Can Dogs Eat Cabbage?

The short answer: Yes, but in moderation.

The long answer: Cabbage comes in 400 different varieties that are generally safe for dogs to eat. Appearing as leafy vegetables in green, white, red, or purple, it is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins K and C that can assist with your dog’s digestion, strengthen his immune system, and improve the quality of his skin. It is also high in antioxidants that can fight against cancer and other degenerative diseases.

Though cabbage is good for your canine, too much of it can cause flatulence, so it’s best to give it to him in limited amounts. Raw cabbage also presents another danger in the form of thiocyanate, a natural compound that suppresses the thyroid gland and causes your dog’s metabolism to slow down. Some symptoms include weight gain without increase in appetite, lethargy, dull hair, excessive shedding, and high blood cholesterol.

How to feed cabbage to your dog: Wash the cabbage leaves properly, removing wilted and tough parts that may be difficult for your dog to chew on. Chop the leaves into fine strips. Lightly cook the cabbage strips by steaming or boiling them. Do not use salt, spices, or other seasonings that may be harmful for him.

Here are three ideas for cabbage treats your dog will love:

Sprinkle a few pieces of cooked cabbage as a crunchy add-on to your dog’s regular food.
Try making cabbage cakes for your pup.
Senior dogs may enjoy this chicken casserole which contains a cup of cabbage.

In summary: Cabbage is loaded with vitamins and minerals that will benefit your dog’s well-being. Talk to your veterinarian before adding cabbage to your dog’s diet. Feed him a small amount of cooked cabbage and observe how his stomach reacts to the vegetable. To prevent hypothyroidism, refrain from serving him large amounts of raw cabbage. Aside from cabbage, discover which other vegetables dogs can safely eat in our “can dogs eat” category.