Can Dogs Eat Pickled Eggs?

Pickled eggs make a perfect condiment, especially in pubs, bars, and taverns.

These hard-boiled eggs cured in brine or vinegar can stay longer without getting spoilt.

If you own a dog, you may want to share these delicacies with him. 

So, can dogs eat pickled eggs?

No, pickled eggs are high in sodium which is dangerous for dogs.

Moreover, during the pickling process, eggs are cured in brine, vinegar, and other additives toxic to our furry friends.

As a dog parent, understanding the risks of feeding your pup pickled eggs will help you make the right decision.

You also want to know what to do if your canine accidentally consumes pickled eggs.

Keep reading for these concerns, including safer alternatives to give your furry friend.

Reasons Dogs Should Not Eat Pickled Eggs

Pickled eggs contain the basic pickling ingredients, which include:

• Vinegar: Acetic acid, apple cider vinegar
• Salt: Table salt, pickling salt, iodine salt
• Spices: Garlic, chili powder, onion, cinnamon, dill
• Cooking oil: Sunflower oil, coconut oil

These ingredients are unhealthy for dogs.

They can cause the following health issues:

Sodium Ion Poisoning

Humans have used salt for many years for seasoning and food preservation.

As an essential ingredient, salt provides our bodies, including our lovely pets, the sodium needed to maintain fluid levels.

However, did you know that excessive sodium is catastrophic to your pup?

Too much salt leads to sodium ion poisoning in dogs.

This happens when excessive sodium causes an electrolyte imbalance in the body.

Salt toxicity happens when dogs ingest 2-3 g/Kg of sodium chloride.

Pickled eggs are high in sodium chloride because of the salt used in seasoning.

The initial symptoms of sodium ion poisoning in dogs include:

• Excessive thirst and urination
• Lethargy or weakness
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Frequent urination

If not treated immediately, sodium ion poisoning can cause death.

Allergies

Eggs are among the most common dog allergens.

The egg yolk is high in protein which, in most cases, causes egg yolk allergy in dogs.

Allergies are abnormal reactions of the immune system to a foreign substance.

In dogs, allergies manifest as itching and scratching.

If your pup is allergic to eggs and ingests pickled eggs, he may have other symptoms like:

• Hives
• Swelling of the face
• Watery eyes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

Infections from Dangerous Additives

We add flavorings and other ingredients to our pickled eggs to make them delicious and increase their shelf life.

However, most of these additives are unhealthy for our canine friends, as discussed below:

Onions and Garlic

Garlic and onions are ingredients of the allium family.

These ingredients contain thiosulfate, a toxic component for dogs.

When dogs ingest garlic and onions, thiosulfate is converted into sulfonic acid and sulfoxides.

These compounds are further metabolized to sulfonic acid and disulfides, which causes Heinz body anemia in dogs.

Heinz bodies are clumps of denatured hemoglobin caused by the oxidative stress of methemoglobinemia.

Heinz body anemia leads to the following symptoms in dogs:

• Weakness
• Lethargy
• Pale gums
• Excessive drooling
• Breathing difficulties
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Loss of appetite 

Chili Powder

Chili powder adds flavor and color to pickled eggs.

However, this ingredient is dangerous to dogs because it contains capsaicin.

Capsaicin is the active compound in chili peppers that makes them hot.

Capsaicin irritates the mucous membranes in dogs causing burning and inflammation.

If a dog consumes chili powder, he may show the following symptoms:

• Excessive drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Runny nose

Cinnamon

Cinnamon adds flavor and aroma to pickled eggs.

The spice is dangerous to dogs because it contains cinnamaldehyde. 

Cinnamaldehyde is a natural organic compound that gives cinnamon its flavor and smell.

Like chili, cinnamon irritates the mucous membranes in dogs causing burning and inflammation.

Gastrointestinal Upset

The acetic acid in vinegar can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs.

Gastrointestinal upset is a general term that describes discomfort and problems in the stomach and intestines.

The symptoms of gastrointestinal upset include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Loss of appetite 
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Excessive gas

Pancreatitis

Pickled eggs are also high in fat.

Fat is a necessary nutrient for dogs, but too much fat can lead to liver inflammation or pancreatitis.

Early diagnosis and prompt medical treatment are necessary to prevent pancreatitis from becoming a chronic condition.

What to Do if Your Dog Consumes Pickled Eggs

Emergencies are inevitable.

If your dog eats pickled eggs, the severity of the impact will depend on the number of eggs.

If your pup ingests a small number of pickled eggs, give him plenty of water to drink.

This will help flush out the toxins from his system.

You should also watch him closely for any symptoms and contact your veterinarian if they occur.

If your dog ate a lot of pickled eggs, he might need IV fluid therapy or induced vomiting by an experienced veterinarian.

Alternative Healthy Foods for Dogs

Instead of feeding your canine pickled eggs to expose him to toxins and cause health complications, give him healthy and toxin-free foods.

Such foods and treats include:

• Meat
• Chicken
• Cooked fish
• Vegetables
• Fruits 
• Rice 
• Oatmeal 
• Potatoes  

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat pickled beets eggs?

No.

Although dogs can eat beet eggs, the pickling process adds vinegar, salt brine, and other spices that can be toxic to dogs.

Can dogs have pickled foods?

No, pickled foods are high in sodium, fat, and sugar which are harmful to dogs. In addition, the vinegar in pickled foods can cause gastrointestinal upset.

What is a safe alternative to pickled eggs for dogs?

There are many healthy alternatives to pickled eggs for dogs.

They include meat, chicken, cooked fish, vegetables, fruits, rice, and oatmeal.

The Bottom Line

Dogs should not eat pickled eggs.

Although plain eggs are safe and nutritious for dogs, the pickling process adds vinegar, salt brine, and other spices toxic to dogs.

Pickled eggs expose dogs to a myriad of health problems.

These include gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis, allergies, and sodium ion poisoning.

If your dog ingests pickled eggs, give him plenty of water to drink and watch him closely for any symptoms.

If you notice signs of gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea, vomiting, and bloating, take him to the vet for diagnosis and specialized treatment.