With the start of fall, many German Shepherd owners might look for tasty, inexpensive ways to supplement their pup’s regular diet. This time of year is also when you might start seeing more cabbage at your local grocery stores and farmers’ markets, as it’s a popular autumnal ingredient in many traditional dishes (like stuffed cabbage rolls and coleslaw).
Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. Since it can be bought in bulk cheaply, it’s a great way to keep your pup healthy while sticking to your budget. But before you toss some of that leftover coleslaw into Fido’s bowl, let’s go over what you need to know about feeding cabbage to German Shepherds.
Is cabbage safe for German Shepherds?
Yes, cabbage is safe for German Shepherds to eat, but you should introduce it slowly, and it’s best not to feed your German Shepherd too much cabbage at once. This is because while cabbage is a healthy vegetable for humans, German Shepherds’ digestive systems aren’t as capable of handling large quantities of fiber.
You should also cook the cabbage before feeding it to your German Shepherd. This is because cooked vegetables are easier for a German Shepherd’s stomach to process than raw vegetables.
By introducing cabbage slowly and making sure not to give your German Shepherd too much at once, you can safely feed it cooked cabbage. However, there is still a possibility that your German Shepherd might have an intolerance or allergic reaction; if this happens, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Benefits of cabbage in German Shepherds
Cabbage is a superfood for your German Shepherd. Here’s why:
– Antioxidants: Protects against harmful free radicals that can damage cells, causing conditions like cancer and age-related diseases
– Vitamin C: Helps to heal wounds, absorbing iron, and improves immune system health
– Vitamin B Complex: Vital for breaking down carbohydrates, transporting nutrients, and nerve function
– Vitamin K: Clots blood and helps wounds to heal
– Potassium: Helps to regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals
– Calcium: Builds strong bones and teeth; helps muscles contract; removes waste through the kidneys; manages the body’s energy supply
– Phosphorus: Builds strong bones and teeth; helps muscles contract; removes waste through the kidneys; manages the body’s energy supply
– Fiber: Helps with digestion by bulking up stool and making it easier to pass through the intestines
– Moisture: Keeps German Shepherds hydrated
Do all German Shepherds like cabbage?
Unfortunately, no. Not all German Shepherds like cabbage. Just as you may prefer one kind of food over another, your German Shepherds may not like cabbage. The good news is that there are plenty of other vegetables, such as carrots and green beans, that most German Shepherds enjoy eating. German Shepherds have their own food preferences, so if your German Shepherd doesn’t like cabbage, try giving it a different vegetable.
If your German Shepherd doesn’t like cabbage, don’t force it to eat this vegetable. Doing so can upset your pet and make it fearful every time you give it a new food. If you want to know whether a certain food is safe for German Shepherds, consult with your veterinarian before giving it to your pet.
Can my German Shepherds have cabbage every day?
There’s no rule on how often German Shepherds can eat cabbage. If your German Shepherd likes cabbage and you feed it the recommended amount each day, then yes, you can feed them cabbage every day. However, we recommend varying the treats you give your German Shepherd because they can get bored and because different treats provide different nutrients.
Can German Shepherd puppies eat cabbage?
Yes, your German Shepherd puppy can eat cabbage! But wait until your puppy is older than two months.
Puppies need to be on a specialized puppy diet for the first two months of their lives, so consult with your vet about the timing before you give your puppy any new foods.
When you are ready to introduce cabbage into your puppy’s diet, do so with caution and only in small amounts. Cooked cabbage is best, as it will be easier for your puppy to digest. Feed just a small bite of cooked cabbage once or twice a week, making sure not to feed over 10% of your puppy’s total daily calorie intake.
Puppies have a delicate digestive system and can become ill when they eat too much food that their bodies are unaccustomed to processing. Consult with your vet before introducing any new food into your puppy’s diet.
How much cabbage can German Shepherds eat?
Always consult your vet first before changing your German Shepherd’s diet or feeding habits. Your vet will know the proper serving size based on your pet’s breed, age and current health status.
Generally speaking, you can feed a small pup (<20 lbs) a bite or two of cooked cabbage while larger breeds (>20 lbs) can handle a few more morsels or bites. Too much cabbage can cause an upset stomach for some German Shepherds so it’s best to give your German Shepherd small portions at first. If there are no negative reactions after about 24 hours, you can offer more next time. Always follow the rule of “all treats combined should not be over 10% of the total diet” so that your German Shepherd gets a complete and balanced diet from all sources.
How to serve cabbage to your German Shepherds?
If you’re considering introducing cabbage to your German Shepherd’s diet, you’ll want to make sure it’s done in a way that’s safe and healthy for your furry friend. You should always consult your vet before making any big changes to your pet’s diet, as some German Shepherds have allergies to certain foods.
Once you get the OK from the vet, make sure that you’re only feeding organic cabbage to your pup. This ensures that there are no harmful pesticides or preservatives in the food, which can be dangerous for German Shepherds who are prone to allergies or other health concerns.
Cabbage can be served cooked (which is easier for German Shepherds to digest) or raw. If your pup isn’t used to eating raw cabbage leaves, start by offering it in small amounts, then gradually increase the amount until you reach the desired serving size. If your German Shepherd develops diarrhea or other digestive issues after eating cabbage, cut back on the amount you’re giving them and consult your vet.
Cabbage is a low-calorie vegetable and is high in fiber, vitamins C and K, calcium and potassium—all of which are beneficial to German Shepherds when eaten in moderation. To ensure a balanced diet for your pup, combine cabbage with normal commercial diet.
When are cabbage bad for German Shepherds?
While cabbage is usually safe to feed your German Shepherd, it can be harmful in some instances. If your German Shepherd has an allergy to cabbage or an underlying health issue, you should avoid feeding them this vegetable. In addition, if you are feeding your German Shepherd a lot of cabbage at once or on a regular basis, it could cause diarrhea, vomiting, bloating and gas. Cabbage also contains a small amount of thiocyanate, which in large quantities can lead to hypothyroidism in German Shepherds.
What happens when your German Shepherds eat too much cabbage?
Eating too much cabbage can cause some pretty staggering symptoms in your German Shepherd. To help you figure out if your pup is suffering from cabbage overload, here’s a list of what to look for:
– Nausea: If your German Shepherd’s stomach starts feeling queasy from all the cabbage it’s eaten, you may notice it licking its lips or yawning excessively.
– Abdominal pain: As the cabbage causes gas and bloating, you may observe excessive stretching or panting while your German Shepherd tries to relieve the discomfort.
– Flatulence: If your German Shepherd has been eating a lot of cabbage lately, you might notice that it farts more than usual—or that it just farts way more than you remember it used to fart before.
– Diarrhea: If your German Shepherd has been eating too much cabbage, you may notice that its poop changes from its normal size and color to something smaller and looser. You may also see undigested pieces of green vegetable matter in there!
– Choking hazards: If your German Shepherd eats one bite too many of cabbage, it might start choking on the leafy greens.
What to do if your German Shepherds eat too much cabbage?
Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that your German Shepherds may eat when they are fed with human food. Although it is not toxic to them, eating too much of it can cause a lot of problems for your German Shepherds.
If you see your German Shepherds eating too much cabbage, don’t panic and follow these steps:
Stop feeding them cabbage. Get away any remaining cabbages in the house and dispose of them if possible.
Monitor their health status for the next 24 hours. If you notice any abnormal sign in their behavior, contact your vet immediately.
Can German Shepherds eat red cabbage?
The short answer is: Yes!
All colors of cabbage, including red, are safe and healthy for German Shepherds to eat. In fact, red cabbage has ten times more vitamins than green cabbage, so it’s actually a great treat for your pup.
Other human foods German Shepherds can eat
What other human foods can German Shepherds eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your German Shepherd can eat.
So, can German Shepherds eat cabbage?
Yes, German Shepherds can eat cabbage in moderation. Cabbage contains a lot of fiber and is low in fat which makes it ideal for most German Shepherds. In addition, it contains antioxidants which are known to reduce inflammation in the body. As such, it can help keep your German Shepherd healthy and active.
However, don’t overfeed your German Shepherd with cabbage as it may cause digestive problems such as bloating or gas. You should follow the 90/10 rule: 90% of what you feed your German Shepherd should be their regular food while the remaining 10% could be treats like vegetables or fruits including cabbage.