Sauerkraut is a fantastic fermented cabbage that people have been eating for generations. Many people like to add sauerkraut to hot dogs, sausages, and other dishes, but can dogs eat sauerkraut? Dogs can eat most vegetables, so can dogs eat fermented cabbage?
In this article, we will go over if it is safe for your dog to consume sauerkraut as well as the raw and cooked varieties. Keep reading on to learn more.
Can Dogs Eat Sauerkraut?
Yes, your dog can enjoy the wonderful taste of sauerkraut, and it actually can provide your dog with many health benefits.
Sauerkraut has a certain taste that your dog may or may not like. This is a fermented vegetable that can give a very pungent taste inside of your mouth.
Some sauerkraut brands contain other seasonings that can be very harmful to your dog’s overall health. Seasonings such as garlic, onion powder, or caraway seeds which usually accompanied by sauerkraut can be very dangerous.
With that information in mind, it might be better to prepare your own sauerkraut at home rather than purchasing from the store. If you still want to purchase from the store and check the ingredients list to ensure it doesn’t have anything harmful for your dog.
Health Benefits of Sauerkraut for Dogs
As mentioned above, sauerkraut has a lot of nutritional benefits and contains a lot of vitamins and minerals. I am going to go into more detail about the health benefits below.
Vitamins
- Sauerkraut is rich in vitamins such a vitamin A, C, B6, and K1.
- Vitamin A can help your dog’s skin and overall coat health. It will renew your dogs’ skin, so if your dog has sensitive skin, dryness, or itchiness, extra vitamin A in your dog’s diet will greatly help.
- Vitamin C helps white blood cells grow, and it also helps create cellular regeneration.
- It also works to protect your immune system.
- Vitamin K keeps your dog’s bones strong and intact.
- Vitamin B give your dog natural energy to play and function throughout the day
Iron
Sauerkraut also contains a great amount of iron. Iron is very important for everyday body function. Your dog needs iron to transport oxygen throughout the body and to the vital organs. If your dog isn’t getting enough iron, you may notice your dog acting excessively tired or weak.
Probiotics
The fermented cabbage that makes up sauerkraut receives a tremendous amount of good bacteria in the fermenting process. Good know as probiotics help to regulate the gut and improve the health of it.
Dogs can actually develop common ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, and excessive flatulence. When you get a probiotic, it helps bacteria also helps to keep some of those ailments at bay.
These good probiotics can actually improve your dog’s cardiovascular health. The probiotic can actually help lower your dog’s cholesterol levels if your dog is overweight or currently struggling with this already.7
Antioxidants
Most vegetables contain antioxidant properties, and sauerkraut which is made up of fermented cabbage leaves, is one of them.
Antioxidants or anti-inflammatory foods can help alive joint pain and arthritis in older dogs. Now, this will not be a cure, but it can alleviate some of your dog’s pain.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Sauerkraut?
Yes, your dog can safely enjoy raw cold sauerkraut. Just remember to give your dog this fermented vegetable in moderation. Big portion sizes can lead to gastrointestinal issues, so make sure you give your dog only a little.
As I have already mentioned before, make sure the sauerkraut you are giving your dog has safe ingredients. Dogs do not need any seasonings on their food, as plain is the best.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Sauerkraut?
Yes, your dog can enjoy cooked sauerkraut but don’t get discouraged if your dog turns its nose up to it. Sauerkraut has a very strong smell that can sometimes deter dogs.
Typically, dogs can handle the smell of the cold and raw fermented cabbage better than the cooked. Also, cooked sauerkraut can give your dog more gas than usual so just be aware of that potential side effect, but overall, it is safe if your dog will eat it.
Can Dogs Eat Sauerkraut with Caraway Seeds?
No, dogs cannot eat sauerkraut that has caraway seeds in it. These seeds are much different than the typical cumin spice. Please refrain from letting your dog eat sauerkraut with caraway seeds.
If your dog digests caraway seeds, it can lead to some nasty side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea. If you see your dog getting really sick, I suggest that you call your veterinarian and let them know your dog ate a caraway seed.
Can Dogs Eat Pork and sauerkraut?
Pork and sauerkraut are completely safe to give your dog as long as the pork is plain and unseasoned. Also, watch the sodium content because pork can be salty, and so can sauerkraut.
When cooking your sauerkraut and pork, pull out a separate portion that is plain for your dog then you can season the rest for yourself.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Sauerkraut?
Yes, dogs can eat canned or jarred sauerkraut as long as it does not contain any harmful ingredients. The problem with store-bought sauerkraut is they usually have other added ingredients such as caraway seeds, garlic, onion, etc. These spices cannot be fed to your dog.
There will typically be more sodium content in canned or jarred sauerkraut. Sodium is used to preserve things as well as add more flavor. Dogs cannot digest huge amounts of sodium as humans can.
Honestly, the best sauerkraut you can give your dog is a homemade version or a store-bought organic version with lower sodium. With the only ingredient being sauerkraut.
How to Feed Sauerkraut to Your Dog
Your dog doesn’t need much sauerkraut to get the health and nutritional benefits. If you feed your dog too much, it can actually cause stomach upset and bathroom issues.
The best way to introduce sauerkraut to your dog at first is by starting with a small amount plain. This will ensure that your dog doesn’t have an allergen to the product.
Once you know that your dog can handle fermented cabbage, you can start adding more into your dog’s diet incorporated into your dog’s food.
Again, don’t give your dog too much sauerkraut because it can harm your dog. Give your dog between a teaspoon to a tablespoon of fermented cabbage mixed into your dog’s food based on your dog’s weight.
- You can chop the sauerkraut down further into smaller pieces to make it easier for your small dog breed to digest.
- Sometimes added sauerkraut with other dog safe foods such as some fruits like apples can help balance out that fermented taste.
Food Alternatives to Sauerkraut
Below are some great substitutions or similar fermented foods that dogs can actually enjoy in small amounts
Conclusion
Just remember that it is safe to feed your dog sauerkraut in small quantities. If your dog overeats, it can get sick, so between one to three teaspoons for your dog is the perfect amount.
Let us know if your dog has ever tried a fermented vegetable or sauerkraut before. If you are worried about giving your dog sauerkraut, you can always consult your veterinarian.
