Can we feed cabbage to dogs?

There is no doubt that cabbage is a vegetable that can appear in the dog’s food list. It often appears in homemade dog food recipes and is also on the ingredient list of fresh food. However, because its nutritional structure is not comprehensive, it cannot be used as a staple food for dogs. After all, although dogs are omnivores, they still prefer to eat meat.

What nutrients are there in cabbage?

Vitamin C

Dogs can synthesize part of their own vitamin C, but for older dogs and large dogs, the amount synthesized by the body is far from enough to meet their needs. . Therefore, you need to consume vitamin C from your diet to make up for the gap. Vitamin C is an important nutrient for collagen and bone formation, which can prevent joint and cartilage problems in dogs. It is also said to be effective in fighting allergies and improving physical fitness.

Vitamin K

This vitamin can promote the activity of enzymes in the dog's body and is also involved in protein metabolism and the integration of calcium into bones. If your dog's joints are injured, doctors generally recommend taking more vitamin K.

Vitamin U

This vitamin is also called a "gastrointestinal medicine" and it can strengthen the dog's intestines and liver. It can effectively relieve the constipation problem of dogs. They improve appetite and regulate the body. This in turn promotes the enhancement of dog immunity.

Calcium

Basically everyone knows how important the nutrient calcium is. Although the calcium content in cabbage is not that high, it can still supplement some of it.

Dietary fiber

Generally speaking, dogs are not very good at digesting dietary fiber, but there are always exceptions, and the dietary fiber in cabbage is pectin that dogs can tolerate. And the content is not very high. It can regulate the dog's gastrointestinal tract and is also easy to digest.

Precautions for feeding cabbage to dogs

The size and position of cabbage

Whether it is the outermost leaves or the core part of the cabbage, it cannot be eaten arbitrarily Give it to dogs. Both are bad for your dog's digestion, and the cabbage core contains a type of nitrate that may cause poisoning in dogs. In addition, it is best to chop raw cabbage into small pieces before giving it to your dog.

Pay attention to the amount of feeding

Cabbage contains a substance called isothiocyanate, which competitively inhibits the sodium-iodine transporter (NIS) on thyroid cells. ) activity, thereby affecting the normal operation of the dog’s thyroid gland. Of course, under normal circumstances, it will not affect the health of your dog, but if your dog has thyroid disease, you need to consult a doctor. The general recommendation for dogs is to consume 6 grams of cabbage per kilogram per day. If you eat too much, it will be harmful to your dog.good.

How to feed cabbage to dogs

Eat it raw

Eating it raw is the easiest way, but there is no guarantee that your dog will take the initiative to eat it because he likes it. What we need to pay attention to is that the cabbage should be chopped into small pieces to make it easier for dogs to eat. If you can add some sesame or sesame oil to the cabbage, it can also effectively increase the dog's appetite.

Cooked into fresh food

As a part of fresh food, cabbage can be eaten more favorably by dogs, but some nutrients are likely to be dissolved during the cooking process. Lost in water. Which method to choose depends on the owner to weigh it.

In general, cabbage is a good vegetable that can meet part of the nutritional needs of dogs. If the owner has the habit of making homemade fresh food, he might as well add a little cabbage to it. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have it. Dog food plus nutritional paste can also meet the nutritional needs of dogs. When a dog accidentally eats cabbage, the owner does not need to worry too much. Unless you eat the core part. In addition, cabbage is not suitable for dogs with thyroid problems. Finally, I wish you all a happy life with your dog.