From kimchi to kombucha to good ol’ sauerkraut: fermented foods are all the rage right now. And that’s not just due to their addictive, slightly funky tang, but also the health benefits they appear to offer. That’s because the fermentation process loads these vegetables and drinks with bacteria and yeasts that boast probiotic properties, or the ability to survive alive and kicking into the digestive system and strengthen the native gut microbiome.
As these foods—which have been around for a long time, but recently exploded in popularity—seem to help human gut health, you may be wondering if the same goes for your dog. For example, can dogs eat sauerkraut, the traditional fermented hot dog topping that likely originated in Roman times? And if they can, is it actually good for them? The answers are pretty nuanced; let’s dive into fermented foods like sauerkraut for dogs.
What is sauerkraut?
The word “sauerkraut” literally means “sour cabbage” in German, and that’s a pretty apt description. Finely chopped raw cabbage is salted and then placed in an airtight environment like a jar at room temperature, which allows it to ferment. Desirable bacteria, mainly Lactobacillus (which is naturally present on cabbage leaves) colonize the cabbage and brine, crowding out any bad ones and preventing rot. Lactobacillus are also known as lactic acid bacteria and they’re what gives “lacto-ferments” like this one its signature tang.
Despite its German name, sauerkraut may have originated in the Roman Empire. It’s not surprising it did, nor that it eventually became popular throughout much of the Western world. In times when fridges weren’t available, salting and fermenting were handy ways to make fresh produce last through winter! And although folks in ye olden days may have realized this instinctively, recent studies seem to confirm that sauerkraut (and other lacto-ferments) could have a positive impact on the human gut biome.
It’s important to note that sauerkraut & co. aren’t the life-changing superfoods some sources like to make them out to be. As is often the case, things are a little more nuanced: the effects are individual, often subtle, and vary by health status. Regular consumption of fresh—not pasteurized, as that kills the probiotic bacteria—sauerkraut should probably be seen as more of a nice bonus for your gut, not a cure-all.
Can dogs eat sauerkraut?
Whether you came here because you read about the probiotic benefits of this cabbage ferment or because you’re having a hot dog with all the toppings and you’re getting puppy eyes from your pooch, the question is the same: can dogs eat sauerkraut? The short answer is yes, but do read on below.
Dogs can eat sauerkraut, but not in the amounts that humans can. It contains a lot of salt as a result of the fermentation technique used, which isn’t good for your furry friend’s health. Low-sodium sauerkraut isn’t really available commercially, and rinsing (or even soaking, as some sources recommend) the kraut would remove most of the potential gut biome-improving bacteria it might contain.
If you’re having some sauerkraut, feel free to give your dog a little: variety is the spice of life! But don’t overdo it, and don’t expect any significant positive effects on your furry friend’s digestive health, either.
Tip: Sauerkraut isn’t always just sauerkraut. Keep in mind that some popular add-ins, like onion, garlic, and (more unexpectedly) caraway seeds are toxic to dogs. Always check!
Probiotic food for dogs?
If you came here looking for probiotic solutions for your dog, the above may be a little disappointing to read. Like humans, dogs can struggle with disrupted gut flora, which can really make their lives miserable. Even for healthy dogs (and humans), regularly eating or drinking sources of probiotics is never a bad idea. But what to give your dog if it can’t have a lot of sauerkraut?
Luckily, there are alternatives. First off, you could technically make low-sodium sauerkraut at home, but that’s mostly something for folks who are already into fermenting anyway (you’ll need a starter rather than relying on wild fermentation). And as we’ve learned, studies suggest that sauerkraut isn’t really a probiotic powerhouse in the first place, so it’s a lot of work for potentially limited benefits.
While you can just buy powdered probiotics at the pet store, your local supermarket also contains a great source: kefir. Yogurt is sometimes recommended for dogs, but did you know that kefir, another fermented milk product, is lower in lactose? You can even make kefir yourself at home using coconut milk if your dog is lactose intolerant (their ability to digest this compound varies greatly!). A few tablespoons a week should work well for gut support.
Conclusion: Can dogs eat sauerkraut?
So, can dogs eat sauerkraut? Yes, they technically can, especially if you ferment a low-salt version at home. However, the vast majority of sauerkraut is very high in sodium, so you should only offer it as an occasional snack or treat. And remember: although fresh kraut may have some probiotic benefits, the pasteurized (unrefrigerated) version doesn’t.
PS: Curious about other human foods dogs can and can’t eat? Check out our full safety section.
