You may love it, but can dogs eat sauerkraut? Is this fermented snack healthy for them or will it cause problems that are best avoided?

Let’s find out.

Can Dogs Eat Sauerkraut?

Believe it or not, dogs can not only eat sauerkraut but it also has some great health benefits. This is good news for pet owners that love sauerkraut at picnics and as an extra little something to spice up a plain old hot dog or brat. The bigger question is probably whether or not your dog will like sauerkraut. Sauerkraut like other vegetables that have been fermented, has a very pungent taste.

If you can make it yourself and get your dog to eat sauerkraut, here are some of the benefits:

• High in Vitamin K and Vitamin C
• Lots of iron
• Contains desirable antioxidants
• High in fiber
• Probiotic food with live bacteria is good for digestion

Fermented foods can benefit your dog by helping their digestive system flush out heavy metals and other toxins in the body. Vitamin B, C, and K2, which boost metabolic activity, are produced by the fermentation process and the lactic acid works as to repress chemicals and fight cancer but not harm healthy cells.

How Can I Get My Dog to Eat Sauerkraut?

For finicky dogs, getting them to eat sauerkraut may be a challenge, especially at first. For dogs that are new to sauerkraut, start with small amounts. Mix the sauerkraut in with their regular food or with other foods they like to eat. Start with a spoonful or two of sauerkraut daily and gradually add more sauerkraut to your dog’s diet over time to prevent stomach upset.

Is Canned or Store-Bought Sauerkraut Safe for Dogs?

The one thing you have to be careful of when letting your dog eat sauerkraut is the ingredients. If you are buying canned or store-bought sauerkraut, it will contain a lot more sodium than homemade sauerkraut. Homemade sauerkraut is the best type for dogs because you know exactly what ingredients are in it and how much. You can even add red cabbage to your homemade sauerkraut. Homemade, organic sauerkraut can aid your dog with digestion and help resist diseases in the digestive tract. It’s a fantastic food supplement for pets in its unpasteurized, raw form if fed properly.

Is Warm Homemade Sauerkraut Good for Dogs?

The enzymes and microbes that help improve your dog’s digestive process are susceptible to heat. So, if you are feeding your dog homemade sauerkraut for digestive purposes, it’s not a good idea to heat it and serve it warm. Cooking the sauerkraut will actually kill the live bacteria and defeat the purpose of feeding sauerkraut to your dog.

What Other Fermented Foods Are Good for Dogs?

Another fermented food that is good for dog’s digestive health are pickles. Most vegetables are also healthy for your dog either raw or fermented. Fermented foods for dogs should be done using salt, water, and vegetables not vinegar. Avoid onions, garlic, and anything with a lot of preservatives. Before feeding any type of fermented foods to your dog, make sure that you thoroughly research the process of how to ferment and store fermented vegetables properly. If you have concerns about feeding sauerkraut or other fermented foods to you dog, check with your vet.