Every pet owner gets a sinking feeling in their stomach, especially, when they realize that their dog has snuck a bit of their burger with extra pickles. However, a bad experience doesn’t always have a bad ending. Are pickles safe for Pugs to eat or should they be avoided like the plague for dogs?
As a pet parent, it’s important to know what type of foods Pugs like to eat and which ones they can and cannot eat.
Can Pugs Eat Pickles?
The short answer is that the pickle itself is NOT toxic to dogs, after all, they really are just cucumbers and dill and both are safe for dogs.
That being said, pickles are high in sodium and may contain spices that are toxic to dogs.
So before you give your pooch a bite of your pickle, let’s take a closer look.
What Are Pickles?
A pickle is nothing more than a pickled cucumber.
For example, a dill pickle is created by using brine, vinegar or other solution. It is then left alone in that solution until it has fermented.
Garlic pickles are made with vinegar, brine, and garlic.
Hot pickles (my favorite) are made with brine vinegar and some type of spicy hot texture.
As you can see, there are several types of pickles, and not all flavors will be safe for your four-legged friend.
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Pickles To Pugs?
Pickles are known to beneficial for our gut health. Some health experts believe that pickle juice can help you get rid of a hangover.
That being said, they don’t cucumbers in their pickled form DON’T have any benefits for Pugs, not even dill pickles!
Benefits of Dill
Dill is a fresh herb that is known to be safe for dogs. It has been known to act as a digestive aid and can help soothe an upset tummy, relieve gas, cramps, and nausea.
It can also be used to freshen your canine’s breath.
Yes, dogs can eat fresh dill, just make sure that it is given in small amounts.
So skip the pickle and give them dill instead.
Fun Pickle Facts
According to the Department of Agriculture, the average American consumes 8.5 pounds of pickles a year.
No one really knows when the first pickle was created. Some believe the first one was created in 2030 B.C.E, while others say that the first one was created in Mesopotamia in 24oo B.C.E.
Pickle juice can help you replace fluid fluids and electrolytes after a hard workout. In fact, the Philadelphia Eagle players chugged pickle juice during a hot humid game on September 3, 2000, in Irving Texas. They ended up winning the game 41-14.
Nutritional Facts
One cup serving of store-bought kosher dill pickles:
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Calories: 17
- Potassium: 4% DV
- Cholesterol: 0 grams
- Fiber: 1.6 grams
- Sugars: 1.9 grams
- Carbohydrates: 3.7 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Protein: 0.9 grams
- Sodium: 1,251 grams
As you can see, pickles have a ton of sodium!
Are Pickles Safe For Pugs?
Before sharing a pickle with your four-legged friend. You need to consider what ingredients were used. Avoid giving your dog pickles that are heavily spiced, as they may contain seasonings that can be toxic to your dogs.
Pickles that have been pickled in onions or garlic are toxic to dogs as they may contain a thiosulphate.
In general, the biggest concern with pickles is the high amount of sodium.
Sodium
Pickles contain a ton of sodium, which is one of the biggest reasons to avoid feeding your dog this human food. Dogs really don’t need the extra sodium that pickles contain.
Like us, a dog’s body does require a certain amount of sodium. Look at the ingredients on the back of your dog food bag packaging to see what is the daily recommended allowance for your pooch.
The occasional slice shouldn’t be a problem, it’s best to avoid giving them any at all.
Digestive Problems Can Be Common
Like humans, if dogs consume too much salt, it can lead to serious health complications, even death.
Are Sweet Pickles Good For Pugs?
If you have to share your food with your dog, then the sweet variety are the best option.
That being said, they are still high in sodium, so don’t make a habit of giving it to them.
Instead, opt for giving your dog fresh vegetables such as carrots, and cucumbers that are much safer and nutritious.
Can Pugs Drink Pickle Juice?
No, the juice itself contains vinegar, spices, and salt which can be potentially dangerous to your four-legged friend.
When your Pug has spent a lot of time outdoors in the heat and they want something to drink, stick with clean fresh water.
The pickle juice will NOT help your dog replenish their electrolytes.
If your dog is dehydrated, you’ll want to consult your veterinarian immediately.
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Pickles
If you really want to give your Pug a pickle, opt for a sweet pickle. Stay away from the ones that have been fermented in onion or garlic, as they are extremely dangerous for dogs.
There are much safer foods for your dog, so it’s best to play it safe than risk your dog getting kidney disease or worse death.
References And Further Reading
Spoon University – Beatrice Forman – The 5 Most Popular Types of Pickles, Explained
Mental Floss – Benjamin Lampkin – 10 Pickle Facts To Savor (in Honor of National Pickle Day)