Alice White
Whether kale, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, or white cabbage: Cabbage is the ultimate winter vegetable. Not only the regionality but also the high vitamin content are the reason that cabbage traditionally ends up on the plate. But can the dog eat cabbage too? And if so, which types of cabbage are suitable for dogs? We’ve rounded up everything you should know about cabbage for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cabbage?
Cabbage is a popular winter vegetable that contains many vitamins and minerals that are also very healthy for dogs. Many types of cabbage also contain antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and prevent diseases such as cancer.
Nevertheless, dogs should only eat small amounts of cabbage, as almost all types of cabbage can cause gas and abdominal pain if consumed in excess. If you plan to give your dog cabbage, it is very important not to feed the vegetables raw.
Cooked or steamed, cabbage is more digestible for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Kale?
Kale has an intense taste that many dogs like. However, the dog must not eat raw kale, as the tough leaves are difficult to digest and can lead to stomach pain, gas, and diarrhea.
Cooked, unseasoned kale is allowed in small quantities in dog food. The delicious cabbage provides your dog with important antioxidants and vitamins C, E, and K. As the vegetables are very low in calories, they are also suitable for dogs with weight problems. Nevertheless, you should not overdo it when feeding and only give your four-legged friend kale occasionally.
Can Dogs Eat Red Cabbage?
Red cabbage or red cabbage is also very healthy for dogs because the colorful cabbage contains a lot of vitamin C, iron, and valuable minerals. But it also applies to red cabbage that the vegetables must never be fed raw to the dog. Raw red cabbage leads to gastrointestinal complaints, which in the worst case can even encourage dangerous gastric torsion.
For better digestion, you should cook fresh red cabbage completely and then puree it. You can then mix the vegetable mash into the dog food. Avoid using ready-made products as they often contain spices such as cinnamon and cloves, which can be harmful to the dog. In addition, the vitamin content is higher in fresh red cabbage.
Can Dogs Eat White Cabbage?
White cabbage is a particularly healthy type of cabbage that contains a lot of vitamin C, B vitamins, and iron. The substance thiocyanate contained in white cabbage is also said to have an antibiotic effect, which has a positive effect on intestinal flora and inflammatory diseases. In dogs with an underactive thyroid, white cabbage should be fed particularly rarely, as thiocyanate inhibits the thyroid function.
Like all types of cabbage, white cabbage is flatulent and should not be eaten raw by the dog. Boil the vegetables and puree them before adding them to the food. This makes the white cabbage easier to digest for your four-legged friend.
Other Types of Cabbage for Dogs
If your dog has a sensitive gastrointestinal tract, you can give them Chinese cabbage. This is considered to be particularly tolerable for dogs because it does not inflate as much. Cauliflower, kohlrabi, savoy cabbage, or Brussels sprouts can also be fed to the dog when cooked.
No matter which type of cabbage you choose, feed the vegetables only in moderation and only cooked. Also, test beforehand with a small portion whether your pet can digest the vegetables without side effects.
