Can dogs eat cabbage?

Updated 29/04/2024

A versatile veg that accompanies so many of our favorite dishes, we wouldn't be surprised if the herbs, sauces and spices it's often paired with gets your pooch trotting over. But can dogs eat cabbage like we humans can? Or does it need to be prepared in a particular way? And are there any health benefits of cabbage for dogs, and more importantly, any risks pet parents should know about? We'll get into the details of cabbage and dogs a little later but for now, know that cabbage is safe for dogs to eat. In fact, it can be a highly nutritious kibble topper to keep things interesting at dinner time, so take a look below for tips on how to safely share it with your pooch.

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Is cabbage poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat cabbage of any kind, or does the vegetable sometimes contain compounds toxic to dogs? Fortunately for your foliage-keen furry pal, cabbage is perfectly safe for dogs to munch on in moderation. In fact, it can add a whole host of lovely nutrients to your doggo's bowl. As well as being cautious with portion sizes, as with any vegetable, it’s important to avoid seasonings and other ingredients. Fatty foods (like butter and oil) can lead to obesity and pancreatitis in dogs, and vegetables like onions and garlic are toxic, so be sure to only serve up plain cabbage to your furry friend. 

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Is cabbage good for dogs?

So can dogs have cabbage without any issues? Is it all health benefits and no worries? Sadly not, but it's pretty easy to feed your pooch cabbage safely. While cabbage is packed with vitamins and minerals which we'll take a look at below, it does produce a lot of gas during digestion. For us humans, this generally isn't a problem, but for our furry friends it can be. Too much gas can result in bloating, so if your pup is prone to bloat already, maybe opt for another dog-friendly vegetable instead. It’s also quite hard for dogs to digest, so it’s important to only give small pieces and small quantities to avoid causing a gut blockage. If you're not sure whether cabbage should be your doggo's go-to veg snack, have a chat with your vet for advice before feeding.

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Health benefits of eating cabbage for dogs

So, now you're hopefully all clued-up on the question - can dogs eat cabbage - you might be curious to know some of the health benefits your pup could reap if they're treated to a sprinkling of cabbage every now and then. 

Firstly, cabbage is incredibly low in calories, which means you don't have to worry too much about exceeding your pup's daily energy intake if cabbage becomes an occasional treat of choice. It's also high in fiber which means it could help to get your pup's digestive system moving if constipation is something they suffer from (but be sure to contact your vet first if that's the case).

On the vitamins front, cabbages are packed with vitamin C and K, which helps to protect your pup's cells from free radicals, and helps your dog's blood to clot naturally. When it comes to minerals, cabbage contains magnesium which supports the body's nerve functioning and immune system. 

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Feeding your dog cabbage

Now that you're all clued-up on your query - can dogs have cabbage - you might want to know the safest ways to feed your pup the veg - our furry friends aren't exactly known for having tough stomachs, afterall. Firstly, separate the leaves from the root and give them a good wash to remove pesticides and any leftover dirt. Then, chop it into bite-size pieces to dodge the choking hazard that larger chunks and stringy bits pose. Then if you think your pooch would prefer the crunchy freshness, serve it raw, or lightly steam it if your doggo prefers to munch on softer foods.

Can dogs eat cabbage raw?

Raw cabbage is safe for dogs, but just be sure to chop it into small chunks so that it's easier to digest.

Can dogs eat cooked cabbage?

Feel free to cook your dog's cabbage treat by steaming it lightly - this will make it a whole lot more digestible if you know your doggo isn't a fan of crunchy foods.

Can dogs eat red cabbage?

Red cabbage is safe for dogs, in fact it's packed with a range of helpful nutrients like vitamin C, iron and magnesium.

Can dogs eat napa cabbage?

Green and white cabbages are also safe for dogs, including napa cabbage.

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Other cabbage products

So, dogs and cabbage are a great mix, but can dogs eat cabbage when it's prepared into some of our favorite meals and side dishes? Let's take a look.

Is sauerkraut good for dogs?

So can dogs have cabbage if it's fermented? We don't recommend feeding your pooch sauerkraut - it's incredibly high in salt, and the consumption of too much can result in vomiting, diarrhea and even seizures.

Is kimchi good for dogs?

Never feed your dog kimchi - not only is it high in salt, it's also packed with chili which irritates their digestive tracts, along with a range of alliums such as garlic, green onion and yellow onion which are highly toxic to dogs.

Can dogs eat cabbage soup?

While plain boiled cabbage is fine for dogs, we don't advise feeding them cabbage soup - it's likely to contain high levels of salt, plus ingredients toxic to dogs such as onion.

Meet our veterinary expert, Hannah

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCV.

Hannah graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011 and worked in mixed practice for a few years before focusing on small animal work. Clinically, she worked in a busy, multi-center hospital practice until 2018, where she underwent training in advanced canine and feline dentistry and began working towards a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice. She then moved to a local independent practice to care for the pets nearby, allowing more time to focus on other career avenues, which include writing for a diverse range of pet websites, vet practices, drug companies, journals, and veterinary educators.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we've settled that, what other foods can dogs eat? Get started with those below.

• Asparagus
• Pears
• Coconut