When you’re going grocery shopping, it’s hard to pass up on an affordable, nutrient-rich food that can be used in a variety of recipes. That’s why cabbage is such a popular choice among humans—and why so many Rottweiler owners wonder if they can feed it to their Rottweilers.
The short answer is: yes! But there are lots of questions surrounding feeding your Rottweiler cabbage. Will it upset their stomach? If so, what precautions should you take when feeding them cabbage? Is there a better way to prepare cabbage for your Rottweiler? Can you feed your Rottweiler too much cabbage?
In this article, we’ll answer every question you might have about feeding the cabbage to your Rottweiler. To start, let’s explore that most basic question that may be on your mind:
Is cabbage safe for Rottweilers?
Is cabbage safe for your Rottweiler? Yes, it is!
Cabbage is a great source of vitamins and other nutrients that are good for your Rottweiler’s health. Feeding your Rottweiler cabbage can help improve his digestion and even boost his immune system.
However, introduce any new food (yes, even healthy foods!) slowly into your Rottweiler’s diet, which helps monitor how he reacts to the new food and how much of it he eats. When feeding cabbage for the first time, begin with small amounts and watch for any abnormal signs.
Cooked cabbage is a better option because it has additional benefits that raw cabbage does not offer. Cooked cabbage is less likely to cause intestinal gas or an upset stomach in Rottweilers who are sensitive to raw foods. It also offers more nutrition than raw cabbage because it softens the tough fibers during cooking which makes it easier for your Rottweiler’s body to digest the nutrients in the vegetable.
Benefits of cabbage in Rottweilers
-Antioxidants: Antioxidants fight free radicals, which are molecules that can damage DNA and lead to cancer. Antioxidants also help slow the aging process.
-Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps build collagen, which is important for blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. It also helps the body to heal from wounds and repairs and maintains cartilage, bones, and teeth.
-Vitamin B Complex: This group of vitamins helps break down carbohydrates and transport nutrients through the body so that nerve function is normal.
-Vitamin K: This vitamin helps the blood clot so that wounds can heal.
-Potassium: Potassium regulates fluid balance in cells and nerves and muscle contractions.
-Calcium: Calcium strengthens bones and teeth and helps muscles to contract properly.
-Phosphorus: Phosphorus keeps bones and teeth strong while helping muscles to contract properly, getting rid of waste through kidneys, and managing the body’s energy.
-Fiber: Fiber helps regulate blood sugar levels and eliminates toxins from the body.
-Moisture: Moisture keeps Rottweilers hydrated and prevents constipation.
Do all Rottweilers like cabbage?
Unfortunately, not all Rottweilers like cabbage. Just as a human might have a favorite food and a least favorite food, Rottweilers have their own preferences, too. You can try to determine what your Rottweiler likes by assessing their response to different vegetables, or you can consult with a veterinarian and get advice on how to introduce new foods into your Rottweiler’s diet.
Can my Rottweilers have cabbage every day?
There’s no rule on how often Rottweilers can eat cabbage.
If you want to feed your Rottweiler cabbage every day, you can. Just make sure you’re only feeding the recommended amount for their size and weight. You can also vary the treats your Rottweilers get if they’re eating cabbage every day because they might get bored with it, and different treats contain different nutrients.
Can Rottweiler puppies eat cabbage?
Yes! But wait until they are two months old. Your Rottweiler puppy should be on a specialized puppy diet during their first two months, so you’ll need to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new food to their diet.
You can feed them just a small bite of cooked cabbage once or twice a week. Just remember that not all Rottweilers respond to food the same way, so keep an eye out for any negative reaction and consult your vet if you have any concerns. Also, remember that puppies have a delicate digestive system, and it can take them some time to adjust to new foods.
How much cabbage can Rottweilers eat?
So how much cabbage can Rottweilers eat? The answer depends on the age, size and activity level of your Rottweiler. A general rule of thumb is that small pups (less than 20 pounds) can have a bite or two of cooked cabbage, while large pups (over 20 pounds) can have a few more cooked morsels or bites.
Portion control is important for your Rottweiler’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 Rottweiler’s treat intake should not exceed 10% of their total diet.
If your Rottweiler experiences any unusual symptoms after eating cabbage, consult with your veterinarian right away.
How to serve cabbage to your Rottweilers?
If you’re thinking about adding cabbage to your Rottweiler’s diet, it’s important to talk to your vet first. Once you have the green light from your vet, here are some tips on how to serve cabbage to your Rottweiler.
Keep It Organic: Since cabbage is a vegetable that absorbs pesticides and other chemicals from the soil, organic varieties are better for your Rottweiler when fed raw. When cooked, nonorganic cabbage is generally safe.
Clean It Properly: As with any produce you plan to feed to your Rottweiler, wash it thoroughly before serving. Cabbage leaves can trap dirt and other particulate matter in their crevices that may be harmful if ingested by your Rottweiler.
Cook It Properly: When feeding raw cabbage, always cut it up into small pieces so it’s easier for your Rottweiler to digest. If you’re cooking the cabbage, make sure you cook it until just tender (not mushy), and don’t add any seasoning or harmful ingredients like salt, pepper, or onions.
Don’t Feed Too Much Cabbage: Cabbage should be added as a small part of your overall homemade meal plan for Rottweilers — about 10% of the total food fed daily — and balanced with a good source of protein such as beef or chicken.
When is cabbage bad for Rottweilers?
Cabbage is actually a very nutritious vegetable for Rottweilers, but that doesn’t mean it’s appropriate in every situation. Here are some reasons you might not want to give your Rottweiler cabbage:
Your Rottweiler has underlying health issues like allergies, diabetes, or heart conditions. Even though it’s generally good for your Rottweiler’s health, cabbage can cause problems with these issues if they’re already present.
You feed too much of cabbage to your Rottweilers, can cause loose stool and diarrhea
Cabbage contains a small amount of thiocyanate, an enzyme that kills thyroid tissue. Overindulgence can cause hypothyroidism in your Rottweiler.
What happens when your Rottweilers eat too much cabbage?
Cabbage is a healthy green vegetable, but it can be hard for our Rottweilers to digest. When they eat too much cabbage, it can cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. Some of the most common signs that your Rottweiler has eaten too much cabbage are:
– Nausea: Rottweilers with upset stomachs often drool excessively, lick their lips, and swallow more than normal.
– Abdominal pain: Rottweilers with abdominal pain may vocalize frequently and whine when you touch their belly, or they may scoot their rear end on the carpet in an attempt to relieve the cramping.
– Flatulence: If your Rottweiler has flatulence, they will pass gas frequently, which may be accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal pain.
– Diarrhea: Diarrhea in Rottweilers will consist of loose, watery stools that may appear as though they have streaks of blood in them.
– Choking hazard: Cabbage leaves are known to get stuck in Rottweilers’ throats, causing them to choke or gag. This can be scary for both you and your pup.
What to do if your Rottweilers eat too much cabbage?
If your Rottweiler eats too much cabbage, don’t panic. Just immediately remove any remaining cabbage from the area and prevent access to any more.
Monitor your Rottweiler’s behavior over the next few hours after they eat cabbage to see if they display any abnormal signs. If any signs of distress appear, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can Rottweilers eat red cabbage?
Yes, red cabbage is safe and healthy for your Rottweiler to eat. Cabbage is a superfood that contains 10 times more vitamins than green cabbage, so if you have the option of feeding your Rottweiler red or green cabbage, go with red.
Besides being more nutritious than its green counterpart, red cabbage is rich in antioxidants, which can help prevent cancer and other diseases. Red cabbage also contains a tiny amount of anthocyanin, a pigment that gives cabbage its red color. These pigments provide antioxidant benefits and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Other human foods Rottweilers can eat
What other human foods can Rottweilers eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Rottweiler can eat.
So, can Rottweilers eat cabbage?
Yes, Rottweilers can eat cabbage in moderation. It’s a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants, making it an excellent treat for Rottweilers. Moderately cooked cabbage is better than raw cabbage because it breaks down the cellulose fibers, making it easier to digest. However, don’t overfeed your Rottweiler cabbage because it has a high sugar content and may cause stomach upset if overfed. As a rule of thumb, keep treats under 10% of your Rottweiler’s diet.