Can Dogs Eat Sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is finely cut, fresh cabbage that has been fermented with several types of lactic acid bacteria. Eaten alone or used to flavor hot dogs, casseroles and meat dishes, sauerkraut is also a nutritious food that dogs can eat safely. Since most dogs won’t eat sauerkraut by itself, creative dog owners have found ways to incorporate sauerkraut into their pet’s food so strong smell and taste doesn’t bother a dog’s sensitive nose and palate.
Nutritional Benefits of Sauerkraut for Dogs
Iron
All warm-blood animals need iron to boost energy, regulate metabolism and support blood circulation. Without enough iron, a dog’s organs may not receive enough oxygen to function normally. Lack of iron can also cause mental slowness and tiredness in dogs with anemia.
Gastrointestinal Health
Because sauerkraut undergoes the process of fermentation, dogs given sauerkraut receive “good” bacteria (probiotics) that helps improve and maintain gut health. Fiber-rich sauerkraut also prevents constipation, bloating and flatulence. By improving enzymatic activity in the gut, sauerkraut may also reduce a dog’s risk for suffering gastric ulcers and chronic diarrhea attributed to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Cardiovascular Health
Lacto-fermented sauerkraut contains rich amounts of probiotics that help lower cholesterol levels in older, heavier dogs. In addition, these good bacteria interfere with fat absorption to assist overweight dogs in losing weight and improving heart health.
Skin and Coat Health
Vitamin A and carotene in sauerkraut act as antioxidants to enhance a dog’s eye health and reduce the risk of cataract formation in older dogs. Vitamin A especially contributes to tissue growth. Dogs with itchy, dry skin and dull coats may have a vitamin A deficiency.
Immune System Functioning
One cup of sauerkraut provides dogs with plenty of vitamin C necessary for supporting their immune system. Vitamin C promotes white blood cell production and stimulates cellular regeneration. Collagen formation needed for healthy development and growth of organs, muscles, blood vessels and bones is another benefit of vitamin C found in sauerkraut.
Anti-inflammatory Properties in Sauerkraut
Phytonutrients in sauerkraut (and other leafy vegetables) act as anti-inflammatory antioxidants that may reduce muscle and joint pain in dogs with arthritis or other musculoskeletal problems. Sauerkraut probiotics also provide anti-inflammatory attributes that can help improve allergies, reduce incidences of infection and support a dog’s overall health and well-being.
Bone Health
Minerals in sauerkraut are ideal for developing strong bones in puppies and maintaining bone health in adult dogs. Vitamin K2 supports other minerals that help maintain a dog’s bone integrity and ability to remineralize as dogs mature.
Sauerkraut and Salt Content
While sauerkraut offers numerous health benefits for dogs, it is high in sodium. If your dog has been diagnosed with a kidney or cardiovascular disorder, talk with your veterinarian before adding sauerkraut to your dog’s diet.
What are Sauerkraut Probiotics and How Do They Improve a Dog’s Health?
Probiotic bacteria form colonies of good bacteria inside the canine gut to help protect dogs against a variety of gastrointestinal diseases such as digestive tract inflammation and canine gastroenteritis. Fresh sauerkraut contains over a dozen strains of good bacteria that restore the balance of good and “bad” bacteria in the canine gut. When there are too many bad bacteria, dogs can suffer recurring infections, diarrhea, skin irritations and even depression.
Other benefits of probiotics in sauerkraut for dogs include:
- May help reduce the risk of cancer in dog breeds prone to tumor development (sauerkraut has isothiocyanates or anti-carcinogenic compounds with strong anti-oxidant properties)
- Protection against candida, salmonella and E. coli infections
- Provides minerals such as magnesium, potassium, manganese, and copper for muscle, skin and organ health
- May alleviate nervousness and anxiety
- Generates production of omega-3 fatty acids essential for brain development and functioning
- May reduce symptoms of food and seasonal allergies in dogs
- Helps preserve canine eye health by providing two antioxidants–zeaxanthin and lutein–that support tissue and blood vessel development while protecting against cataracts.
While sauerkraut is a wonderfully nutritional food to give to dogs to restore and support gut health in dogs, most dog owners are probably wondering–how in the world to you get a dog to eat sauerkraut?
Tips for Feeding Dogs Sauerkraut
To start getting your dog used to sauerkraut, chop some up into tiny pieces and mix about one tablespoon in a can of wet dog food. You might also add a small portion of sardines or other smelly fish to make the food more palatable.
Be aware that some dogs will simply not eat vegetables, no matter how hard you try and conceal them in regular dog food. Sometimes, weakening the strong smell and taste of sauerkraut can encourage dogs to eat food mixed with sauerkraut. Try draining sauerkraut with a colander and rinsing the sauerkraut with cold water. You could also put sauerkraut in a bowl, cover the kraut with apple juice or water and soak it for about 30 minutes to reduce sauerkraut’s powerful smell and flavor.
Another way to encourage dogs to eat sauerkraut is to cook it with sliced apples to make sauerkraut mellower and sweeter. Since sauerkraut has already been fermented, cooking sauerkraut won’t reduce the amount vitamins, minerals and probiotics it offers to enhance your dog’s health.
