Can Dogs Eat Capers? What You Need To Know

They add so much flavor to dishes, but can dogs eat capers? Read this guide to learn if it is or isn’t a good idea to share them with your pup.

In this article, I will address questions about dogs and capers; whether it’s safe, toxic, good, bad, or even just ok. We know that what’s safe may not be good for them. I’ll also touch on caper berries, too. Now, let’s get on with the information you’re seeking.

For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating capers.

What Are Capers

Have you ever seen the tiny, round, green things people add to pasta, sauces, or other dishes? Or maybe you’ve seen them at the grocery store and wondered if you can share them with your dog. Capers pack a lot of flavor into a tiny package.

They have the same color as green olives, but that’s as far as the similarities go. These green things are the edible flower buds from the caper bush plant.

A caper bush is a perennial shrubbery with a distinctly sweet smell. The berries and leaves from this bush are used in many cuisines, especially Greek and Italian.

Health Benefits

Capers don’t just taste good, they’re really nutritious, too.

One tablespoon of canned capers contains:

Calories: 2
Protein: 0.2 grams
Carbs: 0.4 grams
Fiber: 0.3 grams
Sodium: 9% of the Daily Value (DV)
Copper: 4% of the DV
Vitamin K: 2% of the DV, good for promoting blood circulation
Riboflavin: 1% of the DV
Iron: 1% of the DV
Magnesium: 1% of the DV

They also contain fatty acids that are the building blocks of brain and muscle tissue and a bit of vitamins A and C.

So, if they’re so nutritious, should you add capers to your dog’s diet? They might not benefit your dog’s health as much as you hope.

Can Dogs Eat Capers

Just like other types of people foods, small quantities of capers might not hurt your canine companion, but they shouldn’t eat a lot of them.

They are high in both salt and dietary fiber. But a small amount – like a few tiny capers – might not hurt them.

But since you need to control your dog’s salt intake, don’t add it to dog food. There is a lot of salt in the small size of tiny capers.

What about all of the essential vitamins in capers? If you want your dog to live a healthy life, then feed them a diet high in animal protein along with some fruits and veggies. Meats like fish, chicken, and lamb are great choices.

Anytime you change your dog’s diet, speak with your veterinarian. Changing what your pup eats could come with potential health risks.

Are Capers Bad For Dogs

Capers are non-toxic to dogs, but before you give your dog capers, think about the potential side effects.

As a pet owner, you probably already know that when introducing new food to your dog, you should do it slowly. Watch for signs of digestive issues or allergic reactions.

The pickling process also increases the sodium levels in them, putting your best friends at risk of sodium poisoning.

They’re also high in dietary fiber, but it’s the high sodium content that could hurt your dog the most if they eat large quantities of capers.

What Is Salt Poisoning

According to Merck Animal Hospital, animals that ingest too much salt – and don’t have adequate access to water – could experience sodium poisoning.

Signs of sodium toxicity include:

Depression
Weakness
Ataxia
Muscle tremors
Gastroenteritis
Seizure-like activity

If your dog eats something with high salt content, give them plenty of water to drink. If you notice your dog’s body trembling, then contact the veterinarian immediately.

Can Dogs Eat Caper Berries

The capers you find at the store are flower buds. If they aren’t picked and grow naturally, they become caper berries. These berries are crunchy and full of seeds.

Chances are, your dog won’t want to eat them. The flavor isn’t usually appealing to dogs.

But, if you have a curious pup that tries one, it won’t hurt them. Caper berries aren’t toxic.

Final Thoughts

The good news is that capers are non-toxic. But, since they’re pickled, they have too much salt for dogs to eat. Next time you want to share food with your pup, share some unsalted, cooked meat instead.

More Dog Food Resources

Are you looking for information about more human food and dogs? Here are some more helpful articles:

Find lots more articles on food dogs can and can’t eat here on Spoiled Hounds!

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