Are you eating a snack and are tempted to give your dog some but don’t know if it will be a bad idea? Did your dog take a big bite of your sandwich and now you fear there are side effects? Well, now we’ll find out if it’s okay to share these delicious snacks.
Can you give your dog pickles or is it better to avoid?
Before opening the jar, let’s try to examine various elements.
Are pickles bad for dogs?
Your dog managed to eat some pickles while you were away and you are now in total panic ready to call your vet immediately should any abnormal symptoms occur.
In the meantime, you’ll need some information. Since pickles are nothing more than vegetables kept in a jar filled with a saline solution consisting of vinegar, salt, and various spices, can they be given to dogs?
While they are not the healthiest food, they are not considered fatal unless consumed in large quantities.
However, some pickles are not good for dogs at all and could cause several health problems.
Are they safe for dogs?
If you are wondering if pickles are bad for dogs we can only tell you that it depends on the ingredients used during the cooking process.
Avoid very spicy ones as they often contain spices that are toxic to dogs that can cause stomach upset.
Those cooked with onions or pickled onions themselves are extremely harmful to dogs due to their high thiosulfate content! They can cause “Heinz body” (or also known as hemolytic anemia) .
This condition affects the red blood cells causing them to burst. In severe cases, it may also be necessary to intervene with a transfusion. This pathology can be deadly. Symptoms include darker colored urine, vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing problems. If any of these symptoms appear, take your dog to the vet right away.
The other fundamental problem is the quantity of salt present.
The amount present in such food is equivalent to 100% of your dog’s daily requirement.
Occasionally giving your dog some will not hurt, however having too much iodine in the body can cause hypernatremia, the symptoms of which are: increased thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, and spasms. If any of these symptoms appear, take your dog to the vet right away.
If a dog constantly takes too much salt, their blood pressure will rise and there will be a greater risk of a heart attack.
Are they good for dogs?
You may think that since they are vegetables, they could be a beneficial and healthy snack.
I’m sorry to disappoint you, but that’s not quite the case.
Obviously, vegetables are very nutritious, but the processes to which the pickles are subjected deprive them of most of the nutrients.
Either way, pickles possess a high fiber content and a small amount of vitamins A and K, minerals, iron, and antioxidants.
They are also low in fat and calories, so giving your dog a piece every now and then can be a good tidbit to help it lose weight.
Obviously, it’s best to give them pickles that are free of salt, spices, and sweeteners!
Can they eat dill-flavored pickles?
They are not harmful, but despite all their benefits, they are high in sodium. But you can always give your dog a little piece every now and then.
Of course, it would be better to give it directly from the dill every now and then that it is not pickled.
Named Herb of the Year in 2010, it is very nutritious and supports the digestive system, plus it prevents bad breath!
Can they eat sweet pickles?
If you really want to give your dog some pickles then the sweet ones are the better choice than the spicy ones since the brine is not concentrated.
But remember that they also contain sodium, so give them in moderation.
From a nutritional point of view, feeding your dog fresh vegetables like carrots or cucumbers is a much healthier alternative!
Is the juice from pickles bad for them?
Since it is composed of vinegar, spices, and a generous amount of salt it is highly harmful so it is best not to give it to it.
Some people recommend giving some to dehydrated dogs due to its high electrolyte content. However, due to its high salt content, it should never be given to a dog even if it is diluted with water. If your case is dehydrated talk to your vet immediately.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion: the benefits it would derive are really meager. By the way, some pickles are a bad idea. There are many other healthier treats you can give your dog.
If you really want to give your dog some then go for the sweet ones instead of the spicy ones.
Cut it into small pieces to give it as an occasional treat while making sure it doesn’t become a part of its daily diet.
If you wash it first, you will remove some of the salt and it will be safer for your pup.
Never give it a whole pickle or it will risk choking and also the salt content will be excessive.
Dogs that have heart problems or other conditions related to salt absorption should definitely not eat them.
Always be cautious in the food you give your dog. Many foods that are good for us are extremely toxic to dogs. Talk to your veterinarian to remove any doubts.
This article is purely informative, at Shelterapet we do not have the right to prescribe veterinary treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We encourage you to take your pet to the vet in case of any kind of discomfort.
