Imagine sitting at the dining table, and you catch a glimpse of your dog trying to steal capers. If you encounter such incidents, it’s good to wonder, “can dogs eat capers?”
Well, to cut it short, no, dogs cannot enjoy the caper feast.
Let’s crack this caper code and understand why capers and your dog cannot be friends.
What Do Capers Consist of?
Capers are unopened flowers used in Mediterranean cuisines. Usually, there is a pickling process where it is mixed with brine or vinegar. It is essential to understand that dogs have different dietary needs than humans.
Capers do not have much nutritional value that benefits dogs in any way.
Is It Toxic?
Standalone, capers are not toxic but become toxic after undergoing the pickling process.
However, just because your dog “can” eat it does not mean they “should.”
These tangy pickles contain salts, spices, and even garlic to enhance their flavor. These can be great for humans, but neither it is healthy nor pose any nutritional value to your dog.
Unfortunately, your favorite pickles should not be in the same food cart as your dog’s. But don’t be disheartened; your dog can still safely have several human food alternatives.
Risks of Feeding Your Dog Capers
As capers are not entirely toxic to dogs, they still can cause harm to your dog in multiple ways, as there are several health risks of capers, such as:
1. Gastrointestinal problems
Pickled capers are a BIG NO, as they can disrupt their gastro health. It will be a ride for your pooch’s digestive system, from stomach aches to diarrhea. As they have sensitive stomachs, not every food item suits their health.
Vomiting, diarrhea, and gas, followed by terrible stomach pains, are common symptoms that you can expect if your dog eats capers. In short– it’s a nightmare.
2. Allergic to capers
Allergies are not a new concept for dogs. As some dogs might love the tanginess and spiciness of capers, we also know that dogs can get confused between taste and health.
It is essential to consult a veterinarian before introducing any new food item to your dog’s diet.
If your dog is allergic, it can show signs of rashes, itching, vomiting, weakness, digestive imbalances, etc. (article)
3. No nutritional value
Are you wondering what nutritional value pickled capers can bring to your furry buddy? Well, none.
Capers do have some minerals and vitamins that suit humans. However, dogs can have no benefit from it except for them liking the peppery taste of capers.
This is another reason why capers are not suitable for your dog.
4. Choking hazard
If your dog ingests capers, it can lead to choking hazards. Especially in the case of small dogs, these tiny capers can easily get stuck in their throat, causing them to struggle to breathe and cause discomfort.
Hence, if your dog has accidentally choked on capers, you should immediately seek veterinary attention, as choking hazards can be life-threatening.
In addition, if such an incident happens, you should give first aid to dogs by making them drink water so it can take the capers down their throat.
5. Excessive salt content
Due to high salt and sodium concentrations, it can lead to sodium ion intoxication or salt poisoning in dogs. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and even seizures (1, 2).
Excessive salt consumption should be avoided at all costs. Hence, giving capers to dogs is highly dangerous for dogs and pets.
Furthermore, store-bought pickled capers can have additives and preservatives that can cause problems in dogs if consumed in high amounts. Therefore, as a responsible pet owner, you should read the ingredient labels before buying any packed food item.
Why is Salt a Villain?
1. Causes dehydration
Excessive consumption of salt can cause dehydration in dogs. It increases thirst and can make dogs feel dizzy or weak. A rise in sodium content or hypernatremia leads to decreasing the water content in the body, causing dehydration in dogs. (study)
2. Blood pressure imbalance
Although a study suggests insufficient proof that salts create hypertension in dogs, some professionals believe sodium and salts can cause high blood pressure.
Capers have excessive amounts of salts and other spices that can increase the sodium content in the blood. If such is the case, consult your veterinarian immediately.
3. Electrolyte imbalance
Sodium, potassium, and chloride are minerals responsible for electrolyte balance in the body. But as capers can lead to vomiting, kidney problems, and diarrhea, it can lead to electrolyte imbalance in dogs.
Safe Ways to Feed Your Dog Capers
If your doggo is crazy about spicy, peppery capers, we understand that, so we have got you recipes to feed your dog crunchy capers without harming it.
1. Mix with kibbles
It is essential to know that even if you want to feed your dog capers for extra flavor and texture, capers should not be a substitute for their regular diet. Occasionally, you can add capers mixed with dog food or kibbles.
This will give them a peppery palatable taste without causing them discomfort.
2. DIY
If nothing works, DIY is your friend! As store-bought capers contain various harmful ingredients, you can safely make caper pickles at home with dog-safe ingredients.
This, again, should be something other than a regular treat but should only be given occasionally.
3. Wash and rinse
Another way to give your dog capers is to wash the salt away. You can rinse pickled or plain capers with water so all the excess salt gets washed down the drain.
However, it would be best if you stuck to giving one caper at a time, some days when you are extra impressed with your pooch.
4. Pickle sickles
We saved the best for the last! To keep your dog engaged, you can freeze capers in ice cubes. Ensure to use rinsed and plain capers (not pickled), put them in the ice tray, and freeze them.
This way, water content will be higher than sodium, which can be given less to your dog occasionally.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, we can say that due to the health risks of capers, they are not suitable for your dog. Not only can it be life-threatening if consumed in massive amounts, but it also can create nightmares for your dog due to discomfort, stomach aches, diarrhea, and whatnot!
Dogs can eat capers only if it is served in moderation after consulting with a veterinarian. It also has no nutritional value that can benefit your dog. Instead of giving them capers, you can choose from several different alternatives.
But if your dog still wants to have those tangy-peppery capers, you can try several safe ways to feed your dog capers as a treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
Capers are not toxic to dogs, but eating them in massive amounts can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting, along with gastrointestinal problems. Due to the high salt content in capers, they are dangerous to dogs.
Whether cooked or raw, capers should be avoided for dogs. The pickling process can make capers even saltier and more harmful to dogs. It is essential to know that excessive salt and spices can create electrolyte imbalance and harm your pet’s well-being.
Capers alone have a few benefits, but for dogs, they serve no benefits. It does not have enough nutrients to be a part of your dog’s diet. It can only add an extra flavor or texture to your dog’s meal. Even if you want to add capers to their diet, make sure to serve them occasionally and not as a substitute for regular meals or treats.
