Can dogs eat cabbage? Yes. Plain cabbage, green or red, raw or cooked, is safe for dogs in small amounts. It's low in calories and brings fiber and vitamins C and K. The catch is gas: cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable, and too much can make your dog bloated and windy. Cooked, chopped and in small portions is the sweet spot.
Yes, plain and in moderation. Cabbage is non-toxic and healthy in small, chopped servings. Lightly cooked cabbage is easier to digest. Skip coleslaw, sauerkraut, cabbage rolls and cabbage cooked with onion, garlic, bacon or butter.
Table of Contents
Green vs Red Cabbage
Both are safe. Red cabbage has more vitamin C and anthocyanins, the pigments that give it its color. Per 100 g raw, from USDA FoodData Central:
| Per 100 g (raw) | Green cabbage | Red cabbage | Napa cabbage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~25 kcal | ~31 kcal | ~16 kcal |
| Fiber | ~2.5 g | ~2.1 g | ~1.2 g |
| Vitamin C | ~37 mg | ~57 mg | ~27 mg |
| Vitamin K | ~76 µg | ~38 µg | ~43 µg |
Approximate USDA values. Savoy and bok choy are similar and also fine plain.
Cabbage is cheap, keeps well and adds bulk with very few calories, which makes it useful for dogs that need to feel full on a diet. See our weight control dog food guide.
Raw or Cooked Cabbage?
- Cooked (steamed, boiled or blanched): softer, easier to digest and usually less gassy. Cook plain for 5 to 8 minutes, cool and chop.
- Raw: safe in small amounts, shredded fine. Some dogs enjoy the crunch, but raw tends to cause more gas.
- Frozen: plain blanched cabbage freezes well for later.
Raw cabbage also contains thiocyanates, compounds that can affect the thyroid when eaten in very large, regular amounts. Treat-size portions are unlikely to matter, and cooking lowers them.
Gas, Bloating and When to Worry
Too much cabbage can mean gas and loose stool. Start small and build up slowly. A tight, swollen belly with unproductive retching, drooling or restlessness is different: that can be bloat (GDV), an emergency in large, deep-chested breeds. Call your vet right away if you see those signs.
How Much Cabbage Can a Dog Eat?
| Dog's weight | Cooked, chopped cabbage | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Under 15 lb | 1 to 2 teaspoons | A few times a week |
| 15 to 40 lb | 1 to 2 tablespoons | A few times a week |
| 40 to 70 lb | 2 to 3 tablespoons | A few times a week |
| Over 70 lb | Up to ¼ cup | A few times a week |
Our estimates. Calories are tiny; the limit is gas and stool quality. All treats should stay under about 10% of daily calories, a guideline from WSAVA.
Cabbage Dishes to Skip
- Coleslaw: mayo, sugar, vinegar and often onion.
- Sauerkraut and kimchi: very salty, and kimchi contains garlic, chili and often onion.
- Cabbage rolls: seasoned meat, rice, onion and tomato sauce.
- Cabbage soup: usually made with onion, garlic and salty broth.
- Fried cabbage with bacon: fat and salt. See our bacon guide.
Onion and garlic are the biggest worries in cooked cabbage dishes, since both damage red blood cells, according to the ASPCA. See our onion guide if your dog got into a cabbage dish.
Leaves, Core and Stems
The outer leaves are fine once washed and chopped. The core is hard, dense and fibrous; a big chunk can be a choking risk and is hard to digest. Slice it thin and cook it, or just leave it out.
Dogs That Should Limit Cabbage
- Dogs with thyroid disease: ask your vet about cruciferous vegetables.
- Sensitive stomachs: start with a teaspoon of cooked cabbage, or choose green beans.
- Large, deep-chested breeds: keep portions small and avoid gassy foods right before exercise.
- Dogs on blood thinners: green cabbage is rich in vitamin K; ask your vet.
A Quick Cabbage Topper
To add cabbage to your dog's bowl without the gas:
- Finely shred a few leaves and blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes.
- Drain, cool and chop again.
- Mix 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons, by size, into the regular meal.
- Keep the rest in the fridge for up to 3 days.
It pairs well with plain cooked carrots and a little lean protein. See our dog food toppers guide for more mix-ins.
Raw or cooked cabbage? Cooked is usually better. It's easier to digest, causes less gas and lowers compounds that matter only in very large raw amounts.
Should cabbage worry owners of dogs with thyroid issues? Small, occasional portions are unlikely to matter, but ask your vet before making cruciferous vegetables a regular part of the diet.
— Dr. Sarah Miller, DVM
Cabbage for Dogs: Quick Serving Guide
✓ Do
- Cook it lightly and chop it
- Start with a small spoonful
- Use green or red cabbage
- Keep it a few times a week
✕ Don't
- Share coleslaw or sauerkraut
- Give cabbage rolls or soup
- Cook it with onion, garlic or bacon
- Give big chunks of the core
Dogs with thyroid disease or on blood thinners should get a vet OK first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat raw cabbage?
Yes, in small, finely shredded amounts. Cooked is easier on the stomach and less gassy.
Can dogs eat red cabbage?
Yes. It's just as safe as green cabbage and has a bit more vitamin C.
Can dogs eat cabbage and carrots?
Yes, plain cooked cabbage and carrots make a nice veggie mix.
Can dogs eat cabbage every day?
A small daily spoonful is OK for many dogs, but a few times a week keeps gas and thyroid concerns low.
Is cabbage good for a dog's stomach?
It isn't a remedy. Its fiber can help regularity, but too much causes gas. For an upset stomach, see our dog upset stomach guide.
Wondering about other foods? Our A-Z guide to what dogs can eat sorts them into safe, moderation and avoid.
The Bottom Line
Can dogs eat cabbage? Yes. Plain green or red cabbage, lightly cooked and chopped, is a safe, low-calorie veggie in small portions. Go slow to avoid gas, and skip coleslaw, sauerkraut, kimchi and cabbage cooked with onion, garlic or bacon. More answers in our Can Dogs Eat…? library.
References & Sources
Written by CPD Nutrition Desk using the sources below. We are not affiliated with these organizations, and this guide is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
- USDA — USDA FoodData Central
- WSAVA — WSAVA guidetotreats dogs 251107
- ASPCA — People foods avoid feeding your pets