Can Dogs Have Pickles?

I feel like this is a safe place to admit this – I have a deep obsession with pickles. I usually eat one at least once a day. When I pull out my jar from the refrigerator, my dog instantly perks up. Unfortunately for her, I have not offered her a taste. When she has angrily asked why I’ve withheld such a delicacy, I’ve told her pickles aren’t great for furry friends. She didn’t believe me until I did a quick Google search that confirmed I was right. 

According to the American Kennel Club, pickles aren’t toxic to dogs. However, they contain too much sodium for our furry friends to consume. While speaking to the AKC in October 2023, veterinarian Dr. Carly Fox explained, “Although pickles contain vitamins and minerals beneficial to us, the negative aspects far outweigh the benefits for a dog.” 

“Overall, they aren’t a great choice to feed your dog,” continued the vet. 

Photo by Kevin Doran on Unsplash

While it is not quite the same as a pickle, you can give your dog a cucumber as a substitute. PetMD reported that cucumbers can be quite beneficial for our canine companions as the cucurbits has plenty of vitamins and minerals. That being said, be sure that the cucumbers are cut up before giving them to your furry friend to prevent a potential choking incident. Also, please speak to your dog’s vet prior to feeding them anything new.