Can Dogs Eat Sauerkraut? | Is Sauerkraut Good For Dogs?
Considered Germany’s superfood, sauerkraut is common in countries throughout the world. From New Year’s day celebrations to Fourth of July cookouts, it’s a commonly eaten food with a surprising amount of health benefits! If it’s a “superfood” for humans, it can’t be bad for dogs, right? Can dogs eat sauerkraut? Or is sauerkraut bad for dogs? Read on to find out!
Can Dogs Eat Sauerkraut? (The Short Answer)
Yes, dogs can eat sauerkraut! This food is great for overall gut health and contains a bunch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide benefits throughout the body! The only thing you need to look out for before serving it to your pup is whether it contains onion powder, garlic powder, or caraway seeds, which can all be toxic to dogs. To avoid this, it may be easier to make your own rather than buying it from the store. This product, especially when store-bought, can contain a lot of salt, so only serve this food in moderation. Additionally, too much sauerkraut can make your dog gassy, so small portions are better for both you and your pup.
It’s important to remember, that even with the best of intentions, accidents happen and dogs can easily eat things they shouldn’t. Unfortunately, even if those accidents aren’t fatal, they can result in huge, unexpected veterinary expenses. That’s why we recommend all responsible dog owners get a free, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws.
Is Sauerkraut Good For Dogs?
We’ve already answered the question, “can dogs eat sauerkraut?” Now, let’s learn about the benefits of feeding your dog this food! Is sauerkraut good for dogs?
Yes, sauerkraut is an excellent choice for dogs! Overall it works wonders for gut health and includes a vast amount of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants! It can be argued that sauerkraut can be healthier than plain cabbage because of its fermentation properties!
First and foremost, sauerkraut can be very beneficial to your dog’s gut health. This is because sauerkraut is a fermented food. This means that once it’s in the gut it helps eliminate any bad bacteria and can therefore improve and maintain gut health. In addition to being a fermented food, it’s also relatively high in fiber which is another pro for gut health. Fiber regulates the digestive system and can help the gut to repair itself when necessary.
Like most vegetables, sauerkraut offers a wide array of vitamins and minerals that can help support your dog’s overall gut health. For starters, sauerkraut has a high iron content which helps regulate metabolism, supports proper circulation, and can help keep energy levels up. There is also a decent amount of vitamin A in sauerkraut which is important for skin and coat health. The minerals in sauerkraut help support strong bone health. These are just a fraction of the vitamins and minerals in sauerkraut that are beneficial to dogs.
In addition to vitamins and minerals, sauerkraut is also full of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important in reducing the number of cancer-causing free radicals in the body. They also play a role in reducing inflammation which can be helpful for dogs who suffer from arthritis.
Is Sauerkraut Bad for Dogs?
We’ve already answered the question, “can dogs eat sauerkraut?” Now, let’s learn about the dangers of feeding your dog this food! Is sauerkraut bad for dogs?
While there are some great health benefits to sauerkraut, there are a few things to be cautious of before serving it to your pup. The main things to watch out for are the preparation method and the inclusion of some potentially dangerous ingredients.
Homemade sauerkraut is by far the best choice in comparison to store-bought. However, most of us would choose convenience over quality. Although store-bought sauerkraut shouldn’t have any severe effects on your pup, it’s not quite as good as the homemade option. Store-bought varieties often contain high salt content, additives, and preservatives. The amount of salt isn’t a lethal amount, but all of these things are best to be avoided whenever possible.
Another important thing to look for, especially in store-bought options, is the ingredient list. It’s possible that spices or seasonings may have been added to enhance the flavor, some of which could be harmful to dogs. Look for spices like garlic, onion powder, or caraway seeds which can be toxic for dogs. When making homemade recipes, make sure to leave these ingredients out of your recipe if you plan on giving some to your dog.
A downside that affects you more than your dog is that Sauerkraut might make your furry friend rather gassy. If your dog gets gassy after eating sauerkraut, you shouldn’t be alarmed as it is commonly associated with the high fiber content in this food.
Other Varieties & Related Foods:
Is Pork and Sauerkraut Okay for Your Pup?
Yes, with certain specifications, dogs can eat pork and sauerkraut. As long as the pork is fully-cooked and unseasoned, it’s safe for dogs to eat. This should only be given in small quantities because too much of pork or sauerkraut can cause digestive upset.
Can Dogs Eat Uncooked Sauerkraut?
Yes, dogs can eat uncooked sauerkraut. As you would with cooked sauerkraut, make sure that there is no added seasonings that could be harmful to your dog. Additionally, portion size is a big factor. Your dog can handle smaller portions, but if you give them a human sized portion, they may suffer gastrointestinal side-effects.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Sauerkraut?
In moderation, dogs can eat canned sauerkraut, although it places second in comparison to homemade sauerkraut. This is because canned sauerkraut is generally higher in sodium than homemade versions, and salt shouldn’t be a common addition to your dog’s diet. That being said, a small amount of canned sauerkraut should not cause your dog any serious harm as long as there are no toxic ingredients included such as onion powder, garlic powder, or caraway seeds.
In Conclusion: Can Dogs Have Sauerkraut?
Yes, your pup will be glad to know that you can give them a few bites of sauerkraut the next time you make it! Their digestive system will enjoy the benefits! Again, be sure to look at salt content and all the ingredients to make sure it is safe for your dog to eat. Like usual, don’t serve this food to your dog in large portions or too frequently, as it can cause some digestive upset and flatus in larger quantities.
Want to Learn More?
Check out these related articles from our “Read Before You Feed” series for more advice on safe foods for dogs!
Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians and this article should not be taken as medical or veterinary advice. If you have any questions about your pet’s health or dietary needs, please contact your local veterinarian.
