Green, tasty and healthy; cabbage are among our all-time favourite vegetables. While you’re chewing on the leafy green vegetable, you notice your dog is drooling all over it. It’s okay to be confused since dogs usually don’t like vegetables and only go for meat. So the question arises, is it safe for your dogs to eat cabbage?
There’s no doubt about cabbages being beneficial for your dog, however, there are some other things you need to consider before giving it to them. For instance, cabbage can cause gas in your canine’s stomach. But the positive aspects overpower those points and make it a suitable food for your canine.
Can I Cive Cabbage to My Dog?
Simply put, yes you can. Cabbage is completely harmless for your dog. In fact, it’s good for your furry friend’s skin. The rich antioxidants provide a natural boost to their immune system. Plus, these antioxidants help to protect the cells from being impaired by free radicals.
In case you’re wondering what are free radicals, these are atoms with unpaired electrons. These unpaired free electrons cause the atom to become unstable, thus damaging the cells in their body. When atoms are exposed to heat, light and environmental toxins, free radicals are formed. These antioxidants stop the free radicals from oxidizing the healthy cells, making the immune system stronger and more functional.
Coming back to cabbage, it’s high in fibre which makes it great for digestion. Research has shown that cabbage has proven to fight cancerous properties. Certain components in cabbage increase the growth of enzymes that are helpful for preventing cancerous tumour to grow. Therefore, cabbage is totally safe and healthy for your dog.
Raw vs. Cooked Cabbage
Raw is perfectly okay for your canine but in a very small quantity. However, cooked one is the best! Simply boil or steam the cabbage in hot water and give it to your dog. Although raw cabbages can be crispy and fun for your dog to munch on, the problem with the raw ones is that it contains a natural compound known as thiocyanate that clamps down on the thyroid gland and can create hypothyroidism, especially if you are feeding them in large amounts regularly. When you lightly cook the cabbage, it deactivates the thiocyanate and incapacitates all that from happening.
Can it Cause Tummy Woes?
Although we have admitted that cabbage is totally dog-friendly but do keep it in mind that it can cause gas among certain dogs if fed excessively. Some unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms of tummy woes might be belly ache, frequent flatulence or watery stool. To avoid all that to happen, allow your furry friend to take in only a minimal amount of cabbage. You may want to give them a small bite, for starters. Observe very closely for any type of signs of gas or abnormalities. Discontinue if you find anything unusual.
Related Post: Best Dog Food for Flatulence
What Are the Alternatives to Antioxidants for My Dog
Antioxidants are powerful ingredients for your dog. The anti-oxidant properties can enhance your dog’s vitality and longevity. So cabbages are the best option for seeing that they are pretty much available in all grocery stores. But if you are looking for alternatives, here are some:
Did you know that Green Tea is proven to be one of the safest supplies for your dog, containing loads of antioxidants with no side-effects at all? Soak a green tea bag in hot water for about 15 minutes and remove it. Once it cools down to room temperature, you may give then 1/8 cup per 20 lbs. bodyweight for up to two times every day with your canine’s meal. Refrigerate this for 2 – 3 days and if the green tea turns cloudy, understand that it’s time for a new brew.
Another best alternative that we would suggest is kidney beans. These are an excellent source of antioxidants that help in maintaining a healthy cholesterol level for your dog and wards off any disease. Your dog will love the one that is cooked. Serve the best for your furry friend by buying kidney beans in bulk, soak them overnight and boil it without any seasoning. You will need to take that extra trouble for your canine friend because raw kidney beans are dangerous for them. So it’s time to impress your dog with your gourmet chef skills, because let’s be real, only their appreciation matters!
Other Harmful Vegetable and Fruits for Your Dog
Although cabbage is considered to be safe for your dog to eat once in a while, not all fruits and vegetables are safe! In fact, some can prove to be quite hazardous for your dog. Here are some of the risky fruits and vegetables that are best avoided:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Avocados
- Grapes
- Apples
- Broccoli
- Mangoes
Bottom Line
While you may be gobbling on your favourite creamed cabbage, it’s best not to share YOUR food with your beloved dog, no matter how tempted you are. Ignore those puppy dog eyes, it’s for their own good! There’s always a safer alternative for your canine. Before you go and make your creamed cabbage, boil some and keep it aside for your furry best friend. After you are done, you both can enjoy your own dishes. Plus, your share of the cabbage may contain onions and garlic, which are acidic and might cost you your dog’s life!
Please always double-check whatever you are giving to your canine. Better to be safe than sorry because you have tons of more memories to make with your dog. Every dog is unique and yours may not be compatible with cabbage. If your dog shows unnatural symptoms or reacts after being fed cabbages, it’s probably best to avoid it for good. There are so many other things to munch on. Grab ’em!
Sources:
- Kayla Costanzo, Can Dogs Taste Brussel Sprouts?, Wag
- Emily Cardiff, 8 Fruits and Vegetables to Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy, One Green Planet
