How much is okay?
If you offer sauerkraut at all, keep it to a taste — not a side dish.
Rule of thumb: treats of all kinds should stay under ~10% of daily calories.
How to prepare them
- Choose plain sauerkraut: cabbage + salt only (no onion, garlic, caraway-heavy blends, or wine).
- Rinse briefly under water to knock back some sodium, then drain well.
- Serve a tiny amount mixed into food — don’t free-feed from the jar.
- Skip homemade ferments you can’t verify and any flavored “kraut” mixes.
Risks & exceptions
- Sodium — the biggest issue; salty kraut can upset stomachs and isn’t ideal for heart/kidney concerns.
- Seasonings — onion, garlic, and spice blends are common and unsafe.
- Gas / diarrhea — fermented cabbage can be rough on sensitive guts.
- Calories aren’t the win — dogs don’t need sauerkraut for probiotics; talk to your vet about that separately.
If the label lists onion, garlic, chives, or “spice blend,” skip it.
If your dog ate a lot
A tiny lick is usually not serious. Larger salty portions can mean thirst, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Mild: drooling, soft stool, temporary gassiness
- Call your vet if: repeated vomiting, extreme thirst, lethargy, or your dog has heart/kidney disease
This page is general pet-safety information, not a veterinary diagnosis. When in doubt, contact your vet or ASPCA Animal Poison Control.
FAQ
Is sauerkraut good for dog digestion?
Not automatically. Some dogs tolerate a tiny amount; others get gassy. Ask your vet before using food as a “probiotic.”
Can dogs eat store-bought sauerkraut?
Only if it’s plain and low-seasoning — and even then, keep portions tiny.
What about sauerkraut juice?
Skip it. It’s mostly salt water.
Can puppies eat sauerkraut?
Best to avoid. Puppies don’t need the sodium, and their guts are still settling.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from product links. Safety guidance is editorial and may change — verify with your veterinarian for your dog.