Can Dogs Eat Sauerkraut? Is Sauerkraut Safe for Dogs?

Sauerkraut is a finely chopped, fresh cabbage that has been fermented using a variety of lactic acid bacteria. Sauerkraut is safe for dogs and can be eaten alone or as a flavoring ingredient in many dishes.

Sauerkraut is not something most dogs will eat by itself. Dog owners are inventive and have found ways to include sauerkraut in their dog’s meals so that the strong smell and taste won’t bother their sensitive palates.

Can Dogs Eat Canned Sauerkraut?

Can dogs eat canned sauerkraut? Sauerkraut can be canned to be stored.  Be careful to choose a brand that has the lowest sodium.

All dogs require salt, but too much salt can cause serious health problems to your dog. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, an average dog of 33 pounds needs only 200 mg of sodium per day. Discuss with your veterinarian how much salt is necessary for your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Cooked Sauerkraut?

Dogs can eat sauerkraut cooked. But will they? That’s another story. Sometimes, the smell alone is enough to get them to turn their noses up at it.

If you give it, and your dog eats it, be aware of gas and stomach problems. Some dogs don’t like new foods; that is why you should give them only a small amount at a time to see how they respond.

Sauerkraut for Dogs: Nutritional Benefits

Iron

Iron is essential for all warm-blooded animals to have energy, metabolism, and blood circulation. Dogs without enough iron may not get enough oxygen to perform their normal functions. Dogs with anemia can also experience mental fatigue and slowness due to a lack of iron.

Eye Health

Vitamin A, found in sauerkraut, is beneficial for dogs’ eyes. Vitamin A can help to reduce the likelihood of cataracts developing in older dogs.

Gastrointestinal Health

Sauerkraut is fermented, which means dogs who are given sauerkraut will receive probiotics (good bacteria) to help improve and maintain their gut health.

The fiber-rich sauerkraut prevents flatulence, constipation, and bloating. Sauerkraut can increase the enzymatic activity of the gut and reduce dogs’ risk of suffering from gastric ulcers or chronic diarrhea due to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).

Cardiovascular Health

Probiotics found in lacto-fermented sauerkraut are rich and can lower cholesterol levels in overweight dogs. These good bacteria also interfere with fat absorption, which can help overweight dogs lose weight and improve their heart health.

Skin and Coat Health

Vitamin A and carotene from sauerkraut are antioxidants that can improve a dog’s eyesight and decrease the possibility of developing cataracts in older dogs. Vitamin A is especially important for tissue growth, and its deficiencies can lead to dry, itchy skin and dull hair in dogs.

Related: 23 Dog Skin Conditions (And How To Cure Them)

Immune System Functioning

Sauerkraut provides enough vitamin C for dogs to support their immune system and stimulate cell regeneration and white blood cell production. Vitamin C is essential for the healthy growth and development of bones, muscles, and blood vessels.

Sauerkraut has anti-inflammatory properties

Sauerkraut and other leafy vegetables are rich in phytonutrients, which act as anti-inflammatory antioxidants. They may help reduce joint and muscle pain in dogs suffering from arthritis or other musculoskeletal issues. Sauerkraut probiotics can also help with dog allergies, reduce infection incidence, and improve a dog’s overall health.

Bone Health

Sauerkraut’s minerals are great for building strong bones in puppies and keeping them healthy in adult dogs. Vitamin K2 is a support mineral that helps maintain bone integrity in dogs and their ability to remineralize when they age.

Sauerkraut and salt content

Sauerkraut is high in sodium, which can have many health benefits for dogs. Before adding sauerkraut to your dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian if your dog has been diagnosed as having a cardiovascular or kidney disorder.

What are Sauerkraut Probiotics? How can They Improve a Dog’s Health?

Dogs need probiotics to maintain their health. There are over 400 different microorganisms in this group. These tiny organisms can increase the activity of the immune cells or cytokines. Probiotics help strengthen your dog’s immune system to better fight off pathogens.

Probiotic bacteria form colonies in the canine gut that help dogs protect themselves against various gastrointestinal diseases like canine gastroenteritis and digestive tract inflammation. Sauerkraut is rich in good bacteria, which helps restore balance in the canine’s gut. Dogs can become depressed if they have too much bad bacteria. Poor bacterial balance can lead to recurring infections, skin irritations, diarrhea, and depression.

It can be explained in this way: Probiotics are good bacteria that kill the bad bacteria and make it more difficult for them to grow again.

Sauerkraut is a great probiotic for dogs. This only applies to sauerkraut that has been refrigerated or raw. At 115 degrees Fahrenheit, live probiotic cultures will be destroyed. Sauerkraut that has been canned or cooked does not provide probiotic benefits.

Tips for Feeding Dogs Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is an excellent food for dogs that can help restore and support their gut health. However, many dog owners wonder how to get their dogs to eat it.

You can get your dog to like sauerkraut by cutting it up and adding about one tablespoon of it to a can of wet dog food.

Some dogs won’t eat vegetables no matter what you do to disguise them in dog food. Dogs may be tempted to eat sauerkraut-based food if the smell and taste are diminished. Use a colander to drain the sauerkraut and then rinse it with cold water.

Sauerkraut can also be cooked with apples to make it sweeter and more appealing to dogs. Cooking it will affect the vitamins, minerals, and probiotics it contains.

Further Reading:

• Can Dogs Eat Cabbage?
• Can Dogs Eat Capers?
• Can Dogs Eat Kale? Experts Weigh-in
• Can Dogs Eat Pickles? Are Pickles Safe For Dogs?
• Is Vinegar Bad For Dogs?
• Can Dogs Eat Kimchi?