Cabbage is one of the healthiest vegetables and is always part of many recipes.
Most people believe that the nutrients in the veggies cannot be beneficial for dogs.
However, cabbage has lots of health benefits for dogs. The only disadvantage; it causes dogs to be gassy.
Can I Feed My Dog with Cabbage?
Does your dog have that longing look while you eat cabbage? If yes you might wonder if sharing it with your pet is appropriate.
Cabbage is very safe for dogs and has numerous health benefits as well. It is excellent for the pet’s skin.
However, there is the gassy factor which is normal.
When giving the dog cabbage do it in moderation and prepare it in the right way.
How to Prepare Cabbage
You may want to feed your dog with raw cabbage to avoid losing nutrients.
However, it has potentially harmful factors which make cooking a must.
The vegetable has thiocyanate a natural compound which is not toxic in small quantities.
However, when dogs consume large amounts of cabbage, it affects its thyroid gland.
Thiocyanate may cause a potential risk of hypothyroidism. It is best to cook the veggie before serving your dog. You might choose to boil or steam it.
Avoid Species
Do not add spices when preparing cabbage for your dog.
Additives like garlic are harmful to dogs and affect their digestive system causing diarrhea.
Dog food should be simple, and they never mind if you serve them bland tasting cabbage.
Health Benefits
Cabbage is a very healthy vegetable. It is rich in essential vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants.
Natural antioxidants help to boost the immune system and protect cells from being damaged by fighting free radicals.
Free radicals are created when the dog is exposed to light, heat or the environment.
As much as free radicles can damage healthy cells, the dog’s body sometimes creates them to kill invading bacteria and viruses.
It helps to prevent infections and illness. Therefore the antioxidants in cabbage will help boost the immune system of your dog.
Cabbage also has high fiber content which is excellent for the dog’s digestive system.
The vegetable is also great for the dog’s skin.
It has sulfur which helps in drying up oily skin. It also enhances the production of keratin which is vital for strong nails, hair, and skin.
Research also shows that cabbage can help fight against cancer.
Some of the components in cabbage improves the production of enzymes and prevent cancerous tumors growth.
How to Feed the Dog
Introducing a new food to your buddy might sometimes cause stomach upsets. Therefore always feed your dog in moderation.
You can start by serving them a small quantity of chopped cabbage over their food.
Conclusion
Cabbage is an excellent vegetable for your dog’s health. Therefore if your dog ends up loving it feed it with moderation.
Also, remember to lightly-cook it to avoid health complications.
I hope this article is helpful in answering the question, can dogs eat cabbage.