Are you Wondering if you can feed your dog some amounts of pickles? Are they safe or should be avoided? These and more will be discussed here to fill up your curiosity, so keep reading!
What are Pickles?
Pickles are a delicate little treat being added in some meals, plus it comes in every size and shape. From pickle relish to dill pickles, there’s an extensive array to choose from.
These are made from a vegetable called cucumber and then immersed into a brine solution which includes salt, vinegar, and spices.
This treat is relatively nutritious for humans to eat. Some dogs prefer the taste of pickles while others don’t want to try even a tiny bit of it.
If your dog can’t help but sniff around as soon as he sees pickles, the concern on whether or not to give him some could immediately arise.
Are pickles safe to eat by Dog? Are there any health benefits? How about the potential side effects?
Can My Puppy Eat Pickles?
Fortunately, yes. An occasional bite of pickles won’t harm your dog. Though, keep in mind not to include it in his daily diet because that is not generally recommended.
Just like other vegetables and fruits, you can use it as a snack treat or reward. Feed him with moderation too. Only small quantities of pickles will do.
There are many types of pickles available. Pick one with non-toxic ingredients such as sweet pickles. Avoid those with onion, garlic, or spicy flavors because they might put the health of your pet at risk. As possible, go for plain and unseasoned food so as not to bother his digestive tract.
Another reason why spicy pickles are not a good alternative is that the solution where the pickles are stored is packed with a variety of strong spices, aside from vinegar and salt. Salt is terrible for your dog since it causes heart problems and increases blood pressure.
While spices and vinegar might seem harmless to digest, you should not allow your pet to have some. Particular types of seasonings can result in extreme reactions in canines, including death.
Health Benefits of Pickles
Although not the healthiest food for your dog, pickles can also provide some most significant benefits. The cucumbers contained within the ingredients give vitamins that your pup need in his diet.
Such nutrients contained in pickles are:
- Vitamin A – supports a normal vision, stimulates the immune system, and aids in cellular differentiation, transmembrane protein transfer, and morphogenesis.
- Vitamin K – supports normal blood clotting and promotes bone formation.
- Magnesium – supports the nervous system, CV, and muscular.
- Potassium – controls acid-base balance, facilitates the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, helps muscular contractions, and aids in the transmission of nerve impulse.
- Vitamin B6 – helps in amino acid metabolism.
- Vitamin C – boosts the immune system.
- Phosphorus – regulates acid-base balance and helps in metabolism.
- Iron – helps diffuse oxygen.
- Zinc – aids in the metabolism of lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.
- Folate – helps in the metabolism of nucleotides and amino acids.
- Sodium – regulates osmotic pressure and acid-base balance; aids in producing and transferring electrical impulses.
- Riboflavin – a key component of numerous enzymes.
Moreover, pickles have a low amount of calories. This makes them a perfect low-calorie snack for dogs. Being low in fiber also aids with digestion. You can also depend on pickles if you want to help your pet lose weight since they are low in cholesterol.
Side Effects of Pickles
The food items are the primary reason why pickles are harmful to dogs.
- Onion
Onion is considered a toxic vegetable because it has a high level of thiosulphate. Hemolytic anemia or Heinz Body Anemia could be triggered in the dog.
Symptoms: fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and dark colored urine
- Salt
Sodium ion poisoning occurs when you give your excessive pet amounts of salt. Pickles are high in salt content, which makes it a bad idea giving to pups at some point. High blood pressure and pancreatitis are also causes of too much salt consumption.
Hence, you should opt for unsalted pickles if you want to feed some to your furry friend.
Symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, high blood pressure, loss of appetite, bloating, hunched back, extreme weakness, and lethargy
- Sodium
Another biggest issue with pickles is the high sodium content. The recommended amount of sodium for dogs is 100 mg/day. A medium sized pickle has around 700 to 1500 mg. See the difference?
Sodium promotes excessive thirst and dehydration in dogs, which can cause frequent urination. Be aware of the pickles you buy in the store. Look at the label or list of ingredients before buying.
Symptoms: excessive thirst, high blood pressure, and even stroke and fatal heart attack
Which type of pickles could you feed him?
While pickles are not generally suitable for dogs, you can prepare and give a few slices to your Fido. Just be careful of the ingredients or food items.
You can try the following pickled foods for him:
- Sweet Pickles:- The better option among other types of pickled foods. Sweet pickles contain low sodium content, though you have to pick ones with no spices.
Plus, feed him only in moderation. Sugar is included in the ingredients since it is sweet. The best thing to do is to check out the package thoroughly and look for a product that only has the least amount of sugar.
Remember, too much sugar is harmful to pups because it can cause cavities, weight gain, and diabetes. Sugar-free products are not a good option either as they contain xylitol (an artificial sweetener that is harmful to dogs).
- Dill Pickles:- Not necessarily harmful, but are not beneficial either. They consist of too much sodium and have little nutritional value.
Dill pickles are prepared by soaking cucumbers in a brine solution of vinegar, salt, and numerous spices. It is okay to give some tiny pieces to your poodle once in a while. Avoid mixing with onions or garlic.
- Gingered Pickles:- Fresh ginger is safe to use as a dog food ingredient. It is frequently used to control stomach aches and motion sickness in pets.
Gingered prickles are only good for your pup when consumed in a small amount as well as in moderation. Regular intake in large quantities could lead to nausea, gas, bloating, and heartburn.
- Egg Pickles:- Surprisingly, feeding pickled eggs are not considered to be risky. Although, it is not as healthy as a freshly cooked egg. Use it only occasionally as a treat.
- Beet Pickles:- Beets are known to be beneficial due to the nutritive value it contains. What about pickled beets? Bigger dogs can eat a few small pieces, but make sure to check the salt content.
On the other hand, small puppies should never allow tasting even a single one because it can pose a severe risk to their body and health.
- Herring Pickles:- Fresh herring gives pets the best nourishment. Though, it is advised to feed pickled herring as a substitute. The pickle juice is terrible, especially when consumed in large quantities.
So, ensure to drain out the liquid from the herring before giving it to your dog. Beware of the bones contained as well. The fish is good for dogs as it helps improve their skin, coat, and nails.
What types of pickles you should avoid?
Onion and Garlic Pickles. Never feed your dog with onion and garlic pickles as they can lead to anemia. This eventually makes your pup feel weak.
- Fried Pickles:- Fried is never a safe option for humans, so as for dogs. You may opt to pickle other vegetables instead, like carrots and okra.
- Pickle Juice:- Yes, pickle juice is a big NO. It contains spices, vinegar, and large amounts of salt, which are harmful. Even diluted with water, the high sodium levels might worsen the condition of your pet.
How Many Pickles to Feed your Dog?
Assuming your pup likes the taste of pickles. It is not a big problem to feed him as long as there are no dangerous ingredients included, such as onion, vinegar, and garlic.
Just an important thing to keep in mind (and we have mentioned many times in this article), do not overdo it. Too many pickles have adverse consequences. And, you don’t want to put your dog’s health at risk. You can give a couple of pickles once or twice per week.
Conclusion – Can Dogs Eat Pickles?
In conclusion, pickles can be given to dogs but only on moderation. Sweet pickles are usually recommended. Avoid those with ingredients that can harm your pet, including onion, garlic, salt, and vinegar. Feed a couple of slices into tiny pieces as an occasional treat and be sure it is not included in his staple diet.
Canines with the sodium-related issue or a heart condition should never feed pickles because of its high salt intake. Pay attention to common symptoms. Call your vet professional for immediate treatment or further advice.
