Can Dogs Eat Cabbage?

If you are wondering if can dogs eat cabbage, then you are in the right place.

Today, I am going to give you the answer and a lot of useful information and recipes.

YES, dogs can eat cabbage.

But how? Cooked or Raw? Daily or as a Treat?

I have all the answers, just keep reading.

Can Dogs Eat Cabbage?

Yes, dogs can eat cabbage. This healthy vegetable has many health benefits for our dogs and isn’t toxic to them. Vegetables are a great addition to the main dog’s food.

If you are going to give cabbage to your dog for the first time, then you should start slowly and with very little amount. Why? Well, we don’t want any problems with their tummies, and with a small amount is easier to check for any allergic reactions.

It has low sugar levels and is low in calories too, so you can make really nice low-calorie treats, but full of nutrients and minerals.

Cabbage is rich in fiber, similar to other veggies like green beans and brussels sprouts, which will help with constipation but also may give extra gas to your pooch.

When Is Cabbage Bad For Dogs?

Cabbage is bad for dogs only when it is given in really huge amounts over multiple days. Then it can cause extra gas, watery stool, or upset stomach due to its high fiber content.

It can be bad for dogs that are allergic to it, but this is a really rare case. If you notice any of these signs in your dog then it may be experiencing an allergic reaction:

• Itching;
• Coughing;
• Sneezing.

If you notice any of these signs consult with your vet.

Overdose of cabbage can cause hypothyroidism, a condition where if the thyroid is underactive, the metabolism slows down. It may happen because cabbage contains thiocyanate, a natural compound that impacts the thyroid gland. To prevent that you should cook the cabbage.

Cabbage isn’t poisonous.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Cabbage?

Yes, dogs can eat raw cabbage. Raw cabbage can prevent cell damage and tumor cell formation.

It’s also full of antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties that will give only benefits to your doggo.

When you are giving raw cabbage make sure there aren’t any big leaves that can be difficult for chewing as this can cause choking.

One leaf of raw cabbage contains only 6 calories and this makes it the perfect addition for dogs that have problems with losing weight and diabetes.

Can Dogs Eat Cabbage If It’s Cooked?

You can prepare the cabbage without any butter, oils, or seasonings.

Cooked cabbage is good for dogs that have problems with their thyroid. By steaming or boiling you can remove the thiocyanate that is in the raw cabbage.

Cooked veggies are always the better option as they are easier for chewing and digesting.

One and a half cups of shredded cooked cabbage contains only 17 calories.

Different Types of Cabbage For Dogs

There are many different types of cabbage and let’s see how much your dog can eat of them:

• Green cabbage – known also as Savoy cabbage is the most common type and it’s completely safe for dogs;
• White cabbage – a type of green cabbage coming from the Netherlands;
• Red cabbage – also called purple cabbage is used a lot in cole slaw, a salad with mayonnaise or vinaigrette;
• Chinese cabbage – also called Napa cabbage is in an oblong shape and absolutely safe for dogs;
• Mini cabbage – known as Brussels Sprouts is safe for dogs;
• Mustard cabbage – can’t form heads like the other kinds;
• Ornamental cabbage – known for its bitter flavor and isn’t liked by most dogs;
• Sweetheart cabbage – called Hispi cabbage with a sweeter taste and ponty shape.

All types of cabbage are safe for dogs, only ornamental cabbage maybe will be a big no for your dog because of the bitter taste.

The source of information in the table is USDA. And these nutrients are per 100 grams.

The most nutritious type of cabbage is red cabbage, as it contains around 10 times more vitamins than the green one. Richer in antioxidants and has more anti-inflammatory properties than green and white cabbage. Red cabbage is also packed with vitamin C.

Can Dogs Eat Cabbage: Nutrients And Benefits

Cabbage is known for its cancer-fighting properties proven by many studies that vegetables like cabbage can reduce the risk of certain types of cancers in dogs.

Cabbage is a good source of antioxidants, Vitamins C and K, fiber, potassium, and manganese.

The antioxidants will fight the free radicals that can cause cancer, while vitamin C will boost the immune system of your dog. The fiber will be beneficial for the dog’s digestive system and vitamin K will reduce the risk of heart disease.

The vitamins and minerals found in cabbage will help to maintain good energy levels and will keep bones strong.

It’s the perfect treat for dogs with dry or rough skin, as the cabbage will help keep skin free from irritation.

Can Dogs Eat Cabbage: Dog-Friendly Recipes

1. Cabbage Meat Treats

Servings: 10-14 treats;

Ingredients:

• 100 grams of uncooked grated red cabbage;
• 145 grams of ground beef;
• 120 milliliters of water or milk;
• 175 grams of wholewheat flour;
• 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter;
• 2 eggs.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 190-200 degrees C/ 375-390 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk the contents until frothy.
3. Add in the water or milk and the melted butter. Whisk until everything is well-combined.
4. Add in the ground beef and mix with a wooden spoon until the meat is thoroughly infused with the egg-dairy mixture.
5. Gradually mix in the flour and the cabbage. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the resulting dough.
6. Using a spoon, drop a spoonful or two of the dough into each mold of a greased cupcake or muffin baking tray.
7. Bake these in the oven for 20 minutes or until the treats are done.
8. Let them cool before serving these to your dog. 

2. Cabbage with Turkey Dog Food Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of ground turkey;
• 3 sweet potatoes;
• 3 carrots;
• 2 zucchini;
• 1 cup of broccoli;
• 1 cup of cabbage;
• 1/2 cup of lettuce;
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook for 8 minutes.
3. In a food processor, mix sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini, broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce.
4. Add the vegetables to the turkey.
5. Simmer for 8 more minutes.
6. Let it cool and serve it to your dog.

3. Budget-Friendly Dog Recipe with Cabbage and Moringa

Ingredients:

• 1 cabbage;
• 4 carrots;
• 1 cup of moringa leaves;
• 250 grams of ground chicken;
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.

Instructions are in the video:

Fun facts about Cabbage

1. Cabbage is considered Russia’s national food. 
2. Scrolls from 1000 BC found in China stated cabbage could be used to cure baldness in men.
3. At the turn of the century, cabbage was thought to be food for poor people. It is regarded as one of the most nutritious vegetables and is thought to have strong anti-aging and anti-cancer properties.
4. Cabbage is available in wide varieties: red or purple, green, and Napa cabbage, usually found in Chinese cooking.
5.  Drinking raw cabbage juice daily, or placing a warm compress filled with crushed cabbage on your forehead may sound crazy, but many headaches are relieved this way.

FAQs

Conclusion

Cabbage is rich in nutrients, and has many benefits for the dog’s body and immune system.

No matter which type of cabbage you are going to give your dog, they are all safe and good for dogs.

Let us know in the comment section if we have missed something important and share with us if you have given cabbage to your dog or if you will after reading this article.