Many people can’t resist the urge to feed their dog a pickle. However, can dogs eat pickles?
A lot of things can be harmful for your dog and these salty snacks may be one of them.
The first thing when it comes to whether dogs can eat pickles or not, is that they can’t have certain types of salt like table salt because this can lead to electrolyte imbalance in their bodies. Dogs also can’t have pickles that are fermented in canning jars because these can contain a deadly bacteria called Clostridium botulinum.
The main issue with this is how salt can affect their stomach, as well as the high level of sodium can lead to dehydration.
If you’re in doubt about whether dogs can eat pickles, then just make sure that they don’t have too many. You should ensure your dog avoids any additional salt if possible because this can be harmful for their stomachs.
In this article we will talk about why pickles can be harmful for dogs and also whether or not they can eat them at all.
Health risks of feeding pickles to your dog
Dogs are among the most adorable creatures on earth, and many owners feed their pups pickles to prevent gastrointestinal upset. However, this can be an unhealthy choice for your pooch. Here’s why!
Pickles contain vinegar which is harmful in large quantities for dogs. Pickles also have a high sodium content which can lead to water retention, vomiting and diarrhea in some dogs. In addition, they contain dill seeds that may irritate the stomach lining or even cause an obstruction of the bowel if consumed in large amounts over time. Lastly, pickles are typically preserved with brine – another type of salt – and eating too much salt will lead your dog to drink more water than necessary leading to dehydration
The Pickle juice causes acid reflux in some dogs leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
How to feed pickles to your dog safely?
Pickles are a great snack for humans, but they can also be a healthy treat for dogs. With the right amount of pickle juice and an appropriate size, you may even notice that your pup will enjoy snacking on this savory treat. Here are five ways to feed pickles to your dog:
- Cut up large slices of dill pickles and give them as treats in between meals.
- Add some chopped garlic or onion to small pieces of cut-up pickles before feeding.
- Freeze individual cubes of diced pickle and let him have one as a special reward after he has been good.
- Put some finely grated raw carrot or cucumber in with his kibble or canned food to add some moisture to his meal.
If your dog reacts negatively, discontinue use and contact a veterinarian for medical advice on whether dogs can eat pickles or not.
Can a pickle kill a dog?
This is a difficult question to answer as not all pickles are created equally. We can make a few general statements however. If the pickle contains enough salt to have toxic effects, then yes it could kill your dog.
Signs of being poisoned by too much salt include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and lethargy. The condition can be fatal if untreated or left untreated for long enough periods of time.
Additionally, giving dogs some fruit from its skin could be dangerous in high quantities tomatoes especially because they’re acidic enough to cause significant stomach upset which may lead to heart-stopping death in large doses over a short period of time; but this again would not typically occur with one regular pickle (unless sliced).
Is pickle juice bad for dogs?
Yes. Pickle juice is extremely salty, and it also contains food dyes which are not safe for consumption by dogs. The sodium in pickle juice can cause hypernatremia (excess sodium in the blood) or bloat in dogs if they consume too much.
Now let’s look at 3 reasons why pickle juice can be a bad option for dogs.
- Pickles can contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs when consumed in large amounts.
- Pickles contain vinegar which is a corrosive acid and dogs need an alkaline environment to digest food properly.
- Ingesting too much salt from pickles could cause complications for a dog’s kidneys.
The only time when having some pickle juice would be ok would be with very small quantities used as home remedies such as using it on wounds, mouthwash etc..
There are some alternatives to pickle juice that can help you care for your dog when they have been injured or need to visit the vet. Dabbing a napkin with water will let you clean any wound on their body without touching it at all, so no risk of irritating an open wound with cleaning solution that could be dangerous to them if ingested unintentionally! Another option is apple cider vinegar mixed with water and applied directly onto a cut or scrape as needed- this can also help with healing.
Can pickles treat bad breath in dogs?
Dogs are man’s best friend, but sometimes they can have bad breath that is not so friendly. The great thing about pickles is that they offer a solution to this problem! Pickles may be sour and crunchy on the outside, but on the inside they are full of probiotics which help to keep your dog’s mouth healthy and fresh. If you’re looking for an easy way to treat your pup’s bad breath, then try out these 3 methods below:
- Bring your dog into the bath with you and give them a scrub from head-to-toe before rinsing off in the shower with some shampoo or soap.
- Keep some fresh dill pickles nearby when you feed your dog food – try not to cut them because it could lead to mold growth, but instead offer them slices during mealtimes as a healthy snack option.
- Make sure you brush their teeth at least once per day using toothpaste mixed with water, or a special doggie toothpaste.
Alternatives to pickles for dogs
Pickles are tasty for humans but they can be dangerous for dogs.
Some things to avoid giving your pup include onions, garlic, avocados, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts and chocolate. Good alternatives are eggs (raw or hard boiled), sweet potatoes or carrots – these foods won’t make your doggy sick or give them an upset stomach like the others might.
If your pup loves pickles and you don’t want him to suffer the consequences of eating too many, then you can also look at these alternatives mentioned below.
Green beans
Green beans have been proven to help with upset stomachs in humans so they could work well as an alternative for your pup if he is feeling queasy from his favorite treat-pickle chips.
Kale chips
Kale might not sound very appetizing but it has been shown that it can calm digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Kale can also be a great source of calcium which can help with stronger bones, joints and teeth!
Cucumbers
cucumbers can work well as an alternative to pickles because they are low in calories, yet high in water content- this can help your pup stay hydrated while not feeling too full.
Parsley
If you can’t find parsley, try cilantro instead! Both can help with upset stomachs and can also provide a bit of natural nutrition for your pup’s diet.
Sweet Potatoes or Carrots
These can be a great alternative to pickles and can help your pup avoid an upset stomach while providing some natural nutrition.
Final Thoughts
As long as your dog is not allergic to cucumbers, they are a better option than pickles.
If you want to give your pup something salty with more flavor than just water or broth try out some low sodium canned green beans! Your pooch won’t mind the switch in flavors either as they have virtually no taste at all—so don’t worry about them missing their favorite food too much if it tastes like nothing to them.
