Germans have been eating sauerkraut for centuries, but now it has gained immense popularity in other countries too. Since it has many health benefits, people prefer taking it with their meals and eating it in different ways. However, when you have a dog at home, you may wonder, can dogs eat sauerkraut?
We know pet parents love to share their meals with their beloved animals. But you must be sure that the food is entirely safe for your fur baby.
Let’s learn if sauerkraut is safe for dogs!
Can dogs eat Sauerkraut?
Yes, they can! However, you must ensure that the sauerkraut does not have any ingredients toxic to dogs. Sauerkraut can significantly benefit dogs’ health as it is full of probiotics. Fresh sauerkraut contains good bacteria which improve dogs’ gut health.
Sauerkraut has a strong odor, so it is doubtful that your dog will eat it by itself. Either you would have to feed your pup forcefully or incorporate sauerkraut into its diet creatively. You can buy canned sauerkraut or cook it for your dear animal, but ensure to feed it regularly to enhance its health.
Also, if your dog has a sensitive stomach, then the probiotics in sauerkraut might be a little hard on its stomach at first. This may lead to diarrhea.
What are the ingredients of sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is made of finely cut cabbage that is fermented. Also, it has some other ingredients. Let’s break down its two main components!
Cabbage
Cabbage is fibrous and contains vitamins B1, B6, C, and K. It is also rich in minerals such as copper, manganese, and potassium. Feeding cabbage to dogs has multiple benefits; however, you must see that your fur baby does not overeat the leafy vegetable.
Thiocyanate is a chemical present in cabbage, and it can result in thyroid disorders in dogs. The good part is fermenting cabbage neutralizes the chemicals and makes cabbage a safe food for dogs.
Salt
Salt is a staple ingredient of sauerkraut. While you cook sauerkraut at home, add only a recommended amount. But when you get it from a store, ensure to check the salt quantity. Dogs’ excessive salt consumption can cause dehydration, sodium poisoning, or excessive urination.
Let’s look into its health benefits, specifically for dogs!
What are the health benefits of feeding sauerkraut to dogs?
Cabbage fermented with lactic acid bacteria, also known as sauerkraut, is a healthy food option for your canine friend. It can help prevent digestive tract diseases and enhance a dog’s ability to process food and absorb nutrients.
Below are some of its benefits listed:
It enhances gastrointestinal health
Sauerkraut is made through fermentation and preserves good bacteria, vitamins, and enzymes. The nutrients help in improving gastrointestinal health in dogs. Also, cabbage is fibrous; thus, feeding sauerkraut to your pup prevents bloating and constipation. If your dog has a sensitive belly, providing sauerkraut in moderation will help it cope with illness.
It strengthens dogs’ immunity
Vitamin C and probiotics are essential elements to build strong immunity. Vitamin C in sauerkraut produces white blood cells and encourages cellar regeneration. It strengthens immunity in dogs and helps them fight common illnesses.
It improves dogs’ bone health
Sauerkraut is a good source of calcium, magnesium, vitamin K2 and other minerals that support dogs’ bone health. A cup of sauerkraut helps your pup maintain its bone integrity and make them capable of remineralizing.
It reduces inflammation in dogs
Inflammation is a common problem in dogs. Probiotics in sauerkraut give dogs anti-inflammatory abilities, which help dogs with allergies. Plus, the phytonutrients act as antioxidants, reduce joint pains, and help dogs with musculoskeletal issues.
In addition, sauerkraut contains iron, which helps in red blood cell production; copper, which improves dogs’ skin and potassium, enhancing kidney functioning in pups. So, incorporate sauerkraut into your dear animal’s diet today.
We have learned that sauerkraut is healthy for dogs, but making your dog eat it may not be an easy task.
How do I feed sauerkraut to my dog?
Soak sauerkraut in cold water or apple juice to reduce its strong aroma that repels dogs. Mix in small quantities of sauerkraut in your pup’s regular food and slowly increase the amount.
Remember, always introduce a new food item to your dear animal in little quantity. Monitor its reaction, let its body get used to it, and gradually increase the amount per your vet’s recommended quantity.
Some tips for feeding sauerkraut to your dogs are as follows:
- Add some sardine or other fish suitable for dogs with sauerkraut.
- Soak sauerkraut in apple juice and let your dog eat fermented cabbage.
- Cook it with sliced apples and make it mellower and sweeter.
- Mix a small amount of sauerkraut in their regular food and slowly familiarize them with the taste.
How much sauerkraut should I give my dog?
Start with 1 to 3 teaspoons of sauerkraut for every 20 pounds of your pup’s body weight.
You can gradually increase the amount if your dog becomes accustomed to the taste.
Can dogs eat canned sauerkraut?
Yes, dogs can eat canned sauerkraut. Canned sauerkraut is safe as long as it doesn’t contain any ingredient that is toxic to canines. However, you must check the salt content in it, as high sodium intake can cause health issues in your pup.
Canned sauerkraut is easy and go-to food for your dogs. You do not always have to cook sauerkraut at home and can easily feed store-bought canned sauerkraut to your pup. Don’t forget to read the ingredients and ensure that the sauerkraut doesn’t have any elements that can be toxic to dogs.
Related FAQs to whether dogs can eat sauerkraut
Can dogs eat store-bought sauerkraut?
Yes, they can; however, store-bought sauerkraut may have ingredients that can harm your dog. Also, it is less nutritious because it is processed. On the contrary, homemade sauerkraut is beneficial for dogs if you ensure to preserve its natural minerals, vitamins, and probiotics.
Can my dog eat sauerkraut every day?
Yes, it can! If you want to give sauerkraut to your pup, start with 1 to 3 teaspoons of it for every 20 pounds of the dog’s weight.
Can dogs eat sauerkraut with caraway seeds?
No, they should not. Caraway seeds are harmful to dogs and can cause various diseases, including breathing problems, diarrhea, shivering, and decreased blood sugar levels.
Can dogs eat broccoli?
Yes, dogs can eat broccoli. But you must cut them into small pieces to prevent your dog from choking. 10% of a dog’s daily diet intake of broccoli is safe for dogs, but it can be harmful if it increases to 25%.
Which foods can cause liver damage in dogs?
Foods containing xylitol can damage dogs’ liver. Artificially sweetened treats, food with high sodium content, and aflatoxin can cause liver damage in dogs.
Can dogs eat avocados?
Avocados have persin, a fungicidal toxin that can cause severe health issues in animals. Although experts comment that dogs are comparatively resistant to persin, avocados are not entirely safe for your pup.
Concluding our thoughts on whether dogs can eat sauerkraut!
Keeping a dog at home is like having a companion 24/7; however, you need to act responsibly. Dogs are your faithful friends, but they demand care. Therefore, you must ensure that you know about their diet. Sauerkraut is safe for dogs to consume and has plenty of health benefits. Feed your dog sauerkraut and play a part in enhancing its health!
