Can dogs eat cabbage? You may be asking this because you want to feed your furry friend a crunchy, leafy snack, or maybe you bought a head of cabbage and you have more of the veggie than you know what to do with. Humans can eat cabbage, so is it also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is yes, cabbage is safe for dogs to eat. It’s a flavorful veggie that comes in red, green, and white varieties. This veggie is popular among humans for its versatility. It can be thrown in stews or even made as steaks, and it can also be added to your pup’s diet.
However, as with all human foods, you must consult your veterinarian before feeding your pup any new foods or ingredients. Here’s what you should know about feeding cabbage to your dog.
How Is Cabbage Good For Dogs?
Cabbage, aside from being delicious, is a fantastic source of nutrients for you dog. It’s rich in vitamins B6, B1, C, and K. Vitamin B6 is crucial to a dog’s health; it’s used in red blood cell and nervous system function, as well as glucose generation.
Vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is essential in your pup’s ability to metabolize carbohydrates, and vitamin C is essential to your dog’s immune system health.
Lastly, vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting, which is important especially if your pup tends to get themselves in situations where they might get a scratch.
In addition to being loaded with vitamins, cabbage is also fibrous. Like with humans, fiber aids in digestion for your pup.
Also like with humans, too much cabbage can cause excessive gas in your pup, which can make for some stinky households. Give your pup cabbage in moderation to avoid this side effect.
How Can I Safely Give Cabbage To My Dog?
You can give cabbage to your dog raw or cooked, but too much raw cabbage can upset your pup’s stomach and even cause hypothyroidism. Your dog would have to eat a lot of raw cabbage to have this effect, but giving your dog cooked cabbage is a good way to avoid this altogether.
You can boil, roast, and steam cabbage for your pup. Because a head of cabbage is dense and layered, dirt likes to nestle inside the many hidden crevices. It’s best to chop and thoroughly wash cabbage before cooking it for your dog.
You can sprinkle roasted cabbage on top of your dog’s meals as a crunchy treat, or you can give them a bowl of boiled or steamed cabbage to enjoy. There are no limits to the creative ways to give your pup this delicious leafy veggie.
The only rule, as with any human food that is safe for dogs, is to skip the oil and seasoning.
Has your dog ever eaten cabbage? Do you have any tips for preparing it for pups? Leave us a comment below!
