Here is one interesting topic. Can dogs eat coleslaw? Of course, they can but is this food harmful, beneficial, or neutral for all dogs? Well, this is a bit more specific question or questions and we would like to provide a more detailed answer than the one you may already know. We have been investigating the matter for a few weeks now so the facts we will share are more than just accurate and detailed.
Coleslaw: Good, Bad, Or Neutral For Dogs?
This is one of the questions that we can answer in a matter of seconds. Can dogs eat coleslaw? Yes, but they shouldn’t. This food is bad for dogs. It is bad for all dogs, of all ages and all breeds so there are no exceptions or something you can do to make the food safe for dogs. Not only that this can be a huge problem, but coleslaw can be lethal food for any dog. A small amount (let’s say that your pet eats a small amount of coleslaw accidentally) is not deadly. A large amount is!
Onions and cabbage are the main reasons why dogs must not consume coleslaw. Onions are toxic to dogs. Even a small amount of onion can be very problematic. When these two are present in the meal, your pet can end up with gastrointestinal distress. This is painful and not something you want to happen to any dog.
Seasoning is another problem. Some seasonings are bad and some can be really bad. In general, all types of seasonings are not good for dogs. Dog owners must not feed their pets with any food that contains seasoning. It is much better to follow this rule than to make a mistake that can be severe!
Here’s Why Is Coleslaw Bad For Dogs
Now when you know that coleslaw is bad for dogs, we must reveal why it is so bad and what will happen if your pet consumes a lot of it. There are actually 5 main issues here and as you shall see, all of them are serious and can cause severe issues.
- Choking- There are small and lather bits of cabbage in coleslaw. These can choke your pet. Usually, this is not a problem for large dogs but small dogs are in danger. You don’t want this to happen to your dog. We must add that you should always adapt the size of the pieces in the meals you prepare for your dog. Smaller dogs need smaller pieces.
- Anemia- Coleslaw contains onions. These can cause anemia in dogs. This happens because onions will damage red blood cells and cause the mina problem. Keep in mind that anemia is serious in dogs and does require immediate treatment. Red blood cells are responsible for bringing food and oxygen to the organs and other cells in the body.
- Weight gain Coleslaw is loaded with fats and sugars. These can make your dog obese and this is another severe issue. Dogs are not ‘’designed’’ to be obese and their bodies can’t handle this properly. What this means is that your pet will be in severe danger and it can affect his lifespan.
- Hypothyroidism- Cabbage and many similar foods contain thiocyanate. This ingredient is present in small amounts. But, if your pet eats a bit too much coleslaw he will get too much of the ingredient which can damage his thyroid. This can lead to severe hypothyroidism. In the best case scenario, your pet will need life-long treatment.
- Upset stomach- Believe it or not this is the least severe issue here. Coleslaw contains cream. Many dogs are lactose intolerant. This will cause an upset stomach and can be more than just severe for a dog. You will notice that a dog has diarrhea, is in discomfort, and has all sorts of other problems. In most cases, you will need to take him to a vet.
What To Do If A Dog Ate Coleslaw
As you can see above, a small amount of coleslaw is not bad and nothing serious will happen. This doesn’t mean you should feed your pet coleslaw in small amounts. You still need to avoid it. But, if this does happen, don’t panic and stay calm. Monitor the condition of your dog. He will be fine.
If your dog ate a lot of coleslaw while you were away, take him to a vet immediately. You do have time and professional help is mandatory. A vet may even remove coleslaw from the stomach if there are some issues. Also, he can react fast if any of the problems from above starts to show and can help your pet.
The Final Word
Can dogs eat coleslaw? The short answer is no and you must not feed them this meal at any given moment. It is bad, can cause a lot of severe problems, and can make your dog sick. A small amount at some point is not bad but in large amounts, it will be deadly. Always look at the list of ingredients before you feed your dog with new food. Some foods are generally beneficial, but a single ingredient can change all of that.