Can Dogs Eat Sauerkraut?

There is no doubt that your dog will enjoy the taste of sauerkraut and it can provide many health benefits as well.

Sauerkraut has a distinct taste that your dog may or may not like. Fermented vegetables are pungent inside of the mouth because they are fermented.

There are some brands of sauerkraut that contain other additives that are very harmful to your dogs health. Spices such as garlic onion powder or caraway seeds which are usually served with sauerkraut are extremely dangerous.

In light of that information it might be best to make your own sauerkraut rather than buying it from the store. If you decide to purchase from a store make sure it does not contain anything harmful for your dog by checking the ingredients list.

Health Benefits of Sauerkraut for Dogs

In addition to its nutritional value sauerkraut contains a lot of vitamins and minerals. The health benefits of sauerkraut are discussed below.

Vitamins

Sauerkraut is packed with vitamins such as vitamin A C B6 and K1.
Vitamin A has been shown to promote a healthy coat and skin in dogs. As it will renew your dogs skin extra vitamin A in the diet will be helpful if your dog suffers from sensitive skin dry skin or itchy skin.
The vitamin C in white blood cells also helps create cellular regeneration.
Vitamin C works to boost the immune system as well.
Vitamin K keeps your dog’s bones strong and intact.
Vitamin B provides natural energy for your dog to play and work throughout the day.

Iron

Sauerkraut is also a good source of iron. The body needs iron to function properly. In order to transport oxygen throughout the body and to the vital organs your dog needs iron. Its possible for your dog to act excessively tired or weak if it does not get enough iron.

Probiotics

During the fermentation process the fermented cabbage that makes up sauerkraut receives a huge amount of good bacteria. Probiotics have been shown to improve gut health and regulate it.

It is possible for dogs to develop common ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome ulcers and excessive flatulence. It helps bacteria keep some of those ailments at bay when you take a probiotic.

Your dogs cardiovascular health will actually improve with these good probiotics. You can actually lower your dogs cholesterol levels with the probiotic if your dog is overweight or already struggling with this.

Antioxidants

Sauerkraut which is made from fermented cabbage leaves is one of the vegetables that contain antioxidants.

Joint pain and arthritis in older dogs can be treated with antioxidants or anti-inflammatory foods. There will be no cure for your dogs pain but this may ease some of it.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Sauerkraut?

Sauerkraut can be enjoyed by your dog raw and cold. Just make sure to give this fermented vegetable in moderation. If you give your dog a lot of food he might have gastrointestinal issues so make sure you only give him a little.

You should make sure the sauerkraut you give your dog has safe ingredients as I mentioned before. There is no need for seasonings on dogs’ food as plain is the best.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Sauerkraut?

You can serve cooked sauerkraut to your dog but do not get discouraged if your dog does not like it. Dogs can sometimes be deterred by sauerkrauts strong smell.

Generally dogs can tolerate the smell of raw and cold fermented cabbage better than that of cooked cabbage. Also cooked sauerkraut may give your dog more gas than usual so just be aware of that potential side effect. However if your dog is able to eat sauerkraut it is safe.

Can Dogs Eat Sauerkraut with Caraway Seeds?

Sauerkraut containing caraway seeds is not suitable for dogs. These seeds differ greatly from cumin seeds. Sauerkraut containing caraway seeds should not be given to your dog.

When your dog digests caraway seeds it can lead to some nasty side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea. I recommend that you contact your veterinarian if your dog becomes ill after eating a caraway seed.

Can Dogs Eat Pork and sauerkraut?

You can give your dog pork and sauerkraut as long as the pork is plain and unseasoned. Sauerkraut and pork can also be salty so watch the sodium content.

When you cook your sauerkraut and pork pull out a portion that is plain for your dog and season the rest for yourself.

Can Dogs Eat Canned Sauerkraut?

As long as it contains no harmful ingredients dogs can consume canned or jarred sauerkraut. In store-bought sauerkraut additional ingredients such as caraway seeds garlic onions etc. are usually added. Your dog should not be given these ingredients.

Sauerkraut that is canned or jarred typically contains more sodium than fresh sauerkraut. Salt is used to preserve food and give it more flavor. Humans cannot digest huge quantities of sodium as dogs can.

It is best to give your dog a homemade sauerkraut or a store-bought version with low sodium preferably organic. The only ingredient should be sauerkraut.

How to Feed Sauerkraut to Your Dog

It does not take much sauerkraut for your dog to get the health and nutritional benefits. Too much food can actually cause stomach upset and bathroom problems for your dog.

Starting with a small amount of plain sauerkraut will be the best way to introduce it to your dog. It will ensure your dog does not have an allergic reaction to the product.

As soon as you know that your dog can handle fermented cabbage you can add more to his diet incorporated into his food.

Make sure not to overfeed your dog sauerkraut because it may harm them. Depending on your dogs weight mix a teaspoon to a tablespoon of fermented cabbage into their food.

To make the sauerkraut easier for your small dog breed to digest you can chop it up further into smaller pieces.
The addition of some fruits like apples with sauerkraut can sometimes help balance out its fermented taste.

Food Alternatives to Sauerkraut

Listed below are some great substitutes or similar fermented foods that dogs can actually enjoy in small quantities

A pickle
Pickled Vegetables
Tempeh
Tofu
Apple Cider Vinegar

Conclusion

You can give your dog small quantities of sauerkraut without harming him. Your dog can get sick if it eats too much so one to three teaspoons is the perfect amount for your canine.

Please let us know if your dog has ever tried fermented vegetables or sauerkraut. In case you are concerned about giving your dog sauerkraut you can always consult your veterinarian.

If you want to read more about dog food tips read here: Dog Food Tips and Tricks.