If you love eating rueben sandwiches as much as I do, there’s a good chance you’ve shared a small sample with your Pug. But can Pugs eat sauerkraut and is it safe for them?
Yes, Pugs can eat sauerkraut. It contains healthy probiotics which can aid in gut health, which can help fight salmonella, E-coli, and other harmful bacteria. The downside is most store-bought sauerkraut contains high amounts of sodium, which can cause salt poisoning.
Although sauerkraut is not harmful to Pugs, it’s important to know how to feed them properly.
Any curious Pug parent will want to be fully informed on which foods their adorable furbabies can and cannot eat. Most Pugs are NOT picky eaters, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they can eat all human foods, fruits, and vegetables.
Let’s take a look at what you need to know to safely feed your Pug sauerkraut. If you’re a brand new Pug parent, find out what Pugs like to eat.
What Is Sauerkraut?
Sauerkraut is nothing more than shredded cabbage that was fermented with lactic acid bacteria. It is a popular German dish, that is eaten by many Americans.
It is one of the many foods with probiotics that helps balance the “good” and “bad” bacteria in your digestive system that is linked to overall health and disease.
Like us, plant-based probiotic foods are beneficial for a dog’s health and vitality. So, let’s take a look at the different types of sauerkraut that are safe for Pugs.
Can Pugs Eat Cooked Sauerkraut?
Yes, but the live probiotic cultures are destroyed at around 115℉, which removes the benefits of feeding your pooch the food. When cooking fermented foods, always add it at the end of the cooking process to preserve the gut health benefits.
If you’re sharing it with your Pug, don’t add any harmful seasonings like salt, garlic, onion, as the wrong seasoning can turn a harmless dish into a toxic dish.
Can Pugs Eat Raw Sauerkraut
Yes, as long as it is does not contain high amounts of sodium. While dogs do require sodium in their diet, they get sufficient amounts from their dog food.
Foods that are high in salt can lead to increased blood pressure, dehydration, and eventually salt poisoning.
Most common symptoms of salt poisoning in canines are:
- Seizures or coma
- Unexplained scratching
- Dehydration
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Limping
- Disorientation
If you suspect your dog has eaten too much salt, or is exhibiting mild symptoms of salt toxicity, then you’ll want to remove the food and monitor them closely. There’s a good chance your dog will pass the food, but to be safe, you will want to contact your veterinarian.
Can Pugs Eat Homemade Sauerkraut?
Yes, in fact, preparing sauerkraut for your pooch is the safest way to give it to them. You can control the ingredients (salt) that you put into the dish.
The best part, you don’t need any special equipment to make your own.
What You Need:
- Containers to store it in (mason jars)
- Cabbage
- Salt (canning and pickling salt)
- Time (the fermentation process can take 3-6 weeks)
Grab the cabbage and slice it into about 1/4″ thick slices, and remove the core. Put the cabbage in a bowl and sprinkle it with salt.
Use a one gallon jar, food grade plastic container, or stone crock to ferment the cabbage. Place the cabbage inside the container and spring more salt on top. You don’t want to use a lot of salt, but some salt is vital to help remove the liquid from the cabbage.
Push the cabbage down towards the bottom of the container using your fist or a glass. This will help release the water from the cabbage.
Continue the compacting process for about 5-10 minutes or until you have a good layer of water sitting on top of the cabbage.
Next, place a weighted glass jar or ziplock filled with water and brine on top of the cabbage to keep it from floating to the top.
Place the container in a room that is about 60-75℉ and leave it for about 3-6 weeks.
Can Pugs Eat Store-Bought Sauerkraut?
Yes and no. Not all store-bought sauerkraut is the same. Some store-bought brands can contain high amounts of salt that can be harmful for your Pug.
When shopping for the healthiest sauerkraut to share with your four-legged friend, opt for fresh kraut that is made without vinegar. The label should clearly state that it is “raw”, “fermented” or “probiotic.”
Is Sauerkraut Bad for Pugs?
In general, sauerkraut is not bad for dogs. In fact, if fed in moderation, it can be extremely beneficial for their overall health. This various bacterias found in kraut can have a positive impact on a canine’s digestive, immune and overall heart health.
That being said, if your Pug suffers from allergies, you may want to forego feeding them any type of human foods, until you’ve spoken to your veterinarian.
Do Pugs Like Sauerkraut?
Most Pugs will eat cabbage, but won’t enjoy eating the fermented kind. They will instantly be turned off by the pungent odor. If you want your Pug to get some of the benefits from eating kraut, you’ll need to be strategic on feeding them. I’ll share some tips below.
But first let’s take a look at some of the nutrients found in this popular German dish.
Sauerkraut Nutritional Facts
One cup of canned sauerkraut (142 grams) contains the following:
| Nutrient | Quantity |
| Calories | 27.0 |
| Potassium | 9.9 mcg |
| Sugars | 2.5 grams |
| Sodium | 939 mcg |
| Vitamin A | 25.6 IU |
| Vitamin C | 20.9 mg |
| Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol) | 0.2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mcg |
| Iron | 2.1 mg |
| Folate | 34.1 mcg |
| Choline | 14.8 mg |
| Betaine | 07 mg |
| Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 46.9 mg |
| Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 48.3 mg |
| Zinc | 0.3 mg |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg |
| Floride | 9.9 mcg |
(Source)
Benefits of Sauerkraut for Pugs
One of the biggest benefits of feeding Pugs foods with probiotics is that they decrease the pH levels in their gut and this helps produce “good bacteria.”
In other words, on-going feeding of probiotic foods can help built up your dog’s overall immunity that can help their body fight off unwanted sicknesses.
How To Feed Pugs Sauerkraut
Just because sauerkraut is good for them, doesn’t mean they will eat it. In fact, most dogs won’t eat it, unless you can find a way to hide the smell. Pugs have a great sense of smell, so you’ll want to hide a small amount of sauerkraut inside their regular dog food.
If that still doesn’t work, then try mixing some of their favorite wet food in the bowl.
Many experts recommend feeding dogs the homemade and raw varieties.
Start off by giving them a small amount to make sure they don’t have any negative reactions. Never feed them sauerkraut or any new foods, unless you can monitor them closely for gas or tummy problems.
When Not to Feed Pugs Sauerkraut?
Even though sauerkraut has been shown to be beneficial for dogs, there are some instances when you should never feed it to your pup.
If Your Pug Has Allergies or Is On A Special Diet
This breed is prone to allergies, so make sure your pooch doesn’t suffer from food allergies. If you’re not sure if your pup has allergies, talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to tell you what your dog is allergic to and may even recommend a dog food for Pugs with allergies.
You Have a Pug Puppy
Pug puppies require food that is formulated specifically for puppies, to ensure they get the nutritional requirements for normal development. A puppy is much more susceptible to food poisoning than an adult dog, because of their small body size.
Feeding a puppy sauerkraut can be toxic and may even lead to death!
To stay safe, I would personally avoid feeding your puppy any type of human foods, until they are at least 1 year old or if you’ve spoken to your veterinarian about a homemade dog food diet plan.
Alternatives To Sauerkraut For Pugs
There are literally several healthy vegetables that are beneficial for us, as well as your dog. If your dog loves eating vegetables, but won’t touch sauerkraut, try giving them some of these other superfoods.
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Sauerkraut
In summary, if fed in moderation, sauerkraut can be extremely beneficial to a Pug’s diet. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding any new foods to your dog’s diet.
To keep your Pug healthy, you should consider adding foods with probiotics or tasty supplements that can provide them with nutrients they may not be getting from their regular dog food.
References and Further Reading
Healthy Pets – Fermented Vegetables: Finicky Pets Might Not Like This Superfood, But It’s a Potent Cancer Fighter