Why Do Dogs Hate Cabbage? [Benefits & Risks]

Most dogs love eating cabbage, just like they enjoy eating anything they can get. But if you see your dog refusing to eat cabbage, it can be because the dog is picky. 

It is not a surprising fact that dogs love eating vegetables. Green food is a very healthy choice for your canine friend’s diet. You will find some dogs eating cabbages while others stay away from it as though they hate it. But why do dogs hate cabbage?

Cabbage is a low-cost healthy food, and you can grow it in your backyard. But the question comes regarding its health benefit for your dog. And since I’m discussing whether or not dogs hate it, let’s also check out if cabbage is a good dog food choice.

Related Reading: Is It Ok For Dogs to Eat Grass?

What Part Of Cabbage Can Dogs Eat?

Some dogs are not fond of cabbage because they are intolerant to it. Yes, animals can be particularly food intolerant like humans and have allergic reactions.

However, dogs that enjoy eating cabbage receive health benefits from it. But can they eat all parts of the cabbage? Well, let’s find out which part of the cabbage a dog should eat and which part it should avoid.

Cabbage Leaves

Leaves are the best part of the cabbage as food for dogs. You can cut the leaves into small pieces, and it will work as a supplement for your dogs. You can give them raw cabbage leaves as they are not hard. 

Cabbage Stalks

Dogs can eat cabbage stalks. Even though giving them raw stalks will not be an issue, you can give them boiled stalks to help them chew them easily. Moreover, chewing on them will help reduce dehydration problems. 

And if you are giving your dog chopped cabbage, it is best to remove the stalks as it can cause choking hazards for younger dogs.

Cabbage Stems

There is nothing wrong with cabbage stems. However, it is best to avoid feeding your dog the stems or you can give them a small amount at a time. Cabbage stems are high in fiber, and consuming them often or eating them too much can make your dog’s stomach upset.

Advantages & Disadvantages Of Dogs Eating Cabbage

Cabbage is a healthy vegetable for humans and many animals. But along with its health benefits, there are a few disadvantages of eating it. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of dogs eating cabbage.

Advantages

These are the advantages or health benefits of eating cabbage for dogs. 

• Vitamins

Cabbage is rich in vitamin B, C, and K. Vitamin C boosts the dog’s immunity, and Vitamin K reduces the risk of heart diseases in dogs. It helps your dog live a long and healthy life.

• Minerals

It is known that cabbage contains minerals like calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. All of them are highly beneficial to improve body functions and keep your dog more active.

• Fiber

Cabbage has fiber, which is helpful to reduce constipation. But you need to ensure that your dog is not overeating it. Otherwise, it can cause stomach problems.

• Water

If your dog is suffering from dehydration, cabbage can be an excellent option to treat that. Cabbage contains lots of water, and it is suitable for reducing dehydration.

Disadvantages

Here are some health issues your dog may go through due to overeating cabbage.

• Upset Stomach And Gas

Overeating can lead to many problems as it is rich in fiber.  And one of the most common ones is a gassy stomach. Like humans, consuming too much cabbage can make your dog farty, and it can even cause the dog to suffer from an upset stomach.

• Allergic Reaction

The reason some dogs dislike cabbage is that they are intolerant to cabbage. If you notice your dog coughing, sneezing, or itching often after eating cabbage, they are allergic to it, and you need to stop giving them cabbage.

• Hypothyroidism

If you are feeding your dog lots of cabbage several times a day, you need to stop immediately. Cabbage contains thiocyanate, known for impacting the thyroid glands. So overeating cabbage can be life-threatening for dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can puppies eat cabbage?

Puppy stomachs are delicate, especially during their first month. So I will say it is best to avoid giving them foods like these. But if you want to, you can consult a vet before giving puppies cabbage.

Q. Can dogs have broccoli?

Yes, dogs can eat broccoli, but in a moderate amount. You can cut broccoli into small pieces and give them raw or cooked for your dog to eat. Broccoli is also a healthy and nutritious food for dogs.

Q. Can cabbage give dogs gas?

Yes, cabbage can give dogs gas. Leafy green vegetables contain raffinose. It is known for causing gassiness after consuming such vegetables.

However, raffinose is higher in raw cabbages than cooked ones. It means you can give your dog cooked cabbage to avoid the issue.

Q. How much cabbage can a dog eat?

Since feeding dogs cabbage can cause gassiness, keeping the feeding portion moderate is best. Besides, the amount of cabbage you can give your dog depends on your dog’s age, weight, and health condition. Nevertheless, the amount should be less than half a cup of cabbage at a time.

Q. How should I serve cabbage to my dogs?

You can give your dog cabbage anyhow you like it or the way your dog prefers it. Whether the cabbage is raw, boiled, or steamed, it will not make much difference. But cooked cabbage will be comparatively soft and easy for your dog to eat.

Continue Reading: Are Apple Cores Safe For Dogs?

Final Thoughts

Now you know that dogs do not actually hate it, but some dogs may dislike eating cabbage or vegetables. But if your dog likes eating cabbage, it is best to add it to their meals sometimes as they are nutritious. 

But you must remember that overeating cabbage or eating it too often can cause a few health issues. So I would advise you to feed your dog moderately but stop giving them cabbage if you notice any of the issues mentioned earlier.