fbpx

Can Dogs Eat Red Cabbage? All You Need To Know

If you’re preparing supper and sautéing up some red cabbage for yourself, you may consider giving some to your dog. But, Can dogs eat red cabbage? Yes, red cabbage is fine to feed your dog, as are carrots, kale, broccoli, and peas, among other vegetables.

puppy pomeranian dog cute pets

Feeding your dog actual, fresh human food is superior to manufactured dog food. Not only do you know what you’re giving your pet, but it’s also fresher and tastier than store-bought items.

High temperatures are used in the processing of food, which depletes essential vitamins and minerals.

Combining a fresh protein mixture such as beef, salmon, chicken, eggs, or lamb, whole grains such as brown rice or oats, and vegetables such as red cabbage provides your pet with a tasty meal rich in nutrients and important fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Can Dogs Eat Red Cabbage?

Yes! Red cabbage is safe to feed to your dog and is high in fiber, as well as vitamins K and C. These vitamins aid in illness prevention and strengthen your dog’s digestion and immune system. 

can dogs eat red cabbage

Too much cabbage might induce indigestion or impair thyroid gland function, so feed it to your dog in moderation. Red cabbage is nutritious, containing approximately ten times more vitamins. 

They also have a higher concentration of flavonoids, cancer-fighting substances found in cabbages, and other cruciferous vegetables like kale, cauliflower, and broccoli. 

Red cabbage is also higher in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory qualities than green and white cabbage.

Red Cabbage Nutritional Stats

Nutritional Information

Red Cabbage, Vegetables, To Cut, Cook

Medium (about 5″ dia) for a serving size of 1 head (839g)

Calories 260.1

  • Fat 12.1 (4.6%)% Daily Value * Total Fat 1.3g
  • 226.5mg sodium
  • 2038.8mg Potassium
  • 61.8g Carbohydrates 
  • 12g protein
  • 758.4g water

* Because the Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet, your values may differ depending on your calorie requirements.

Red Cabbage Nutritional Facts

A piece of 80g (cooked) contains:

  • 12 kilocalories / 49 kilojoules
  • 0.6g protein
  • 0.2g fat
  • 1.8g carbohydrates
  • 1.8g fiber
  • potassium 104mg
  • 25 micrograms of folate
  • Vitamin C (26mg)
Red Cabbage, Vegetables, To Cut, Cook

Just 80g of red cabbage qualifies as one of your five-a-day servings. Traditional braised red cabbage recipes frequently mix cabbage’s peppery flavors with sweeter ingredients such as apples, sugar, cider, port, or wine. 

Lightly braising cabbage releases healthy carotenoids. Adding whole fruit like apples naturally sweetens the dish, but keep in mind that you’ll boost free sugars, which we’re encouraged to limit when you add substances like sugar or some types of alcohol.

Health Benefits Of Red Cabbage For Dogs

Leafy greens are a fantastic place to start if you want to start adding more veggies to your dog’s diet. Not only is cabbage safe for dogs to eat, but it may also cook in a variety of ways. 

Little dog maltese and black and white cat eating food from a bowl in home

Dogs may enjoy cabbage alongside their pet parents, whether it’s presented as a green treat on its own, diced up and eaten with their kibble, or baked and filled with other pet-friendly ingredients.

Even better, cabbage can give your dog a variety of health advantages. 

  • Cabbage contains many vitamins, including K, C, B6, and B1. 
  • It’s also high in fiber and vital minerals like manganese, copper, and potassium. 
  • Red cabbage, in particular, is thought to have powerful anti-cancer effects. 
  • Although dogs get most of their nutrients from their usual meal, it never hurts to supplement nutritious human foods. Furthermore, cabbage has large quantities of phytonutrients, potent antioxidant chemicals. 
  • Cabbage’s polyphenols make it the most antioxidant-rich cruciferous vegetable, boosting human and canine health.
  • Antioxidants assist in reducing free radicals in the blood, which assists in the prevention of illnesses such as cancer. 
  • They can also aid your four-legged friend’s immune system naturally and can even lower your dog’s chance of getting certain diseases or health concerns, such as heart disease.
  • Another advantage is that cabbage, due to its high fiber content, has been demonstrated to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract in dogs and assist in normal digestion. 
  • It can even assist in keeping their skin free of irritation; eating cabbage promotes better skin from the inside out for both people and dogs, making it a wonderful snack.

Of all, dogs are carnivores by nature, so while veggies might be healthy for them to munch on occasion, meat should still make up most of their diet.

Can Dogs Have Red Cabbage?

Red cabbage is safe for dogs to consume. Whether red, green, or white, all types of cabbage are safe for dogs to consume. However, the nutritional value of cabbage varies slightly depending on its color.

beautiful golden retriever dog licking his nose, looking away and wearing a red bandana on gray background

Red cabbage is more nutrient-dense than green cabbage, with roughly ten times vitamins. They also have a higher concentration of flavonoids, the cancer-fighting substances found in cabbages, and other cruciferous vegetables like kale, cauliflower, and broccoli. 

The antioxidant content of red cabbage is higher than that of green and white cabbage, and it has more anti-inflammatory capabilities.

Are Red Cabbage Safe For Dogs?

Yes, red cabbages are safe for dogs. It is crucial to remember that feeding cabbage to a dog might have certain negative consequences, especially if served in excess.

It includes a natural component, Thiocyanate, which is also found in broccoli, which may disrupt your pet’s thyroid gland and, while extremely improbable, may induce hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease that produces a thin and dull coat, shedding, weight increase, and a general decline in quality of life.

Hypothyroidism in dogs is caused by atrophy of the thyroid gland. This ailment is more frequent in medium to large dogs, and it is generally encountered in elderly canines.

If your dog has any of these symptoms, stop eating cabbage and visit your veterinarian. Prescribed medicine can effectively cure hypothyroidism.

Is Red Cabbage Good For Dogs?

Yes, red cabbage is good for dogs. Red cabbage is high in fiber, which offers bulk and aids in regular removal.

Red cabbage is also high in Vitamin C, which is beneficial to skin health and functions as an antioxidant, fighting free radicals, reducing uncomfortable inflammation, and providing anti-aging components to keep your dog feeling like a puppy.

Cabbage in hand

Red cabbage is also high in Vitamin K, which aids with circulatory health and blood clotting. Vitamins C and K help improve the immune system, are high in antioxidants, and keep your pet healthy and robust. 

Cabbage also has a high sulfur level, which is beneficial for cleaning up greasy skin and itching rashes. Furthermore, the nutrients in cabbage form keratin, which is necessary for robust hair, skin, and nails.

Is Red Cabbage Bad For Dogs?

One of the most significant hazards of cabbage for dogs is the same for humans. Too much of this leafy green vegetable can cause stomach pain and symptoms like excessive gas and flatulence.

That is why, just because something is good for dogs, it does not imply they should be permitted to eat as much as they want. 

Always consult your veterinarian before giving your dog cabbage or any other “human food” since they may provide advice based on your dog’s particular health situation. 

As a general guideline, always start your dog on a little amount of new food, such as cabbage, and monitor him for roughly 24 hours for signs that it doesn’t agree with him, such as watery stool.

Allowing your dog to eat more cabbage may cause hypothyroidism, albeit this would need your dog to ingest a lot of raw cabbage over several days. Cabbage includes Thiocyanate, a natural chemical that affects the thyroid gland. 

However, fully heating the cabbage (for example, by boiling or steaming it) before serving it to your four-legged buddy is one efficient technique to eliminate this chemical from the cabbage.

Although dogs may consume any color or type of cabbage in moderation, it is always recommended to boil the cabbage since it is simpler for your pup to chew and digest. It protects against the minor danger of treating hypothyroidism. 

And, of course, whether you’re cooking purple, Napa, Savoy, red, or any other sort of cabbage, avoid using any spices, condiments, or other additions.

Can dogs eat cooked cabbage?

Raw is fine for your dog, but only in small amounts. The cooked one, on the other hand, is the greatest! Boil or steam the cabbage before giving it to your dog. 

cooked cabbage

Although raw cabbages are crunchy and enjoyable for your dog to eat, they contain a natural substance called Thiocyanate, which clamps down on the thyroid gland and can cause hypothyroidism, especially if you give them in large quantities daily. 

When you lightly boil the cabbage, the Thiocyanate is deactivated, which prevents all of this from happening.

Can dogs eat green cabbage?

White and Brown Short Coated Dog

Dogs may safely ingest green cabbage. Green cabbage, like the other colors of cabbage, is completely safe and healthy for dogs to ingest.

Do Dogs Like Red Cabbage?

Yes, dogs like red cabbage. Cabbage is safe for dogs to consume. From strengthening your dog’s immune system to avoiding cancer, this healthy plant has a plethora of paw-positive benefits for them. 

Cabbage is an excellent addition to dog food or as a nutritious snack for your dog because of this.

What Are The Alternatives To Red Cabbage For My Dog?

Antioxidants are extremely beneficial to your dog. The antioxidant characteristics might help your dog live a longer and healthier life. 

As a result, cabbages are the greatest alternative, as they are widely accessible in supermarkets. However, if you’re seeking alternatives, consider the following:

Salad, Salad Platter, Salad Plate, Plate
  • Green tea is one of the safest supplies for your dog, comprising a high amount of antioxidants and having no negative side effects? Remove a green tea bag after 15 minutes of soaking in boiling water. Once it has cooled to room temperature, give them 1/8 cup per 20-pound body weight up to two times per day with their food. 
  • Refrigerate this for 2–3 days, and if the green tea becomes hazy, it’s time to start over.
  • Kidney beans are another excellent choice that we recommend. These are high in antioxidants, which assist your dog in maintaining a healthy cholesterol level and protect him from illness. 
  • The cooked one will be a hit with your dog. Buy kidney beans in bulk, soak them overnight, then boil them without any spice for your pet buddy. 
  • You’ll have to go to that extra effort for your canine companion since uncooked kidney beans are poisonous to them. So it’s time to show off your gourmet cooking abilities to your dog because, let’s face it, only their approval matters!

How much Red Cabbage Can A Dogs Eat?

It is advised that your dog, like humans, consume red cabbage in moderation. It is tasty, crispy, raw, softer, and easier to chew and digest when cooked, but it can induce painful gas and stomach ache due to its high fiber and roughage content.

It is critical to remember that if you change or introduce new items into your pet’s diet, start with minimal portions and gradually increase every other day or so. It would help if you also thought about the breed and size of your dog. 

Give a smaller quantity to a small senior poodle than a bigger adult labrador retriever.

Here are some suggestions for feeding cabbage and other vegetables:

  • To make the veggies simpler to chew and digest, cut and cook them beforehand.
  • To add a particular crunch to a typical meal, toss tiny shreds or chopped pieces on top.
  • Combine with a scrambled or raw egg or other protein for an in-between-meal snack or good behavior reward.
  • Combine shredded carrots and mashed sweet potatoes and bake in the oven to make a healthful treat.
  • Chop with other vegetables and freeze to make popsicles (pup-cycles)

How To Feed Red Cabbage To Dogs?

So, if you’re going to start feeding red cabbage to your dog, here are some key safety precautions to keep in mind.

1. Should always chop Red cabbage. 

Cutting the leaves into thin, short strips (like you would for coleslaw) makes the fibrous vegetable simpler to digest for your dog.

2. Cooked cabbage is preferred over raw cabbage.

Cooking the cabbage leaves (steaming or boiling) reduces the quantity of Thiocyanate and polyhydroxyphenols in them, making them less dangerous for your dog to ingest.

3. Use red cabbage only once in a while.

Even when boiled and diced, red cabbage should not be a staple in every meal. Use it simply as a garnish on your dog’s regular meal or as a topping sprinkled on top. It should only do it once or twice a week, at most.

Does Red Cabbage Affect The Digestive System Of Dogs?

Although we have conceded that cabbage is completely dog-friendly, bear in mind that it might induce flatulence in certain dogs if served in excess. Belly soreness, frequent gas, and watery stool are just a few of the unpleasant and uncomfortable signs of gut troubles. 

Allow your animal buddy to eat only a small bit of cabbage to prevent all of this. To begin, you could wish to offer them a little taste. Keep a watchful eye out for any symptoms of gas or irregularities. If you come across anything weird, stop.

Final Thoughts

Red cabbage has several advantages for both people and canines. While there are certain safety concerns that owners should be aware of, these issues are usually minor, and red cabbage is not toxic to dogs.

The advantages greatly outweigh the disadvantages when giving red cabbage and other vegetables to your pet in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle.

As a result, the answer to the question “can dog eat red cabbage?” is a resounding yes. The answer is a dog wagging its tail, four paws up, “yes!”

FAQs

Can dogs eat red pepper?

Maybe. Red bell peppers are rich in vitamins A, C, E, and antioxidants, beneficial to dogs. While spicy red peppers boost your dog’s immune system and reduce inflammation, they are not recommended for him.

Can dogs eat artichokes?

Yes, artichokes are abundant in vitamin C, folic acid, potassium, niacin, and antioxidants. Thus they’re a fantastic source of these nutrients. These vitamins and minerals benefit your dog’s immune system, muscles, metabolism, and other functions.

Can dogs eat arugula?

Yes, arugula is non-toxic, making it a safe plant to feed your dog. There are, however, certain things you should know about arugula before feeding it to your cat. Should serve arugula to your dog in moderation. Continue reading to find out what else you should keep in mind.

Can dogs eat raw zucchini?

Yes. It is, in fact, a healthy vegetable for dogsZucchini has only 20 calories in a full cup. As a result, it’s a healthier alternative to high-calorie dog treats. Zucchini is a great treat for overweight dogs since it is low in fat and cholesterol. Zucchini has many more advantages for your dog!

About the author

I'm Gulshan, a passionate pet enthusiast. Dive into my world where I share tips, stories, and snapshots of my animal adventures. Here, pets are more than just animals; they're heartbeats that enrich our lives. Join our journey!