Last few years kimchi is getting very popular around the world but that’s a side dish that is eaten daily in Korea.
Have you tried kimchi? Are you eating it often?
I was wondering whether can dogs eat kimchi. As they are more sensitive to food and not everything is safe for them. So let’s see together.
What Is Kimchi?
Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish. Usually, it is made from fermented and salted napa cabbage and fermented Korean reddish, but it can include other fermented veggies, too. A lot of seasoning is used on it. Seasoning may include garlic, spring onion, ginger, etc. Kimchi may not be used only as a side dish but also can be used in soups and stews.
Originally kimchi didn’t contain chili powder but now it’s found in almost every recipe. But except spicy, kimchi can be made to be sour or sweet. There are hundreds of variations of kimchi.
Can Dogs Eat Kimchi?
Dogs can eat kimchi BUT if it isn’t spicy, if it doesn’t contain any dangerous ingredients, and if fed in moderation.
As you already know kimchi contains fermented veggies. But are fermented veggies actually good for dogs? There isn’t a straightforward answer. Some vets even recommend fermented veggies once in a while, while others are totally against it. So, the best way to know is to consult with your vet and see what you will be advised as the vet knows the needs of your dog and its health condition.
Actually, I know that the most preferred variation of kimchi is the spicy one, sweet and sour are less liked. So, if you want to offer your dog kimchi it shouldn’t be spicy, but will you make another kimchi, especially for your dog?
If you want to make kimchi that isn’t spicy for your dog then check also what ingredients for sure you should avoid too.
Dangerous Ingredients In Kimchi
Garlic
Garlic in very small amounts isn’t toxic to dogs but you should be very careful if you think to include it in some meals for your dog as it contains a component that can cause damage to red blood cells.
Be sure that in whatever food you give your dog there isn’t garlic powder. It’s very concentrated and a little amount is enough to cause many health issues.
Consuming garlic by dogs can cause Hemolytic Anemia which if isn’t treated can actually lead to a disease that is characterized by a low count of red blood cells – Anemia.
Onion
The situation with onion is the same with one difference. Onion is even more dangerous to dogs. Even small amounts of onion are enough to cause very serious health problems like hemolytic anemia and anemia.
When Dogs Should Avoid Eating Kimchi
If your dog is having very sensitive stomach then for sure you shouldn’t give kimchi. Spicy kimchi is totally a NO for dogs with sensitive stomachs, for puppies, and actually shouldn’t be consumed by any dog as their digestive system isn’t used to it.
If your dog is allergic to some of the ingredients then for sure you shouldn’t feed the dog with kimchi.
If the kimchi contains garlic or onion then again it should be avoided.
Health Benefits of Kimchi
This fermented food is loaded with probiotics that help the immune system to be strong. Probiotics help the good bacteria in dogs’ bodies fight the bad ones. These beneficial bacteria can help and support a healthy gut microbiome.
Kimchi is a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and B complex. Kimchi is also rich in enzymes and the combination of vitamins and minerals will help to produce essential amino acids – choline and acetylcholine. Choline is used to treat cognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
During the fermentation process, lactic acid is released which fights cancer cell growth.
Can Dogs Eat Kimchi: Spicy Kimchi
Dogs shouldn’t eat spicy food as their digestive system isn’t used to it. That’s why spicy kimchi should be avoided being given to dogs. But if your dog found somewhere on the floor a bit of spicy kimchi, you shouldn’t be worried as it probably won’t cause any harm. If you want to feel calm you can call the vet of your dog and ask what you should expect.
After eating spicy kimchi your dog may experience diarrhea, bloating, or gases but it will go in the next few hours. That’s a normal reaction to new food.
How to Feed Your Dog With Kimchi
Let’s start with the fact that your dog probably won’t be in love with kimchi. First because of the smell – their noses are very sensitive, then because of the taste. But if your dog isn’t a fan of this food then you shouldn’t force it to eat.
If you are giving kimchi for the first time, then you should give a very small amount, not a full teaspoon even. And you should mix it with their food as dogs probably won’t eat it if it is not combined with something else. And again the kimchi you give to your dog shouldn’t be spicy or contain any dangerous ingredients like onion and garlic.
Can Dogs Eat Kimchi: Dog-Friendly Recipes
Kimchi Recipe For Dogs
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons sea salt;
- 4 cups water;
- 2 tablespoons ground ginger root;
- veggies and/or fruits.
The safe veggies that you can add to kimchi are napa cabbage, red cabbage, green cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, daikon (winter) radish, or red radish.
Here is a list of the safe fruits you can add to kimchi for dogs:
Now let’s see how we can ferment the ingredients:
- Combine the salt, water, ginger root, and veggies in a large container.
- Mix them well.
- Set loosely covered at room temperature for 5 days.
- After 5 days the kimchi is ready.
- Cover the left part and leave it in the refrigerator for up to 1 year.
Don’t give more than a teaspoon to puppies and small-breed dogs. For large dogs, you can add 2 teaspoons of kimchi to other food.
Wrapping Up!
Let’s see what we have learned in this guide. Kimchi isn’t the best food you can give your doggo but for sure is very beneficial as an addition to other main food once in a while.
But you should make sure that you are feeding your dog kimchi that doesn’t contain any toxic ingredients like garlic or onion. Don’t give your dog spicy kimchi as their stomachs are very sensitive.
Interesting Facts About Kimchi
- Every Korean family has its own kimchi recipe, passed down from generation to generation. The recipes are based on regional variations tailored to local ingredients. Kimchis from the northern regions of Korea contain less salt and have a less pronounced taste. Because of the colder temperatures, fermentation is slower.
- Kimchis are not new! Kimchi has been around for more than 1500 years.
- Kimchi used to be made without chilies but now the chili powder and especially the red color of it are essential in kimchis.
- Kimchi went into space. In 2008, Korean astronaut Yi So-Yeon joined the space station with kimchi space rations.
- The average Korean eats about 40-57 pounds of kimchi a year.
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