Can Dogs Eat Cabbage?

Yes, dogs can eat cabbage, but it’s not something you want to overdo. Cabbage is healthy, low in calories, and full of fiber, but that’s exactly why you need to be careful. Too much fiber isn’t great for dogs because their systems aren’t built to handle it the same way ours are. If you give them too much, they could end up with a tummy ache or even diarrhea.

Table Of Contents

Is cabbage good for dogs?
Raw vs cooked – what is better for dogs?
Fun facts – types of cabbage and their nutrients
Unrelated, but it kinda is — can dogs eat sauerkraut?
- Sauerkraut is too acidic for dogs
FAQs

That said, cabbage is totally fine in small amounts! It’s all about balance. Pay attention to your dog’s eating habits and make sure you’re not giving them too much fiber. A little cabbage here and there can be a healthy treat, but as with most things, moderation is key. Will your dog ask for cabbage? Most likely not, but they will probably lick your coleslaw bowl, so it’s better to know these things!

Is cabbage good for dogs?

Cabbage is okay for dogs, but calling it “good” might be pushing it. It’s similar to other veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, bok choy, and Brussels sprouts—super healthy and full of nutrients for us, but for dogs, it can cause some stomach trouble.

If your dog eats too much cabbage, it can mess with their digestive system, leading to smelly gas, bloated bellies, swollen stomachs, and even constipation or trouble going potty. Basically, all the things that happen when you eat too much gassy fiber—and that’s definitely not fun for your dog.

Another thing to think about is that too much cabbage can make your dog feel full for longer, which might make them less interested in their regular dog food. This could throw off their appetite and mess with their balanced diet. So, while a bit of cabbage is safe, too much can cause some issues for your pup.

Raw vs cooked – what is better for dogs?

Can dogs eat raw cabbage?

Yes, dogs can eat raw cabbage, but I wouldn’t go overboard. Raw cabbage, like what you’d find in a salad or coleslaw, is crunchy and full of fiber, which is great for us but can be a little hard on your dog’s digestive system if they eat too much. While raw cabbage is safe, the high fiber content can lead to stomach issues like gas, bloating, or even an upset tummy if they have too much.

I know this firsthand as Ricco loves to eat my tuna cabbage salad with Greek yogurt dressing! This is something my husband and I eat in front of the TV, and of course, it’s the tuna that he’s after, so I indulge him and let him have a little. If he overeats, in almost 100% of cases, we have to deal with an upset tummy. And since he’s a small German Spitz, it’s not that hard for him to overeat!

Can dogs eat cooked cabbage?

Cooked cabbage is often the better choice for dogs. When you cook cabbage, it breaks down those tough fibers and makes it easier for dogs to digest. But I bet you a million dollars that you’re never gonna have plain cooked cabbage without any salt, seasonings, oil, meat, or maybe bacon, so all those things like “serve them plain cooked cabbage as a balanced meal” are nonsense. If they steal some of your cooked cabbage, don’t worry. They will be fine, but you don’t really need to go overboard and cook plain cabbage for your dog. It makes zero sense.

Fun facts – types of cabbage and their nutrients

Cabbage comes in a few different varieties, each with its own set of nutrients and popular ways we enjoy it. Here’s a quick look at some of the most common types:

Red (or purple) cabbage: This is the best cabbage in my opinion, great in salads. It’s rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins, which give it that deep purple color. It also has vitamins C and K. So, can dogs eat red cabbage? Yes, they can, just like other types of cabbage, but keep it in moderation because too much fiber can cause stomach issues.

Green cabbage: The most common variety, green cabbage, is full of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. You’ll often find it in salads, sautéed, or tossed into soups. Green cabbage is safe for dogs, but remember, don’t overdo it.

Napa (or Chinese) cabbage: Napa cabbage has a softer texture and a milder taste than other types. It’s rich in vitamins A and C and is often used in stir-fries or fermented into kimchi. Can dogs eat Napa cabbage? Yes, they can, just like any other cabbage, but only raw and cooked plain.

Please remember — too much cabbage, no matter the type, can lead to tummy troubles!

Unrelated, but it kinda is — can dogs eat sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut is a fermented food, and while fermentation can be great for us, it’s not necessarily the same for dogs. Fermented foods are often praised for improving gut health, but you shouldn’t try to improve your dog’s gut microbiome by giving them sauerkraut. Always talk to your vet if your dog has specific health needs, especially when it comes to digestion or gut health. Don’t try to experiment with things on your own.

The most important thing to know is that sauerkraut is not toxic for dogs. So, if you’ve had some with sausages and your dog naturally stole a bite (probably targeting the sausage first!), and ended up eating some sauerkraut too—don’t worry! It won’t harm them immediately.

But here’s where sauerkraut can be dangerous for dogs—sodium. There’s a lot of sodium in sauerkraut—about 661 mg per 100g. For dogs, that’s a huge amount! Too much sodium can cause all sorts of problems, from dehydration to more serious issues like sodium ion poisoning. So while a small accidental bite might be fine, you really don’t want to make it a regular thing for your dog.

Even though you might read that senior dogs can benefit from improving their gut microbiome, I would still be more concerned with the high sodium levels and the fact that sauerkraut is quite acidic.

Sauerkraut is too acidic for dogs

Dogs just don’t handle acidic foods very well, and it can easily upset their stomachs. So while sauerkraut isn’t toxic, it’s definitely not something you should give your dog.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat steamed cabbage?

You’re probably not going to steam cabbage just for your dog, but if you’re making some for yourself and your dog happens to get into your table scraps, that’s totally fine. Steamed cabbage is actually easier for dogs to digest compared to raw cabbage. Just make sure it’s plain, with no added salt, oils, or spices, and remember to keep the portions small to avoid any tummy troubles.