Can dogs eat
Cabbage?
In moderation
Yes, in small amounts. Plain cabbage is safe for dogs, ideally cooked and chopped small, but it is gassy, so go easy, especially if your dog is gassy or prone to bloat.
Why it’s fine in small amounts
Cabbage is not toxic to dogs. It is low in calories and high in fiber, and it supplies beta-carotene, magnesium and vitamins C and K, plus some B vitamins. The AKC says red, green, Savoy and Napa cabbage, plus bok choy, are all fine in limited amounts.
The main issue is gas. The AKC says cabbage produces a lot of gas, which some dogs handle poorly. The AKC advises asking your vet first if your dog is gassy or prone to bloat, and it names carrots as a lower-gas alternative. Cooked cabbage is gentler than raw, which PetMD says is harder to digest.
PetMD also notes that cabbage contains thiocyanate, a compound that can disrupt the thyroid when eaten in quantity, though it adds that this should only matter for a dog eating a huge amount of cabbage regularly. A few spoonfuls now and then is not the concern. What does cause trouble is the seasoning: butter and fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis, and garlic and onion are toxic.
Benefits
- Low in calories and high in fiber
- Supplies beta-carotene, magnesium and vitamins C and K
- Red cabbage carries more vitamins and minerals than green, though both are acceptable
- Easy to prepare plain with a quick steam
Risks
- Produces a lot of gas, which some dogs tolerate poorly
- Dogs prone to bloat should only eat it with vet approval
- Large amounts eaten regularly could affect thyroid function, though this is unlikely at treat level
- Raw cabbage is harder to digest, and the tough stem and core should be removed
- Butter, oil, onion and garlic make it unsafe
How to serve it safely
Wash the cabbage, cut away the tough stem and core, and boil or steam the leaves with nothing added. Let it cool and chop it into tiny pieces. A small spoonful over your dog's regular food is plenty. Watch for gas and loose stools the first time.
PetMD's guide for cooked cabbage runs from about a teaspoon or less for a dog under 20 lb (9 kg) to a quarter cup or less for an extra-large dog (a quarter cup is about 60 ml). Most of the diet should come from a balanced dog food, and treats should stay under about 10% of daily calories.
Related forms
| Food | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked plain cabbage | In moderation | The best way to serve it; steamed or boiled, then chopped small. |
| Raw cabbage | In moderation | Safe, but harder to digest and gassier than cooked; keep it to a tiny amount. |
| Red cabbage, Savoy and Napa cabbage, bok choy | In moderation | The AKC considers these safe in limited amounts. |
| Coleslaw | With caution | Creamy dressings add fat and sugar, and some recipes include onion; skip it. |
If your dog already ate it
If your dog ate some plain cabbage, expect gas and possibly a loose stool. Offer water and let it pass.
Call your vet if your dog ate a lot of cabbage and has repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, a hard or swollen belly or seems uncomfortable, especially if your dog is prone to bloat. If the cabbage came in a dish with onion, garlic or lots of butter, call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply). Do not make your dog vomit at home.
Frequently asked questions
Can cabbage make my dog gassy?
Yes. The AKC says cabbage produces a lot of gas, so dogs that are gassy or prone to bloat should only have it with vet approval.
Is red cabbage safe for dogs?
Yes. PetMD says red cabbage has more vitamins and minerals than green, and both are acceptable in small amounts.
Is cabbage bad for a dog's thyroid?
PetMD says cabbage contains thiocyanate, which can disrupt thyroid function in big quantities. It is only likely to matter for a dog that eats a lot of cabbage on a regular basis.
Should I cook cabbage for my dog?
Cooked is the better choice. Boiling or steaming is less likely to upset digestion than raw, and you should serve it with no butter, oil or spices.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy