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 Pug owners wonder if they can share this superfood with their canine companions.
The short answer is yes! You can feed cabbage to your Pugs. But there are lots of questions around how much cabbage to give your Pug, and what kind of cabbage to feed them—and we’re going to answer all of those questions right here.
Is cabbage safe for Pugs?
Yes, cabbage is safe for Pugs to eat. However, you should always introduce new foods to your Pug slowly, especially if he or she has not had it before. This is because some Pugs can have a food intolerance or allergic reaction. It’s best not to feed your Pug too much cabbage at once as well. When introducing cabbage to your Pug, start with just a bit, and wait to see if any abnormal symptoms arise.
If your Pug has already had cabbage before and can tolerate it, cooked cabbage is a better option than raw, as cooked vegetables are easier for Pugs 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 Pugs
-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 Pug’s energy storage.
-Fiber: cleanses the colon; reduces colon cancer risk by reducing exposure of intestinal cells to cancer-causing chemicals.
-Moisture: Pugs 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 Pugs like cabbage?
Unfortunately, no.
You may wonder why your Pugs seem to have a taste for cabbage, but not all Pugs like it—just like people! Pugs 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 Pug doesn’t seem to like cabbage—while it might be a healthy food for humans, that’s not true for Pugs.
If you want to introduce your Pug to new foods, consult with your veterinarian first to make sure that you’re doing everything right.
Can my Pugs have cabbage every day?
There’s no rule on how often Pugs can eat cabbage, but we’d recommend varying their treats.
Yes, you can feed Pugs the recommended amount of cabbage every day if they like it.
But we recommend you to vary the treats because your Pugs can get bored.
Also, different treats contain different vitamins and minerals which are good for your Pug’s health and wellbeing.
Can Pug puppies eat cabbage?
Yes, Pug 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 Pugs eat?
Consult with your vet first for the best serving size for your Pug. The amount of cabbage will depend on the age, size and activity level of your Pug.
A general rule of thumb: Smaller pup breed (<20 lbs) a bite or two of cooked cabbage, Large pup breed (>20 lbs) few more cooked morsels or bites. Important to note is that portion control is important for your Pug’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 Pugs need a completely balanced diet, all treats combinedly should not be over 10% of the total diet.
How to serve cabbage to your Pugs?
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 Pug. 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 Pug 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 Pug!
When are cabbage bad for Pugs?
Cabbage is not necessarily bad for Pugs. But there are a few cases where you should definitely not feed cabbage to your Pug, or limit the amount you feed them.
First of all, if your Pug has any underlying health issues, ask your veterinarian if it’s okay to give them cabbage. If your Pug has a serious allergy, for example, don’t risk giving them cabbage—it could trigger a reaction.
Second of all, don’t overfeed your Pug cabbage. When you do, it can cause loose stool and diarrhea in Pugs.
Finally, keep in mind that cabbage contains thiocyanate as well as nitrates and nitrites. Overindulgence in these ingredients can cause hypothyroidism in Pugs.
What happens when your Pugs eat too much cabbage?
If you think your Pug 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 Pug has consumed the offending vegetable.
Abdominal pain. Your Pug 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 Pug’s belly probably hurts.
Diarrhea. If your Pug 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 Pugs who attempt to swallow them whole.
What to do if your Pugs 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 Pug more than the recommended serving size. However, it’s still important to monitor how much your Pug 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 Pugs 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 Pug 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 Pugs eat red cabbage?
Yes, Pugs 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 Pugs can eat
What other human foods can Pugs eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Pug can eat.
So, can Pugs eat cabbage?
Yes, Pugs 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 Pug based on its size and weight. If you’re not sure how much to give your Pug, check with a vet. It’s also important to maintain the 90/10 rule: 90% of your Pug’s diet should comprise meat-based protein that is appropriate for its size and breed, while only 10% should be treats.