Cabbage - Feed Ingredient

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) is a leafy vegetable belonging to the Brassica family, widely cultivated for both human and animal consumption. It features dense, leafy heads composed of tightly packed leaves and comes in several varieties, including green, red, and savoy. Nutritionally, cabbage contains fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C and vitamin K), and minerals.

Despite its nutritional value, cabbage and other Brassica species present certain concerns when included in equine diets. Brassicas contain glucosinolates, sulfur-containing compounds that, when consumed in excess, can interfere with thyroid function and negatively affect iodine metabolism in horses. Additionally, cabbage can produce gas and digestive disturbances, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort or colic. Therefore, cabbage should only be offered to horses in very small amounts.