Can Dogs Eat Coleslaw?

There isn’t much of a learning curve when it comes to feeding your dog. Your dog will be happy if provided with a balanced diet regularly (along with the occasional treat).

If a dog unintentionally consumes some Coleslaw, don’t worry too much. While dogs may consume a limited quantity of coleslaw, it is not recommended. Coleslaw is not good since it has no benefits for dogs and might make them unwell.

Some human meals are healthy for dogs and may be given to them in large quantities without any risk. Some foods are okay in moderation, while others should never be fed to dogs since they can cause serious illness.

After all, coleslaw has several components, some of which are quite safe for canines. In this post, we’ll look at what is in coleslaw and if it’s safe to feed your pet.

So, What Exactly Is Coleslaw?

Coleslaw is typically served as an accompaniment to grilled or fried meats. This side dish is prevalent worldwide.

Shredded raw cabbage is combined with plenty of mayonnaise and several additional ingredients to create a dish similar to egg salad. Vinaigrette is a popular alternative to mayonnaise in several recipes.

Coleslaw is a type of cabbage salad that originated in the Netherlands and was called koolsla there. Many diners substitute coleslaw for sauerkraut in Reuben sandwiches. Coleslaw is also commonly served with hamburgers and hot dogs, often on top of the traditional condiments like mustard and chili.

You may get coleslaw prepared in many different ways, from homemade to store-bought to restaurant-served, each with its own unique blend of ingredients and components.

The standard ingredients are shredded raw carrots, chopped raw cabbage, and chopped raw onions, all mixed with a creamy sauce like mayonnaise or cream.

These last two are typically served raw or just lightly cooked. White onion and cabbage are the most common, although red onion and red (or purple) cabbage are also acceptable substitutions.

Depending on its origin, coleslaw may also contain a lot of salt, sugar, oil, vinegar, and other seasonings.

Eating store-bought coleslaw might make it more challenging to identify each individual ingredient. On the other hand, if you prepare it yourself, you may choose exactly what ingredients to use.

 

The dangers of feeding coleslaw to your dog

Coleslaw is made primarily of mayonnaise and cabbage. The mayonnaise dressing has a very intense flavor due to its abundant carbohydrates and fats. Nothing about mayonnaise is beneficial for a dog’s tummy.

Mayonnaise in coleslaw is not dangerous to dogs, but a diet heavy in fatty foods will lead to obesity. Overweight dogs put stress on their joints and hearts and are more likely to acquire conditions like diabetes and pancreatitis. Even if your dog begs for coleslaw, it’s not a good idea to give it to him.

The coleslaw’s major ingredient, cabbage, is safe for canines to consume, but the dish as a whole—dressing and all—is not.

Even so, be mindful of feeding your dog cabbage because it may trigger bloat or more significant gastrointestinal distress in certain canines.

It is also not a good idea to give your dog the AD Cream that is abundant in coleslaw. It’s not a good idea to feed your dog cream because many dogs are lactose intolerant, and some even have dairy allergies.

Then there are the salts and sugars, which should be kept to an absolute minimum in any dog’s diet.

The final dangerous component of coleslaw is onion, which is toxic to dogs.

Canines Get No Nutritional Value From Eating Coleslaw

Mineral, nutritional, vitamin, and protein-rich dog food is ideal for our canine companions. Coleslaw doesn’t have anything good for our dog’s health.

On the other hand, coleslaw has a lot of sugar, salt, and fat and is low in protein and fiber.

What Happens If My Dog Consumes A Lot Of Coleslaw?

If your dog consumes only a small amount of coleslaw, he should be alright, but speak with your veterinarian to be sure.

If your dog eats a lot of coleslaw, he may get food poisoning and exhibit the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach upset
• Frequently passing gas
• Shredded cabbage that is too hard might damage your dog’s throat or cause choking in canines.

If your pet exhibits any of these signs, contact your veterinarian straight once.

Coleslaw Substitutes That Are Better For Your Dog

Some canines actually enjoy fresh produce like salads and vegetables.

You may help your dog’s health by feeding them vegetables since they are rich in nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

There are veggies that may be safely ingested by dogs, vegetables that should be consumed in moderation, and vegetables that should be avoided at all costs.

Related: Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can’t Eat

Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce, spinach, kale, bell pepper, carrots, beets, and turnips all receive the OK.

Vegetables heavy in starch, such as yams, potatoes, and sweet potatoes, should be served with caution.

Vegetables that are members of the onion, garlic, shallot, scallion, rhubarb, and mushroom families should be avoided. Many of them are OK for humans to eat but are poisonous to dogs.

Conclusion

Small amounts of coleslaw may be safe for your dog. However, coleslaw is not good for dogs and will often make them sick.

Our recommendation is never to give coleslaw to dogs. The results will be unpleasant for both you and the dog. The dog will be quite uncomfortable, and you, as his owner, may be required to take him to the veterinarian. Following that, you must care for and manage his stomach disturbance until he recovers. The danger is not worth it.

So, the answer to the question “Can dogs eat coleslaw?” is no. Better investigate a healthy dog diet and provide your four-legged companion with proper, high-quality pet food.