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Sauerkraut is part of our traditional home cooking and an indispensable part of the menu. Therefore it happens of course that your dog gets some of the sauerkraut from time to time. But is sauerkraut as healthy for four-legged friends as it is for us humans and to what extent is it suitable as a first-aid measure?
We will deal with this topic in more detail in this article.
Can dogs eat sauerkraut?
Yes, dogs are allowed to eat sauerkraut and sauerkraut is also very healthy now and then for our four-legged friends. Sauerkraut is even used as an emergency home remedy in many situations. So if your velvet paw likes to eat sauerkraut, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
However, it is important to note how and how much sauerkraut you give your dog. You should always rinse the herb well before it ends up in the food bowl. It should also only be given in moderation.
As part of a balanced barf meal, sauerkraut is also a great vegetable for dogs.
Sauerkraut as first aid for your dog
Sauerkraut is an old home remedy. It is used when your beloved dog has swallowed something that needs to be transported out again as quickly as possible. For example, if your dog has swallowed a Lego brick, you should feed him a lot of sauerkraut as soon as possible.
In this case, you don’t have to rinse it off, you can feed it straight from the bag or glass. The herb wraps itself around the foreign body in the stomach or intestines. Thanks to the lactic acid bacteria, it also speeds up digestion.
The foreign body is protected by the sauerkraut, so it can damage the stomach walls and is also quickly excreted.
Most of the sauerkraut is not digested either. Therefore, in this case, it is also so effective and serves as a protective cover. You can also use it if your four-legged friend has swallowed a large piece of bone.
Correct dosage
Of course, for many dog owners, the question arises as to how much sauerkraut is necessary so that the foreign body is wrapped around well. In principle, the correct dosage depends on two things:
- Dog size / breed
- Size of the swallowed object
For small foreign bodies, a handful of sauerkraut is sufficient, regardless of the breed of dog. However, larger and particularly pointed objects require significantly more. Some dog owners take up to a whole pack of sauerkraut here.
Rinse the herb a little beforehand and make sure that only a few spices as possible, such as salt, stick to the herb.
Note blocked airways in dogs
But be careful: you should always make sure that the swallowed object is not blocking the airway. To be on the safe side, you should also consult your vet.
Control bowel movements
You also need to control your bowel movements. If a normal bowel movement cannot be achieved despite sauerkraut, you must contact the vet immediately. If foreign bodies are swallowed, this can lead to intestinal obstruction. This can even be fatal for your animal.
How long does it take for the foreign body to pass out?
Of course, this also depends on the type of foreign body. Depending on the size of the dog, the foreign body may get stuck in the small intestine due to its small diameter. Therefore, a veterinarian should always be consulted after first aid!
Other benefits of sauerkraut
In general, the herb has a very positive effect on the intestinal flora of dogs. The intestinal bacteria remain in balance and the immune system is also strengthened by the sauerkraut.
If you want to use all the positive properties of sauerkraut, it is best to ferment the cabbage in a glass yourself.
Disadvantages of sauerkraut for the dog
Sauerkraut, as the name suggests, is rich in acid. In too large quantities, the herb can be stressful or even harmful to the stomach. It is therefore important that you always rinse the herb well.
Like in humans, sauerkraut can also lead to severe flatulence in dogs. But you will immediately notice how your four-legged friend reacts to sauerkraut. If this gives him a stomach ache, you shouldn’t feed him again in the future.
As a rule, dogs tolerate fermented herb better and benefit from the probiotic properties.
Is sauerkraut poisonous for dogs?
No, sauerkraut is not poisonous for dogs. If your fur nose likes sauerkraut, does not have an allergic reaction to it, and does not get stomach pain, then you are welcome to feed it now and then.
Ingredients in sauerkraut that are good for the dog
Sauerkraut is rich in vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Sauerkraut also provides calcium, iron, and magnesium. This white cabbage fermented with lactic acid bacteria is very low in calories.
There are only about 19 calories in 100 grams of sauerkraut. Therefore, it can be eaten safely by dogs that are overweight.
Possible dog allergies
As with all foods, dogs can be allergic to sauerkraut. However, sauerkraut allergies are rare in four-legged friends.
However, if your dog vomits or has diarrhea even with small amounts of sauerkraut, you should stop feeding it. If the airways swell after eating sauerkraut, you must see a veterinarian immediately.
What other foods are similar to sauerkraut?
All fermented vegetables have the same properties as sauerkraut. No matter whether it is pickled kale, red cabbage, savoy cabbage, or pak choi, your dog can eat anything, as long as it is well rinsed and without spice.
If you’ve fermented the vegetables yourself, pay attention to the salt content and rinse off the acid well before feeding.
Does dog food contain sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is less common in the wet or dry food. You are most likely to find sauerkraut in ready-made barf mixes.
However, the Greenland brand offers organic wet food with sauerkraut. Various, often regional suppliers of organic dog food also use sauerkraut in their dog food mixtures.