it raw or cooked, so your dog can eat it both ways.  How your dog handles digestion of the cabbage will decide how you prepare it, and how much to give them.

Some studies found that it is easier for dogs to digest cabbage when you cook it.  This allows dogs to eat larger amounts in a single serving without having gassy issues. If you cook it do not add any spices, oils, or butter as these ingredients can be tough on their stomach too. Eating raw cabbage may be more difficult for your dog’s stomach to digest.  This will increase the chances your dog will have some smelly side effects.  Make sure to feed raw cabbage in smaller amounts.  It will take longer to introduce cabbage into your dog’s diet, but you won’t have the gas.

Conclusion

Having your dog eat cabbage will be great for their health! Remember to introduce it a little at a time, so your dog can get used to it.  You may have to deal with a little gas while they get used to eating it, but it will be well worth it!

Sources

https://www.britannica.com/plant/cabbage

https://www.petfoodinstitute.org/pet-food-matters/nutrition-2/history-of-pet-food/

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/raw-veggies-are-healthier/

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeding/mastitis-in-nursing-mother-dogs/

http://noahvets.com/pet-health/cabbage-leave-therapy/