You may have heard that cabbage is a popular food among humans, and you’ve probably seen the health benefits listed on the package of any bagged salad mix. It’s nutrient-rich, low in calories, and costs less than many other vegetable options. That’s why so many Pitbull owners wonder if they can share this superfood with their canine companions.
The short answer is yes! You can feed cabbage to your Pitbulls. But there are lots of questions around how much cabbage to give your Pitbull, and what kind of cabbage to feed them—and we’re going to answer all of those questions right here.
Is cabbage safe for Pitbulls?
Yes, cabbage is safe for Pitbulls to eat. However, you should always introduce new foods to your Pitbull slowly, especially if he or she has not had it before. This is because some Pitbulls can have a food intolerance or allergic reaction. It’s best not to feed your Pitbull too much cabbage at once as well. When introducing cabbage to your Pitbull, start with just a bit, and wait to see if any abnormal symptoms arise.
If your Pitbull has already had cabbage before and can tolerate it, cooked cabbage is a better option than raw, as cooked vegetables are easier for Pitbulls to digest and absorb nutrients more fully.
If you observe any abnormal symptoms while your canine companion eats cabbage, such as diarrhea or vomiting, stop giving him or her any more of the vegetable and consult with your veterinarian immediately.
Benefits of cabbage in Pitbulls
-Cabbage is high in antioxidants, which helps to remove free radicals that can damage cells and lead to cancer, heart disease and other conditions.
-Vitamin C: supports the immune system, the brain, and the eyes; also helps absorb iron from food.
-Vitamin B Complex: helps to break down carbohydrates and transport nutrients; aids nerve function.
-Vitamin K: aids blood clotting and helps wounds to heal.
-Potassium: regulates fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve signals throughout the body.
-Calcium: builds healthy teeth and bones; aids muscle contraction; regulates heart rhythm; assists nerve function; helps release hormones and enzymes that affect almost every function in the body.
-Phosphorus: makes bones strong; aids muscle contraction; removes waste through the kidneys; and manages your Pitbull’s energy storage.
-Fiber: cleanses the colon; reduces colon cancer risk by reducing exposure of intestinal cells to cancer-causing chemicals.
-Moisture: Pitbulls drink less water when they eat moist foods like cabbage; this reduces their risk of developing kidney stones or bladder stones, as well as helping with constipation.
Do all Pitbulls like cabbage?
Unfortunately, no.
You may wonder why your Pitbulls seem to have a taste for cabbage, but not all Pitbulls like it—just like people! Pitbulls have food preferences, and just because one loves the stuff doesn’t mean they all do. Therefore, it’s important to not force the issue if your Pitbull doesn’t seem to like cabbage—while it might be a healthy food for humans, that’s not true for Pitbulls.
If you want to introduce your Pitbull to new foods, consult with your veterinarian first to make sure that you’re doing everything right.
Can my Pitbulls have cabbage every day?
There’s no rule on how often Pitbulls can eat cabbage, but we’d recommend varying their treats.
Yes, you can feed Pitbulls the recommended amount of cabbage every day if they like it.
But we recommend you to vary the treats because your Pitbulls can get bored.
Also, different treats contain different vitamins and minerals which are good for your Pitbull’s health and wellbeing.
Can Pitbull puppies eat cabbage?
Yes, Pitbull puppies can eat cabbage. However, it is important to consult a veterinarian before introducing any new food into your puppy’s diet. It’s also recommended that puppies stick to a specialized puppy diet during their first two months to promote proper growth. After that, it should be fine to feed your puppy a small bite of cooked cabbage once or twice a week. Just be careful not to overdo it—puppies have delicate digestive systems.
How much cabbage can Pitbulls eat?
Consult with your vet first for the best serving size for your Pitbull. The amount of cabbage will depend on the age, size and activity level of your Pitbull.
A general rule of thumb: Smaller pup breed (<20 lbs) a bite or two of cooked cabbage. Large pup breeds (>20 lbs) a few more cooked morsels or bites. Important to note is that portion control is important for your Pitbull’s diet and treats. Start out with a small piece and if there are no negative reactions, you can offer more. Always follow the rule, your Pitbulls need a completely balanced diet, all treats combined should not be over 10% of the total diet.
How to serve cabbage to your Pitbulls?
First, make sure your vet has given you the green light. If so, then there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you buy organic cabbage only. Second, make sure you clean it properly before cooking it up for your Pitbull. Third, cook it moderately without seasoning it with anything that could be harmful to your pup. Instead of serving raw cabbage—which is harder for them to digest—cooking cabbage in small amounts is an easy way to boost their vegetable intake without running the risk of upsetting their stomach.
If you’re not sure how much cooked cabbage is safe for your Pitbull to eat, start by adding a small amount of cooked cabbage as a topping on their food or as a side dish with a good source of protein (like chicken or beef). Then see how they react before increasing the amount of cabbage you’re giving them next time. Just remember: never overfeed your Pitbull!
When is cabbage bad for Pitbulls?
Cabbage is not necessarily bad for Pitbulls. But there are a few cases where you should definitely not feed cabbage to your Pitbull, or limit the amount you feed them.
First, if your Pitbull has any underlying health issues, ask your veterinarian if it’s okay to give them cabbage. If your Pitbull has a serious allergy, for example, don’t risk giving them cabbage—it could trigger a reaction.
Second, don’t overfeed your Pitbull cabbage. When you do, it can cause loose stool and diarrhea in Pitbulls.
Finally, keep in mind that cabbage contains thiocyanate and nitrates and nitrites. Overindulgence in these ingredients can cause hypothyroidism in Pitbulls.
What happens when your Pitbulls eat too much cabbage?
If you think your Pitbull has eaten too much cabbage, here are some symptoms to watch out for:
Nausea. Cabbage-induced nausea can be mild or severe, and can last as long as a week after your Pitbull has consumed the offending vegetable.
Abdominal pain. Your Pitbull may refuse to eat or may appear lethargic and uninterested in engaging with you or his favorite activities. Cabbage-related abdominal pain is almost always accompanied by flatulence; if you smell it, your Pitbull’s belly probably hurts.
Diarrhea. If your Pitbull has diarrhea after eating cabbage, monitor his bowel movements closely for several days and make sure he stays hydrated. If the diarrhea persists for more than a week, contact your veterinarian.
Choking hazards. Stems from cabbage can cause choking in Pitbulls who attempt to swallow them whole.
What to do if your Pitbulls eat too much cabbage?
Cabbage has a lot of health benefits, such as helping with digestive issues, so you may be tempted to give your Pitbull more than the recommended serving size. However, it’s still important to monitor how much your Pitbull eats, since cabbage can also cause gas and bloating in your pup.
So what should you do if your furry friend accidentally eats too much of this tasty vegetable?
First of all, don’t panic! It’s not uncommon for Pitbulls to eat more than their recommended serving size—and while it may cause some discomfort in the short term, it won’t have long-term effects on their health.
Second, stop feeding the cabbage immediately and get any remaining vegetables out of reach. Then make sure to monitor your Pitbull for any abnormal signs that might indicate a problem (including vomiting or diarrhea). If you notice anything unusual after 24 hours, please contact your veterinarian.
Can Pitbulls eat red cabbage?
Yes, Pitbulls can eat red cabbage. This is true for red cabbage as well as green and any other colors of cabbage. In fact, red cabbage contains 10 times more vitamins than green cabbage does.
Other human foods Pitbulls can eat
What other human foods can Pitbulls eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Pitbulls can eat.
So, can Pitbulls eat cabbage?
Yes, Pitbulls can eat cabbage in moderation, as long as it isn’t cooked with oil or spices. Cabbage is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making it an excellent treat for your pup. Moderately cooked cabbage is better than raw cabbage because it softens the fibers and makes it easier to digest.
As with any treat, limit the amount of cabbage you give your Pitbull based on its size and weight. If you’re not sure how much to give your Pitbull, check with a vet. It’s also important to maintain the 90/10 rule: 90% of your Pitbull’s diet should comprise meat-based protein that is appropriate for its size and breed, while only 10% should be treats.