Can dogs eat pickles?

Updated 01/05/2024

Pickles are a staple side to so many dishes in the human world - burgers, cheese boards and cured meat selections simply aren't complete without them. And with their satisfying snap and tangy notes that we humans love so much, we're not surprised that many pet parents are wondering - can dogs eat pickles? Well unfortunately, there's not a straight answer to this one. While there's likely no harm done if your pup takes a nibble here and there, pickles aren't the ideal snack for dogs by any means. To find out why and for suggestions on better snacks for dogs (that your pooch will still drool over), take a look below.

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Are pickles poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat pickles at all? And are pickles safe for dogs if they're prepared in a particular way? Well we're happy to let you know that pickles aren't poisonous to dogs, they're just not very good for them. So, if your pup has somehow managed to swipe one from the cheeseboard, there's no need to panic. Simply monitor their behavior and toileting afterwards, and they'll likely be fine. But, as you'll probably know already, there's a chance your pooch could be allergic (just like with any food product), so while an allergic reaction is unlikely, keep a close eye if it's the first time your pup has dabbled with the pickles jar.

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Why are pickles bad for dogs?

So, just why are pickles a bad choice in the land of canine snacking? Can dogs eat pickles in any way, or should they always be avoided? Well as we've mentioned, pickles are unlikely to cause your pooch any immediate harm, but there are certainly a few good reasons as to why pickles shouldn't be your pup's go-to treat. 

Firstly, let's talk salt. As you'll probably already know, pickles are cucumbers that have been preserved in brine - a saltwater solution that's often used when preserving vegetables. While your pup certainly needs salt in their diet, the brine that coats (and permeates) the pickles you snack on is far too high in the stuff for your pup. In fact, too much salt in your dog's diet can result in an array of serious side effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, loss of balance, excessive thirst and seizures. So for this reason, we advise you to go for plain cucumbers (which your doggo will also adore) over the pickled variety, and leave the salt intake up to the dog food your pup tucks into at dinner time. 

Next, one of the most dangerous things about dogs and pickles is the other ingredients they're often preserved with. While vegetables like onions, garlic and chili are flavor enhancers in the world of human foods, they're seriously bad news for our canine companions. Members of the allium family (like onions and garlic) are toxic to dogs, so if you think your pooch might have nabbed some from the pickle jar (or anywhere else for that matter), call your vet immediately for advice. Then there's chili - while (mostly) harmless for us humans, chili can cause serious gastrointestinal upset in dogs, so should never be shared with your furry friends.

Finally, there's vinegar. While pickles are often preserved in brine, vinegar is a popular ingredient that's often added to help preserve the cucumbers and add flavor. While not guaranteed to cause any nasty reactions in your pup, too much vinegar can be harsh on your dog's stomach, so it's worth avoiding to be on the safe side (unless prescribed by your vet for another medical reason).

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What to do if your dog eats pickles

There's no reason to panic if your pup managed to nab a pickle from the table - one shouldn't do any harm as pickles aren't toxic to dogs. If however, your furry friend somehow managed to knock back multiple pickles or even heaps of pickle juice, we advise contacting your vet immediately. Pickles are seriously high in salt which can result in nasty side effects when consumed in excess. Signs of salt toxicity in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, loss of coordination, and even seizures. 

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Other pickled and fermented products

So can dogs eat pickles of any other kind? And what about other fermented products? Can dogs have pickles if they're cooked? Well the bottom line here is that anything particularly processed is likely to be pretty bad news for dogs. Much of the pickling and fermenting process involves adding a huge amount of salt, and commonly a heap of other ingredients dangerous for dogs like garlic and chili. So instead, opt for fresh vegetables as a snack for dogs, checking they're safe for canine consumption on a case by case basis.

Can dogs eat dill pickles?

While dill is packed with antioxidants, you're better off washing the fresh herb then sprinkling a small amount of it amongst your pup's dog food. Why? Well pickles are packed with sodium, which, if consumed too much, can result in a variety of health complications for your pooch like vomiting, diarrhea and even seizures.

Can dogs eat fried pickles?

We really don't advise dogs eat anything fried - especially not something sodium-packed like pickles. Too much fat in your dog's diet can lead to obesity and pancreatitis, so instead opt for fresh, raw cucumbers which your pup will pine for just as much.

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Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

Other foods that are not safe for dogs

So now we’ve settled the common question from pet parents - can dogs have pickles and we know dogs and pickles aren’t exactly a match made in doggy heaven, why not explore other foods dogs can't eat?

• Lemons
• Pistachios
• Pecans