Not Safe for Dogs
Medium dog serving: never
Key warning: all relish varieties — pickle, sweet, and hot dog relish
Can Dogs Eat Relish? No — Onion and Garlic Make It Toxic
This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.
Relish is not a good treat for dogs. It is high in sugar, salt and vinegar, and some recipes or brands contain onion or garlic, which can damage red blood cells. Check the label; a lick is unlikely to cause serious harm, but larger amounts matter more for small dogs.
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Warning Signs & Symptoms
Onion or garlic (if listed): can damage red blood cells; signs may be delayed for several days. High sugar, salt and vinegar: stomach upset.
If Your Dog Ate This
A lick of relish is unlikely to cause serious harm, but check the label. Some relishes contain onion or garlic, which can damage red blood cells, and all are high in salt and sugar. If your dog ate a large amount or is small and the label lists onion or garlic, call your vet or an animal poison-control service such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435; a consultation fee may apply) for advice. Watch for vomiting or diarrhea, and get veterinary care promptly for weakness, pale gums, or red or brown urine, which can be delayed for several days. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinarian or poison-control expert tells you to.
What to Avoid
all relish varieties — pickle, sweet, and hot dog relish
Preparation & Serving
Monitor for hemolytic anemia symptoms over 1-5 days. Call vet if significant amount consumed.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (medium dog)
- never
- Serving (large dog)
- never
- Calories (per 100g)
- 75
- Safe frequency
- Never
Source
What You Need to Know
Pickle relish is made from pickled cucumbers with sugar, vinegar, and spices; some recipes or brands also include onion or garlic. Allium toxicity is dose-dependent and can be cumulative with repeated exposure. Sweet relish adds more sugar. Never give dogs relish intentionally.
Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?
Take the 60-second kitchen safety assessment to find out your dog's risk score.
Take the safety assessmentIf Your Dog Ate This — Act Now
- Toxicity Emergency AdvisoryWho to contact if your dog ate something toxic
- Emergency GuideWhat to do in the next 60 minutes
- Dangerous Foods Dogs Cannot EatThe toxic foods list every owner should know
- Dog Poisoning SymptomsKnow what to watch for
- Dog Poisoning TreatmentWhat vets actually do
- Emergency Vet CostHow much will treatment cost?
- Best Online Vet ServicesAsk a vet online right now
- Best Pet InsuranceBe prepared before the next emergency
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Relish safe for dogs?
- No, Relish is not safe for dogs. Relish is not a good treat for dogs. It is high in sugar, salt and vinegar, and some recipes or brands contain onion or garlic, which can damage red blood cells. Check the label; a lick is unlikely to cause serious harm, but larger amounts matter more for small dogs.
- What happens if a dog eats Relish?
- If a dog eats Relish, they may experience: Onion or garlic (if listed): can damage red blood cells; signs may be delayed for several days. High sugar, salt and vinegar: stomach upset.
- How much Relish can a dog eat?
- Pickle relish is made from pickled cucumbers with sugar, vinegar, and spices; some recipes or brands also include onion or garlic. Allium toxicity is dose-dependent and can be cumulative with repeated exposure. Sweet relish adds more sugar. Never give dogs relish intentionally.
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