Many people wonder if pickles are a good treat for their pet dogs.
Here’s the deal:
The high sodium content means pickle portions should be strictly limited.
Be conservative for your dog. Further, share a mild-tasting pickle would be better than an overly spicy, very sour or super sweet variety.
You don’t want your dog getting an upset stomach as a result of feeding this fermented food.
Go Easy And Your Dog Can Have a Pickle
They aren’t toxic, but frequent canine consumption of salty snacks is simply not smart.
Must Be Mild And Minimal
A mild pickle, or two, won’t harm your dog.
Yup! You can feed a jarred pickle on occasion. Just keep it to a minimum.
On the other hand…
Never let your dog drink the salty brine liquid!
Restrict sodium intake. Limit those pickles!
FYI: Slicing them up is also important. Otherwise, a furry friend could choke.
Cucumbers Are Way Better
Let’s not forget that pickles are cucumbers.
Most people would rather eat a processed pickle than a raw cucumber, but your dog isn’t so fussy!
Why not treat them to a cucumber instead?
Doing so is way healthier based on the overall nutrition and, of course, the much lower levels of sodium.
In any case, don’t be too concerned if your dog snatches a pickle off of your plate. They’ll be fine!
Pets And The Pickle Process
Still keen on this food for your dog? Wait!
Learn how the process of making pickles actually works…
The methods may change your mind (even for your own consumption)!
There is fermented and quick pickling.
Cucumbers soaked in vinegar with added spices and other seasonings. That’s quick pickling.
The other technique involves fermentation and has probiotic benefits.
In reality though, this gut health perk is likely of no use to a dog.
Interesting: You can pickle other vegetables besides cucumbers.
Proper Pickle Preparation
Whatever you ultimately decide, do some preparation before providing the occasional pickle.
While rare, it’s possible for a dog to choke on a whole pickle.
Slice it up!
And rinse the pickle off to reduce the sodium.
Not all dogs like this fermented food as much as this one does!
No Pickle Juice For Your Dog
Leftover pickle juice should never be given to your dog.
This oily, salty and vinegary liquid is nasty. Pour it down the drain.
Good Nutrition And Habits
It should be stressed once again:
Most of the nutrition in a cucumber is gone by the time it becomes a pickle.
They do have some vitamin A and K as well as fiber, calcium, iron and manganese.
But…
You cannot depend on pickles to nourish a dog. Keep it as an unexpected treat.
In other words, Fido should not expect this salty snack.
The Bottom Line
A single sliced up pickle is fine, but your dog shouldn’t be allowed to eat much more.
The high sodium is a huge factor. Cucumbers are better!
The truth is pickles aren’t terrific despite not being poisonous for dogs. No pickle juice!
My Chihuahua/Jack Russell mix loves dill pickles. I do not give her the skin. Is this okay?
I gave her a bite to get her to stop bugging for it. She will not leave me alone if I have a pickle and if she smells it on me and she didn’t get some… watch out!
I have a one-year-old Lab and German Shepard mix. She gets knots on the insides of both hind legs at the top. I can give her pickle juice?
No, it would just give her a tummy ache.
My dogs kept begging me for a bite of my pickle. I gave them a piece to prove that they did not want it. They love them!