By Dogs Tutor 
Yes, dogs can safely eat plain sauerkraut in moderation. Sauerkraut is cabbage, which is digestible for dogs than raw cabbage. However, only feed sauerkraut if it’s plain without added seeds. Monitor your dog after for any digestive upset.
In moderation, sauerkraut can be an occasional healthy treat for most dogs due to its probiotics. As with any new food, carefully introduce small amounts to prevent digestive upset from the live cultures.
It’s true sauerkraut is high in sodium from the fermentation process. A few teaspoons weekly is unlikely to cause issues for average dogs but too much could stress sensitive systems. Monitor quantities, especially for small or senior dogs.
The cabbage and seasonings are low risks for allergies in most pets. However, it’s wise to watch any new food introduction closely for unusual scratching or skin reactions as a precaution.
Ingredients in sauerkraut
Finely shred white cabbage using a knife or mandoline slicer. The thin slices allow for optimal fermentation. Generally add 2-3 tablespoons salt per 1 quart of water.
Massage it thoroughly so the cabbage softens and releases its juices. For added flavor, some recipes call for caraway seeds to be mixed in.
Tightly pack the brined cabbage into sterilized glass jars, pressing out any air bubbles. Leave space at the top. Seal jars and allow them to ferment at room temperature. At the end is crispy sauerkraut enhanced by the fermentation process and ready to eat. Proper brining and fermentation time yield optimal flavors.
Can Dog eat sauerkraut
Sauerkraut makes a tasty low-calorie meals for dogs, it’s best to owners introduce it slowly in small amounts. The probiotic-rich fermented cabbage comes with digestive benefits but could cause gas or diarrhea for dogs not used to its slightly acidic flavor.
When first feeding sauerkraut, start with just a teaspoon or two mixed into dry kibble. This allows a dog stomach to gradually adjust without risk of upset.
As long as stools remain firm, portions can slowly increase over time. Be watchful for any loose stool though, a sign to decrease the amount again. Also check sauerkraut ingredients, using plain varieties without added seasonings.
With cautious amounts, many dogs enjoy the salty-sour snack as an occasional supplement providing gut-healthy bacteria. Just go slow on introduction to avoid potential tummy troubles.
How sauerkraut can boost dog health
- Fights Off Infection . The lactobacilli in sauerkraut produce compounds inhibiting growth of unwanted bacteria, yeast and parasites that could cause GI issues.
- Dental Health . Its crunchiness massages gums while natural acids attack oral plaque. Plus vitamin K promotes bone and teeth development.
- Heart Health . Fiber, fatty acids and antioxidants team up to reduce inflammation linked to heart disease. Diet variety also encourages cardiovascular functioning.
- Joint Support . Sauerkraut provides glucosinolates and sulforaphane promoting joint comfort. The supplement Carnitine it adds aids mobility too.
- Energy Source . Fiber minimizes blood sugar spikes while natural vinegar aids nutrient delivery. This keeps dogs feeling full yet energized.
- Overall Wellness . A happy gut translates to a happier dog with balanced hormones, stable mood and reduced chronic disease risk long-term.
Tips for feeding dogs sauerkraut
Introducing Sauerkraut
First, introducing sauerkraut to dog, start with a very small amount . Mix this into your dog’s regular meal. This allows their digestive system to slowly adjust to the new bacteria. Monitor how they react for any issues like gas or diarrhea.
If no issues occur, you can gradually increase the portion over the following days and weeks until reaching a tablespoons worth. Maintain this amount for 2 weeks while continuing to check stools stay firm. Then further small increases can be made until the dog is used to sauerkraut’s probiotic cultures.
Watching for Reactions
Observe your dog closely when first trying sauerkraut to watch for any adverse reactions. Signs they may need a smaller portion include vomiting, soft stools, restlessness or whimpering due to abdominal discomfort. If this happens, return to the previous well-tolerated amount for several feedings before retrying a slight increase.
Most dogs adapt well to homemade sauerkraut fed sparingly. But if episodes of digestive upset continue even on small amounts, sauerkraut may not be right for that individual. Consult your vet if issues persist. Avoid feeding any treats making your pet ill.
Mixing with Dry Food
Coating kibble pieces in a thin brush of brine juice or finely mixing sauerkraut pieces right into dry food can encourage dogs to eat it. This disguises the new flavor and texture among familiar kibble. Alternately, top their regular portion with a light dusting of shredded sauerkraut.
Playing with the food also makes it more enticing for some dogs. Consider hand-feeding individual sauerkraut-coated pieces as part of training to build positive association. Use a calm, happy tone while your dog eats for maximum enjoyment.
when is sauerkraut bad for dogs?
Here are some instances when sauerkraut may not be suitable for dogs:
- If containing added ingredients. Sauerkraut with sugar, spices, oils or other mix-ins could potentially upset a dog’s stomach. Stick to plain varieties.
- In large quantities. While beneficial in moderation, eating too much at once may cause digestive stress. Limit to no more than 10% of daily food intake.
- For sensitive dogs. Like any new food, there is a small chance an individual dog could have a reaction, even to plain sauerkraut. Monitor closely if your dog has a sensitive tummy.
- With other probiotic foods. Consuming multiple high-fiber or probiotic supplements together may result in gas. Space sauerkraut intake from other such snacks.
- During illness. Wait until a dog is fully recovered before testing any new foods, including sauerkraut. Resume carefully while monitoring reactions.
- For very small or large breeds. Appropriate serving sizes vary depending on size. Consult your vet for portioning for toy or giant dog breeds.
How to made homemade sauerkraut for dog
Ingredients. Shredded green or white cabbage. Sea salt or canning salt. Filtered water.
- Method. Crush the cabbage and put in a large bowl. add 2 tablespoons of salt per 5 lbs of cabbage.
- Massage the salt into the cabbage until it releases juices. Let sit 10 mins.
- Pack cabbage tightly in sterilized jars, pressing down firmly as you go.
- Pour in additional brine solution of 1 tablespoon salt per 1 cup water until submerged.
- Seal jars and ferment 2-4 weeks at room temperature out of direct sunlight.
- Open and check for signs of fermentation like bubbles. Close back up.
- Once sauce is fully fermented to your taste, reserve small portions in sealed container for your pup.
- Introduce slowly to dog’s meal and monitor their digestion. Avoid any store-bought additions.
- Homemade allows controlling ingredients to make an simple, naturally fermented treat portion for dogs. Go slow, watch reactions, and store securely in fridge.
Benefits of making homemade sauerkraut
Higher Probiotic Levels
When you ferment cabbage at home, the lactic acid bacteria flourish without preservatives disrupting their growth. Rolled up cabbage leaves are incubated for 1-4 weeks, cultivating trillions of lactobacilli and other “good” probiotic strains. These beneficial microbes far surpass the 10,000-100,000 colony-forming units of most shop-bought sauerkrauts. Your furry friend gains the superiority of maximum live active cultures for colonizing their gut and benefiting health overall.
No Preservatives or Fillers
Mass production often relies on preservatives to extend shelf life that aren’t necessary in homemade foods. Commercial sauerkraut may contain additives like sulfites, sodium benzoate or carrageenan gum. However, natural fermentation is ample preservation on its own when no air can access the cabbage. Your dog avoids unintended side effects from unnecessary additives. Homemade sauerkraut contains only cabbage for fiber and salt for fermentation- nothing more. There’s no risk of fillers, artificial colors or obscure ingredients damaging a sensitive canine stomach.
Controlled Portions
Crafting miniature homemade sauerkraut batches gives you portion control that mass production lacks. One-cup Mason jars offer an easy single-serving size tailored just right for furry friends. Whether a tablespoon topper or full treat, you decide conservative allotments avoiding tummy troubles. Watching your pooch closely while slowly increasing amounts lets you responsibly find their individual happy medium.
Other fermented foods dog might like
Kefir. This fermented milk drink contains similar probiotic cultures to yogurt but is often easier for dogs to digest. Greek-style kefir is thicker but also works as a snack. Opt for plain, dairy-free varieties made from coconut, almond or cashew milk if needed to avoid lactose.
Pickles. Cucumber pickles packed in brine provide gut-healthy bacteria added during the fermentation process. They also offer vitamins like vitamin K and can be a salty treat. Be sure to avoid any seasoned or garlic pickles, as those additives could upset a dog’s stomach. Plain is best.
Kombucha. For dogs tolerant of new foods, low-sugar, unflavored kombucha can be an occasional health-boosting treat. Fermentation promotes good digestion and its probiotics may support immunity. Watch out for higher sugar or strongly flavored varieties that could cause tummy troubles.
Tempeh. Made from fermented soybeans, tempeh adds plant-based protein and fiber to meals. It’s also gentle on digestion when given in small, supplemental portions and after your pup is used to it. Monitor intake.
Miso. This Japanese fermented soybean, rice or barley paste delivers vitamins, minerals and gut-beneficial bacteria. Use miniscule amounts mixed into meals rather than spoon-feeding the dense condiment alone. Start extremely small.