Dogs will always want to eat off our plates when we have a meal.
Our food looks and smells appealing but we have been advised so many times not to feed them human food because most of the ingredients we use are not okay for them.
If you were wondering if the same can be said for Kimchi this is the article for you.
What is Kimchi and can you feed it to your dogs?
What is Kimchi?
Kimchi is a Korean side dish that is made from fermenting vegetables such as cabbages and radishes with spices and seasoning, to achieve a tasty concoction that is healthy.
It is a staple in Korean cuisine and can be made with different vegetables.
Cabbages are the main vegetables but can be substituted for others; while kimchi can be made with onions, garlic, gingers or even made spicy with peppers.
Fermentation is the process of good bacteria or microbes feeding off vegetables, digesting the sugars and carbohydrates, partially digesting proteins and other nutrients.
Other nutrients and substances are released and the increased number of the bacteria is probiotics which are useful to us and dogs.
This process gives the food new flavours and preserves it which can be confused for pickling sometimes.
Other Fermented Vegetables
Apart from Kimchi, other vegetables have been known to be fermented and eaten on their own or used in sandwiches or salads.
Examples of these are pickles, which are cucumbers or sauerkraut, which are cabbages.
They can undergo the same fermentation process Kimchi does.
Can Dogs eat Kimchi and Fermented Vegetables?
Yes, they can, but only if they are vegetables they are not allergic to and have no other ingredients that can give them problems.
- Dogs cannot eat onions or garlic which are usually present in kimchi;
- They also have low tolerances for peppers, so spicy kimchis are out.
- Excessive sodium from soy sauce or salt has to be excluded as they are a problem.
Check the ingredients first before serving your dog any kimchi.
What Happens When Dogs Eat Kimchi or Fermented Vegetables?
You should consider feeding your dog kimchi and other fermented vegetables because it is beneficial to them.
The probiotics are from a natural source and help with gut flora and digestion of food, decreasing incidents of diarrhoea, upset stomachs and gas.
This is the same probiotic your veterinarian may recommend to your dog as supplements at some point.
So you would be saving some money down the line keeping your dog healthy for longer.
The partially digested nutrients make it easier for the digestive system to fully digest and absorb them.
These nutrients include:
- Vitamins B, C, K
- Enzymes
- Lactic Acid
They all have varying usefulness in the body from the production of essential amino acids and antioxidants to targeted fighting growth of cancer cells without affecting normal cells.
Overall Benefits of Kimchi and Fermented Vegetables
- Improved Immune System
- Improved Dental Health
- Stabilization of Blood Sugars
- Healthier Bowel Movement
- Improved Weight Management
- Reduced Infections especially post-surgery recovery
- Protection from Parasites
- Healthy Bowel Movements
- Fewer Stomach Ulcers
- Fewer skin issues
- Lower chances of Hypothyroidism
There is also the benefit of toxin removals like bad bacteria and heavy metals; the best benefit you can get from kimchi and fermented vegetables.
This is especially useful for dogs who scavenge a lot and can pick up infections unknowingly.
How To Encourage Your Dog Eating Kimchi And Fermented Vegetables?
1. The smell of Kimchi and Fermented Vegetables might be pungent.
And the taste and texture may not be appealing to your dog, but for all the benefits stated it would be best to get them used to it as puppies.
Once they acquire the taste it would be easier for you to feed it to them as whole meals as adult dogs.
2. As adult dogs, you would have to introduce it slowly.
You can mix it in with their meals and develop to offering bits from your plate; and if it becomes favourable, you can start giving it to them as sides or as main meals.
3. Under no circumstance should you force your dog to have this meal.
You can talk to a vet or a dog behavioural expert on ways you can get your dog to start eating these meals.
Final Thoughts
Kimchi and fermented vegetables are a great way to give your dog natural nutrients that will help with his overall health and so many side benefits.
One of the best things is that there are recipes of kimchi you can make for both you and your dog to enjoy together (not from the same plate hopefully).
Or left-over vegetables you can ferment together and serve as a side dish exclusively for your dog.
