Food safety
Can Dogs Eat Cabbage? Yes, Plain and in Small Amounts
Yes, dogs can eat cabbage in small amounts. Green, red, savoy and napa cabbage are all non-toxic, low in calories and full of fiber, and plain cooked cabbage is usually easier on a dog's stomach than raw. The catch most owners notice is gas: cabbage is famous for it. The other caution is how it is cooked, because coleslaw, sauerkraut and stir-fries often carry onion, garlic, salt or dressing.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read3 sources
Why cabbage is safe for dogs
Cabbage is a leafy cruciferous vegetable, in the same family as broccoli and kale. It has no compound that is toxic to dogs in normal portions, and it brings fiber, vitamin K and vitamin C with very few calories. The AKC lists it as safe for dogs as long as it is fed in moderation.
Red and green cabbage are both fine, and so are savoy, napa and bok choy. Moderation matters because, like its relatives, cabbage contains natural compounds that can irritate the stomach in large amounts. A few small pieces are a light extra; a bowl of it is a stomachache.
The warning: gas, bloat-prone breeds and seasonings
Cabbage ferments in the gut and produces a lot of gas. In most dogs that just means a smelly evening, but deep-chested, bloat-prone breeds such as Great Danes, German Shepherds and Standard Poodles should be more careful. Talk to your vet before adding gassy vegetables if your dog is one of them.
Most cabbage dishes are the bigger risk. Coleslaw has mayonnaise and sometimes onion; sauerkraut and kimchi are very salty and often spiced with garlic; stir-fries and cabbage rolls use onion, garlic and oil. Onion and garlic damage a dog's red blood cells even cooked, so share only plain cabbage.
How to prepare cabbage for your dog
Wash the head, peel off the outer leaves and cut out the tough core and thick stem. For raw cabbage, shred it finely or dice it to pea size for a dog around 10 lb so it cannot be swallowed in a big wad. Raw cabbage gives crunch but tends to cause more gas.
Steaming or boiling plain cabbage for a few minutes softens it and makes it gentler on the stomach. Let it cool and chop it small. Skip butter, oil, salt, bacon grease and seasoning. A spoonful mixed into your dog's usual food is an easy way to offer it.
If you like to share small snacks, a lick mat or a treat ball makes a little go further and slows a fast eater down.
How much cabbage by dog weight
Keep cabbage and all other treats under about 10 percent of daily calories. For a dog under 20 lb, a teaspoon or two of chopped cabbage is plenty. For a dog of 20 to 50 lb, one to two tablespoons works well as an occasional extra.
For a dog over 50 lb, up to about a quarter cup of chopped, cooked cabbage is a sensible top end. Because of the gas, start with half these amounts the first time and offer it once or twice a week at most rather than every day.
Puppies and dogs that should skip cabbage
Puppies can taste a little plain cooked cabbage once they are on solid food, but their digestion is easily upset and the gas can make them uncomfortable. A tiny amount is enough to see whether they like it, and there is no reason to make it a habit.
Check with your vet first if your dog has a thyroid condition, a sensitive stomach, inflammatory bowel disease or a prescription diet. Large amounts of cruciferous vegetables are sometimes discussed in relation to thyroid function, so a dog on thyroid medication should not get cabbage regularly without the vet's agreement.
Signs it disagreed with them, and what to give instead
Gas, loose stool or a single vomit within 12 hours of eating cabbage is common and usually passes. Call your vet straight away if your dog's belly looks swollen or tight, or your dog retches without bringing anything up, paces or drools, since these can be signs of bloat, which is an emergency.
If cabbage makes your dog too gassy, carrots, green beans and cucumber are gentler vegetables with a similar crunch. Each still counts toward the daily treat allowance, and none replace a complete dog food.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Can dogs eat raw cabbage?
Yes, in small, finely chopped amounts. Raw cabbage is crunchier but more likely to cause gas than cooked. Remove the core and dice it small so a dog cannot swallow a large piece whole.
Can dogs eat red cabbage?
Yes. Red cabbage is as safe as green cabbage and carries extra plant pigments. It can stain fur and carpets, so serve it in a bowl, and keep portions small to avoid gas.
Can dogs eat coleslaw?
It is best not to. Coleslaw dressing is high in fat and often sugar, and some recipes include onion. The cabbage itself is fine, so set aside a little plain shredded cabbage before the dressing goes on.
Can dogs eat sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is very salty and is often made with garlic or spices, so it is a poor choice for dogs. A tiny taste of plain sauerkraut is unlikely to harm, but plain cooked cabbage is the safer option.
Does cabbage give dogs gas?
Yes, often. Cabbage ferments in the gut and produces gas. Cooking it, chopping it small and keeping portions little all help. Sudden severe bloating with retching is different and needs a vet immediately.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
