Vegetables are a very important part of a pet dog’s diet, but are their pickled versions just as healthy?In this article, we will see which pickles are safe, and which ones should be avoided, to keep your pooch safe and healthy.
Food for Thought
Before you give pickled vegetables to your dog, consider the reason behind this. Does your dog prefer eating pickles, or are you doing this for your own convenience? Always remember, there are better alternatives to pickles, that you can use as dog treats. Besides, fresh vegetables are definitely healthier than pickled ones.
Pickles might seem like tasty treats for dogs, especially when given in small pieces. Some dog owners throw any food items towards their pet, only out of inquisitiveness to see what would happen. However, like other human foods, not all pickles are good for your dog’s health. In fact, some dogs with particular medical conditions should avoid pickled items completely. Let us see if dogs can eat pickled beetroot, pickled onion, pickled eggs, and other variations.
Dill Pickles
Are dill pickles safe for dogs to eat? Dill pickles are made by soaking cucumbers in a brine solution of salt, vinegar, and various spices. While these pickles are not usually harmful to your dogs, they are not beneficial either. It is okay to give small pieces of this pickle to your pooch once in a while. However, regular consumption is not good. The excess salt, vinegar, and spices are detrimental to the dog’s health. It is suggested that occasionally, you feed your dog only the dill, and avoid cucumbers in the brine solution. A better alternative to sour pickles, is to make your dog eat sweet pickles, in which the brine solution is not very concentrated. Pickled gherkins are just as good as dill cucumber pickles.
Pickled Onion
Onions and garlic in all forms is bad for your dog. Despite the misconception that pickled onions are safer than raw ones, the reality is that even pickled onions can cause anemia, and weaken the body of your pet. So, you should keep pickles in a safe place where your pets cannot reach them. If your dog does manage to ingest some onion, make sure to monitor it for a few days for any negative effects, and take your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Severe cases might even require a blood transfusion.
Pickled Ginger
Fresh ginger is a recommended dog food ingredient, which is often used to control motion sickness and stomach aches in dogs. Similarly, pickled ginger can be beneficial for dogs as long as it is in tiny amounts. Regular consumption of ginger in large quantities can cause bloating, heartburn, gas, and nausea. A good alternative is to make gingerbread cookie treats for your dog.
Pickled Beets
Beets are known for their high nutritive values, and can be very beneficial for dogs, when eaten in moderation. However, can dogs eat pickled beetroot safely instead? Again, the issue with pickled beets is not with the vegetable, but with the salt content, which can be harmful to dogs, especially small ones. Even if you are feeding pickled beets to large dogs, you need to see that the salt does not exceed the required daily sodium intake. The best option is to occasionally mix in some fresh beets along with the greens into your dog’s diet. This will ensure that your pet gets a good dose of vital minerals and vitamins.
Pickled Eggs
Feeding raw eggs to your dog is not very beneficial, as the whites stop the absorption of certain vital vitamins, and it also risks your pet to salmonella. However, cooked eggs are better, if not fried with oil or butter. On the other hand, feeding pickled eggs is not thought to be harmful for dogs. However, it isn’t as healthy as a freshly cooked egg. So, use the pickled version only if fresh eggs are unavailable, and even then, use only occasionally.
Pickled Herring
Fresh herring will provide your dog with the best nourishment. However, you can safely feed pickled herring as a substitute. The fish itself is not harmful, however, the pickle juice is bad if consumed in large quantities. It is best to drain out the liquid completely from the fish before feeding it to the dog. You also need to take care of the bones, which could choke your dog. The fish is good for your pooch, and it will improve the coat, nails, and skin along with preventing ulcers and maintaining healthy bowel movements. It is important to note that feeding fish in large quantities can be harmful to the dog, if it is pregnant or lactating.
Pickle Juice
Pickle juice can improve the electrolyte levels in a dehydrated dog’s body, but it is also harmful to a certain degree, due to its high sodium content. It is best to create a highly diluted solution of the juice in water, to negate any problems. Consult a vet before undertaking this process.
Fried Pickles
Frying is a very popular method of making food items more tasty. However, such items are unhealthy for both humans and animals. To top this, if pickled items are fried, it is even more harmful to your pet. Such dishes are an absolute no-no for canine consumption. Other vegetables such as okra, carrots, etc., can be pickled instead. They are not as harmful as a fried pickles.
If your dog has a sodium-related health issue, it is absolutely important that your pet does not eat any pickles, due to their high salt/sodium content, which can aggravate the problem. If fresh veggies are already included in your pooch’s diet, do not feed it the pickles. Make sure to check for foods that dogs should avoid. You can consult a vet for this purpose. Always keep the telephone number of the ASPCA (Animal Poison Control Center) handy. A well-balanced diet will keep your dog in good health, and give it a longer life.
