I am having a hamburger and my sweet pet is watching me intently. As I got busy watching the TV and eating my burger, the pickles from my plate slipped and fell on the floor. My Black German Shepherd was waiting for this moment! He grabbed the pickles with his big jaws and gobbled up a few pieces before I could notice and stop him.
Should I let him eat the pickles? Can dogs eat pickles?
If I am not extremely careful and vigilant, my dog can end up eating pickles almost every day. Is it okay?
Can dogs eat pickles?
There is no fixed answer to this question. This means your dog can or can’t eat pickles. The bottom line is that the bodies of humans and dogs are different and human foods should not be fed to dogs on a regular basis. Pickles have high amounts of salt, ingredients, and flavors. All of these can be harmful to a dog. So, you should not allow your dog to eat pickles, especially if they have salt, herbs, and flavors.
However, if the pickle in question is plain cucumber in vinegar, you can allow your dog to eat it once in a while. The problem is salt, flavoring, and herbs that can be toxic for the dog.
Health benefits of pickles for dogs
Do pickles have any health benefits for dogs? Pickles in their simplest form are fruits or vegetables. Dogs can eat some fruits and vegetables and they can have health benefits. But remember and be careful some fruits and vegetables can be toxic for dogs.
These items have high amounts of dietary fiber which can help the dog with digestion. Fruits and vegetables have vitamins and minerals that can be good for the dog. But pickling them is not the best way to derive benefits from fruits or vegetables.
Why pickles can be bad for dogs?
Pickles have high amounts of sodium that can be extremely harmful to your dog. It can shoot up its blood pressure and lead to stroke and heart attack. Pickles also have many herbs including onion and garlic, both of which can be toxic for your dog. Then comes the spiciness that makes pickles hot and tangy. Can your dog eat such a food item that is hot and spicy? Certainly not! Your dog will have many problems if he eats such an item.
How to feed pickles to dogs?
If you want to give your dog some pickles, the best thing you can do is to offer him a pickle you have prepared especially for him. Pickles made with cucumber, dill, and Kosher in the simplest way can be okay for your dog. Don’t mix any salt, spice, or any other ingredient. Remember, dogs are different from humans and they can’t tolerate spicy or salty food at all.
How many pickles should a dog get?
Ideally, you should give them only homemade pickles specially made for them. You can feed a moderate quantity of homemade pickles to your dog. But if your dog is eating up pickles from outside, don’t let it eat this kind of pickles very often. A few small pieces once in a while may not be particularly harmful.
What foods can you give to your dog instead of pickles?
Instead of pickled fruits and vegetables, you should give your dog raw fruits and vegetables. For example, if you want your dog to enjoy the benefits of cucumber, instead of pickling, give the dog raw cucumber. The same goes for dill also.
Are dogs allergic to kiwis?
Your dogs may have certain conditions that may aggravate after eating pickles. For example, overweight, high blood pressure, heart ailments, renal failure, wounds, etc. are some of the conditions that may worsen if the dog eats pickles, especially if they have spices and salt.
Also remember, onions, garlic, grapes, etc. are toxic for dogs. Don’t let your dog eat pickles with these items.
What to do if your dog eats pickles?
If your dog has eaten a few small pieces of pickles, it may not be a matter of concern. But if he eats pickles having onion or garlic in them, it can be poisonous. If that ever happens, take the dog to your vet and let him stay under observation for 24-48 hours.
Can diabetic dogs eat pickles?
Diabetic dogs can eat pickles but not those having spices and salt in them. Plain homemade pickles especially made for dogs can be a good option.
