Cabbage is a popular food among humans because it’s nutrient-rich and low-cost. That’s why many beagle owners wonder: can I feed cabbage to my beagles?
The short answer is “yes,” but there are a lot of caveats. In this article, we’ll answer every question you have about feeding cabbage to your canine companions. Let’s start with the most important question:
Is cabbage safe for beagles?
Yes, cabbage is safe for beagles to eat, but it is best not to feed your beagle too much cabbage at once.
Cooked cabbage is a better option because it is easier for your beagle to digest. If you are feeding your beagle cabbage for the first time, start slowly and watch for any abnormal signs.
Although rare, some beagles can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction. If you observe any abnormal symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away!
Benefits of cabbage in beagles
Benefits of Cabbage in beagles
Antioxidants: Helps beagles fight infection, cancer and illness.
Vitamin C: Boosts immune system, fights infections, heals wounds.
Vitamin B Complex: Vital for blood health and breaking down carbohydrates. Vitamins B2, B3, and B6 also help with nerve function.
Vitamin K: For blood clotting, helping wounds to heal.
Potassium: Helps regulate fluid balance and muscle contractions and nerve signals.
Calcium: For strong teeth and bones.
Phosphorus: Improves bone strength, aids in muscle contraction and removing waste through the kidney. Also helps to manage the body’s energy usage.
Fiber: Lowers risk of heart disease, treats constipation or diarrhea. Can lower risk of cancer or diabetes for both beagles and humans! Fiber is also essential for a healthy digestive system.
Moisture: Cabbage is 92% water! This makes it a great treat for beagles on hot days to keep them hydrated, or if they’re not drinking enough water normally.
Do all beagles like cabbage?
Unfortunately, no, not that simple. Just like humans, beagles have food preferences. Some will like cabbage and others won’t. Don’t force a beagle to eat something if they don’t want to. It’s possible they could get sick or that the food is not right for them. Consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your beagle’s diet.
Can my beagles have cabbage every day?
Yes, you can feed your beagles the recommended amount of cabbage every day if they like it.
There’s no rule on how often beagles can eat cabbage. However, we recommend you vary their treats because your beagles may get bored if they have the same treat every day. Remember that different treats contain different nutrients, so it’s a good idea to give them a variety of treats to ensure they meet their nutritional needs.
Can puppies eat cabbage?
Puppies can eat cabbage, but you should wait until after the two-month mark. Puppies have a delicate digestive system and should be on specialized puppy food during the first two months of life. Once they are older, you can introduce cooked cabbage into their diet as a treat. Only feed them a small bite of cooked cabbage once or twice a week. Always consult with your vet before introducing any new food to your puppy’s diet.
How much cabbage can beagles eat?
One of our most common questions is, “How much cabbage can my beagle eat?” We’re not surprised, because we love feeding our beagles cabbage, too. But just like with any other food, moderation is important when you feed your pup cabbage.
Before feeding your beagle any new food, it’s always best to consult your vet first. They will give you the best advice based on your pup’s age, size and activity level.
As a general rule of thumb, smaller pups (<20 lbs) can eat one to two pieces of cooked cabbage while larger pups (>20 lbs) can have a few more morsels or bites of cooked cabbage. But portion control is also important for your beagle’s diet and treats. Start out with a small piece and if there are no negative reactions, you can offer more.
And remember that although fresh fruits and vegetables are part of a healthy diet for your beagle (and humans), they should not make up the bulk of their daily calories. And all treats combinedly should not be over 10% of the total diet.
How to serve cabbage to your beagles?
Beagles can eat cabbage, but it’s important to make sure you’re serving it correctly. First and foremost, consult your vet before adding this vegetable to your beagle’s diet. Once you have the green light, you’ll want to be sure that the cabbage you serve is organic and properly cleaned. Second, cook the cabbage moderately without seasoning—it’s easier for your beagle to digest that way. Serve it as a side dish or add it to a homemade meal that’s balanced with a good source of protein. You can even sprinkle it as a topping to your beagle’s food—but make sure the main ingredients are animal-based, not plant-based.
Then see the response from your beagle. If all seems well, gradually increase the amount of cabbage in their diet—but remember not to overfeed them!
When are cabbage bad for beagles?
Cabbage provides various health benefits for your beagle, but it is not ideal to feed them with large amounts of cabbage. Here are the reasons why:
– Your beagle has underlying health issues like an allergy. Cabbage is part of the Brassica family along with mustard greens, arugula, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower. If your beagle has been diagnosed with an allergy to one of these vegetables, avoid giving him cabbage as they may cause stomach upset or an allergic reaction.
– Overindulgence can cause loose stool and diarrhea. Too much dietary fiber can cause digestive problems in your beagle, leading to soft stool or diarrhea.
Thiocyanate can affect your beagle’s thyroid gland and cause hypothyroidism. Thiocyanate is found in cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and kale.
What happens when your beagles eat too much cabbage?
– Nausea: As a result of eating too much cabbage, your beagle may experience nausea and an upset stomach.
– Abdominal pain: Your beagle may experience abdominal pain because of the large amount of cabbage it has ingested.
– Flatulence: Because of the high amounts of sulfur in cabbage, beagles that eat too much cabbage might experience gas and flatulence.
– Diarrhea: Eating too much cabbage may cause diarrhea, which can be uncomfortable for your beagle.
– Choking hazards: Large pieces of cabbage can be a choking hazard for your beagle, so if you are going to allow your beagle to eat cabbage, it is important to feed it in small pieces so that they don’t pose any risk.
What to do if your beagles eat too much cabbage?
If your beagle eats too much cabbage, you should take steps immediately. First, don’t panic. Then, stop feeding your beagle any more cabbage and get the remains away from your beagle. Finally, monitor your beagle for any signs of abnormalities and contact your veterinarian if necessary.
Can beagles eat red cabbage?
Yes! All types of cabbage are safe and healthy for beagles to eat. In fact, red cabbage contains 10 times more vitamins than green cabbage.
Other human foods Beagles can eat
What other human foods can beagles eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your beagles can eat.
So, can beagles eat cabbage?
Yes, beagles can eat cabbage in moderation. Cabbage is rich in vitamins A, B6, and K, as well as fiber and folic acid. It’s also low in calories and high in calcium—all of which make it an excellent treat for beagles.
However, you should avoid giving your beagle cabbage if you know they have previously had a bad reaction to cabbage. You should also avoid adding garlic or onions to the cabbage (or any other food) you give to your beagle.