Cats can technically have a very small amount of plain sauerkraut, but it is not needed in their diet and often is not recommended because of salt and seasoning risks.

Quick Scoop

  • Cats are obligate carnivores, so they do not need vegetables or fermented foods like sauerkraut in their diet.
  • Plain, unseasoned sauerkraut (no garlic, onion, or heavy salt) is generally not toxic in tiny amounts, but it should only be an occasional treat, if at all.
  • Many commercial sauerkrauts are high in sodium and may contain garlic or onions, which are toxic to cats and can damage red blood cells.

Possible Benefits (In Theory)

Some sources note that sauerkraut contains probiotics and vitamins, but these are not essential for cats and there are safer ways to get them.

  • Probiotics in fermented cabbage can support gut bacteria balance and may help digestion in some animals.
  • Sauerkraut also has nutrients like vitamin C and K, but cats synthesize their own vitamin C and get what they need from a balanced meat-based diet.
  • Vet-formulated feline probiotics are usually a better, more controlled option than human foods like sauerkraut.

Real Risks For Cats

For most pet owners, the risks outweigh the minor potential benefits, especially with store-bought sauerkraut.

  • High sodium can contribute to dehydration, kidney strain, or even salt poisoning if a cat eats too much.
  • Garlic, onion, and some spices often added to sauerkraut are toxic to cats, even in small amounts.
  • The acidity, fiber, and fermentation can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or gas in cats with sensitive stomachs.

If Your Cat Already Ate Some

If your cat just licked or ate a tiny bit of plain sauerkraut, it will likely be fine, but monitor closely.

  1. Check the ingredient list for garlic, onion, chives, or “spices” that might hide these.
  1. Watch for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, drooling, or pale gums for the next 24 hours.
  1. Contact a vet immediately if there was garlic/onion in the sauerkraut, or if your cat shows any unusual symptoms.

Safe Guidelines (If You Still Want To Offer It)

If your vet clears it and you really want to let your cat try sauerkraut, keep it extremely minimal.

  • Use only plain, unsalted (or very low salt) sauerkraut with no garlic, onion, or seasoning.
  • Offer a tiny taste first, like a strand or less than 1/4 teaspoon, and see how your cat reacts over 24 hours.
  • Even sources that allow sauerkraut usually cap it around 1–2 teaspoons per day for larger adult cats, and only as an occasional treat, not a routine part of the diet.
  • Do not give sauerkraut to kittens or cats with kidney, heart, or digestive issues unless a vet explicitly approves it.

Bottom line: If you are wondering “can cats have sauerkraut,” the safest modern advice is that a tiny taste of plain sauerkraut probably won’t hurt a healthy adult cat, but it is unnecessary and often not recommended, especially compared with safer cat-specific probiotics and treats.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.