Yellow: with caution
In small amounts and preferably cooked. Kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family. Its close relatives are considered tolerable for dogs in moderation, but there is no direct specialist assessment of kohlrabi itself.
Why kohlrabi gets a yellow rating
According to the University of Florida’s gardening advice, kohlrabi belongs to the same species as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and kale: Brassica oleracea. It has no entry in the ASPCA’s plant database, and neither the MSD Veterinary Manual nor the Pet Poison Helpline comments on it. The American Kennel Club says cabbage is related to cauliflower and broccoli and is therefore safe for dogs, but only in moderation. Cabbage produces a lot of gas. Because the assessment of kohlrabi is based only on its relatives and it causes wind, it cautiously gets a yellow rating.
How to serve kohlrabi
- Peel and dice: Remove the woody skin and cut the bulb into small cubes so nothing gets stuck in the throat.
- Cook it first: According to the AKC, steamed brassicas are easier to digest than raw ones.
- Keep it plain: No butter or sauce. Fat puts a strain on the pancreas, while onions and garlic are toxic.
- Start with a little: Try a few cubes and see how your dog tolerates them.
What if your dog eats too much?
If your dog has demolished a whole bulb, expect wind and perhaps soft stools. Water and a smaller next meal are usually enough. For breeds prone to gastric torsion, the AKC recommends feeding cabbage only after seeking advice. If the abdomen becomes hard and tense, your dog retches without bringing anything up or becomes restless, go to the vet immediately.
If you suspect poisoning, go straight to your vet or an emergency veterinary service.
Check whether your dog is getting the right amount of food in just a minute with our feeding calculator. Our book takes a closer look at feeding: “Hundeernährung und Futterplan” (book in German). For those first weeks with a puppy, try our free Puppy Starter Pack, and for a picture of your dog to hang on the wall, explore dog portraits from your own photo or choose a single portrait.
Further reading
- Calculating your dog’s food portions: how much your dog really needs
- Is my dog overweight? How to assess body condition and ideal weight
- Adding rice and potatoes to dog food: how to account for extras
Sources, accessed on 20.10.2026: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions, Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea); American Kennel Club, Can Dogs Eat Cabbage? and What to Add to Your Dog’s Diet to Boost Gut Health; ASPCA plant database for dogs, with no entry for kohlrabi.
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