Can Dogs Eat Red Cabbage? Is It Bad For Them?

If you’re making dinner and sautéing up some red cabbage for yourself, then you might be thinking about giving a bit to your dog. But should you?

Can dogs eat red cabbage? Yes, red cabbage is safe for your dog to eat, just like carrots, kale, broccoli, and peas among other veggies.

As a matter of fact, feeding your dog real, fresh human food is much better than processed dog food. Not only do you know exactly what you are feeding your pet, but it is also fresher and tastier than products found in the store.

Processed food is cooked at high temperatures depleting natural vitamins and minerals.

Combining a fresh blend of protein like beef, salmon, poultry, eggs or lamb, whole grains like brown rice or oats and a combination of vegetables like red cabbage offers your pet a delicious diet full of nutrition, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Is Red Cabbage Good For Dogs?

Red cabbage is full of healthy fiber that provides bulk that assists in regular elimination.

Red cabbage is also a source of Vitamin C, that is good for skin health and acts as an antioxidant that fights free radicals, reduces painful inflammation, and provides anti-aging components to keep your fido feeling like a puppy.

Red cabbage is also a good source of Vitamin K, instrumental in good circulatory health, and blood clotting.

Vitamin C and K work together to strengthen the immune system, are loaded with antioxidants, and keep your pet healthy and strong. Cabbage also has naturally high sulfur contents, instrumental for clearing oily skin and itchy rashes. In addition, the nutrients in cabbage produce keratin, essential for strong fur, skin, and nails.

How Much Red Cabbage Can You Feed Dogs?

Just like us, it is recommended to feed your dog purple cabbage in moderation.

It is delicious and crispy raw, and softer and easier to chew and digest when cooked, but either way, since it is high in fiber and roughage, it can cause uncomfortable gas and stomach pain.

It is important to note that anytime you change or introduce new foods into your pet’s diet, combine small amounts with their current food and slowing increase every other day or so.

You should also take into consideration the breed and size of your dog. For example, give a small senior poodle a smaller amount than you would a larger adult labrador retriever.

Some tips to feeding cabbage and  other veggies are:

• Cut and Cook the vegetables first to make them easier to chew and digest
• Toss small shreds or chopped pieces on top of a regular meal for a special crunch
• Mix with a scramble or raw egg or other protein to add as an in-between meal snack or good behavior reward
• Combine with shredded carrots and mashed sweet potatoes and bake in the oven to create a nutritious treat
• Chop up with other veggies, freeze to make popsicles (pup-cicles)

Is Red Cabbage Safe for Dogs?

It is important to note that consuming cabbage can have some adverse effects on a dog, especially if fed too much.

It contains a natural component, Thiocyanate, also in broccoli, that could harm your pet’s thyroid gland and thought highly unlikely could cause hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is an autoimmune system disorder that causes thin and dull coat, shedding, weight gain, and cause an overall decreased quality of life.

Hypothyroidism in dogs is caused by inflammation in the dog’s thyroid gland or shrinking of the thyroid gland.

This condition is most commonly found in medium to large and usually in older dogs.

If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, refrain from feeding cabbage and consult a veterinarian. Hypothyroidism can be effectively treated with prescribed medication.

Final Word

Red cabbage provides both humans and dogs many great benefits. While there are some safety concerns that owners should be aware of, these problems are typically mild and red cabbage is not poisonous to dogs.

The positives certainly outweigh the negatives when it comes to feeding your pet red cabbage as well as other vegetables in moderation and as part of a healthy lifestyle.

So the answer to the question, “can dogs eat red cabbage?” The answer is a dog wagging, four paws up,  “yes!”

image: Pixabay

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