Can Dogs Eat Pickles?

• Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Tart, tangy pickles are virtually free of calories and contain a handful of healthful nutrients. But along with the good stuff, pickles also contain something no dog should have in excess: sodium. And that’s not all. Pickles are also commonly brined in spices that are toxic to pets, including garlic powder and onion powder.

Can Dogs Eat Pickles?

Yes, but only as a rare, small treat. Technically pickles are safe for your dog to eat, as are the cucumbers from which they’re made. They even have a small amount of vitamin A, K, iron, calcium, and magnesium. But unlike cucumbers, pickles contain tons of salt, enough to cancel out any nutritional benefits they may offer. While a bite or two of a pickle shouldn’t hurt your dog, a tiny amount should only show up in their diet as a rare snack.