Yes, dogs can eat vinegar; it is safe for your dog. Unfiltered and Unpasteurized apple cider vinegar (also known as “ACV”) would be the best option for your dog. Apple cider vinegar boosts your dog’s digestion as it includes potassium, magnesium, and iron. Consuming vinegar also helps the breakdown of proteins and fats.
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Is Vinegar Safe For Your Dog?
Diluted vinegar in moderation is safe and beneficial to dogs as it cleans their digestive system, heals their body, and neutralizes odors. Most dogs can safely consume diluted vinegar. However not all dogs respond well to vinegar (diluted/undiluted). Puppies in particular should not be given vinegar.
Why Is Vinegar Good for Your Dog?
The nutrients and phenolic compounds present in vinegar include:
Potassium
Magnesium
Iron
Gallic acid
Caffeic Acid
Epicatechin
Chlorogenic Acid
Catechin
P-coumaric Acid
These nutrients are beneficial for your dog. If you add some vinegar to your dog’s food, it helps
Increase his hunger
Improve metabolism
Stimulate bacteria that encourage the collapse of fats and proteins.
Boost dog’s immune system
Detox inner organs
Release pain like muscle soreness and hot spots.
Maintain dog’s pH level
Settle down Canine Cognitive Disorders (CCD).
Blood Sugar Level
Cardiovascular Health
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Obesity
Gut Health
While consuming vinegar is beneficial to dogs, vinegar also has other uses including topical application.
Vinegar applications apart from eating
Homemade vinegar specifically can be used as a remedy for some of your dog’s illnesses, such as itchy skin and ear infections. Here is a few areas where vinegar can be helpful:
Hot Spots/Skin Infections: Dilute apple cider vinegar with three parts water and apply. Just be careful of any dead skin.
Fur Care: Healthy Shiny Coat, Sustaining Growth. Sprinkle your dog with undiluted apple cider vinegar as it keeps the coat healthier and silky, helps in growth. For puppies with thinner coats, use white vinegar to withdraw staining.
Ear Cleaner: Only if your dog is very uncomfortable about its itchy ear, wet a cotton ball with the diluted vinegar and dab the cotton ball gently into the area of ear wax till the cotton ball comes out clean.
Flea and Tick Repellent: Spray ACV solution to your dog’s body before he goes out. You can also add a tablespoon of diluted ACV to the dog’s diet during the flea season.
Doggy Odor: If your dog smells odd or steps into something terrible, you can use homemade vinegar to eliminate the odor.
Household/Dog Mess Cleaner: A solution of 50:50 apple cider and water is often used as a household cleaner. This is an exceptional choice to store-bought chemically cooked products that are poisonous to your pet.
Is Vinegar Bad For Dogs?
While generally good for dogs, vinegar can be bad in some instances. Dogs with sensitive stomachs and kidney disease in particular, should not be given vinegar.
Vinegar, mainly when consumed undiluted can cause:
Gastrointestinal Upset
(Bloody) Diarrhea
Dehydration
Vomiting
Therefore, vinegar should be a dietetic addition for your dog and not a portion of liquid food.So, we firmly encourage you to consult with your vet concerning any changes you make to your dog’s diet.
How Much Vinegar Should I Feed My Dog?
Begin by mixing diluted vinegar into your dog’s water or even their meal. Ensure that you follow the dosage listed below according to the size of your dog:
SIZE OF THE DOG
DOSAGE
Upto 14 lbs
1 teaspoon
From 15 lbs to 34 lbs
2 teaspoons
From 35 lbs to 84 lbs
1 tablespoon
This tiny amount of vinegar will support your dog’s immune system and keep away mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.
Remember to keep a separate bowl of fresh drinking water. This may come in handy if the odor or even the flavor appeal to them.
Observe and respond immediately if there is any pressure or behavioral changes after feeding your dog vinegar.Make sure to contact your vet as soon you see any suspicious symptoms occurring in your dog or even consult them before you start feeding vinegar to your pet dog.
How To Serve Vinegar To My Dog?
Dogs can have vinegar only when it’s served appropriately. So,to ensure that your pet enjoys the full benefits, make sure to add vinegar –
In the water bowl.
Sprinkle vinegar over dog food.
Use vinegar as a homemade splash.
In addition, the below pointers will help you understand how to store and feed vinegar to your dog safely.
Store the vinegar where your dog does not have access.
Train your dog to stay away from the restricted area.
Only use dog-approved vinegar on your dog’s menu.
Never free-feed your dog vinegar.
Plan vinegar usage with your vet.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, “can dogs eat vinegar,” it is best to go for Apple Cider Vinegar which is unpasteurized and unfiltered. Diluted ACV is a reliable healthy natural supplement for your dog’s immune system. It detoxes the organs internally and also relieves muscle soreness or hot spots. It also helps repel fleas and ticks and prevents body odor.
It is recommended not to offer vinegar-infused water or food to dogs who suffer from a stomach illness and have kidney issues. Hence, before adding this to your dog’s diet, visit your vet for advice.
