Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers? What to Know About Cucumbers for Dogs (2024)

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Fed in moderation, some dog-safe fruits and vegetables can offer a healthy alternative to dog treats. If you’re asking, “Can dogs eat cucumbers?” then you’re in luck: Cucumber is one of these vegetables.

Can Dogs Have Cucumbers?

Cucumbers are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, and offer a low-calorie, crunchy snack that many dogs love. Cucumbers only contain about 8 calories per one-half cup of slices, compared to the 40 calories in a single medium dog biscuit. Cucumbers are also very low in sodium and fat-free.

There are two potential risks of feeding cucumbers to dogs: overeating and choking. Eating too much of any food item can cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset in dogs, especially if it is a new food your dog has not eaten before. Talk to your vet before introducing a new food or treat into your dog’s diet.

You’ll also want to make sure your dog doesn’t choke on cucumbers. To prevent your dog from choking, always cut food down to a manageable size, especially for small dogs or for pets that wolf down their meals. Feeding you dog a whole cucumber is not advisable.

Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers? What to Know About Cucumbers for Dogs (1)

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Veterinarians recommend that treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily diet. This means that the amount of cucumber you feed your German Shepherd Dog will vary greatly from the amount you feed your Chihuahua. As with any new snack, introduce cucumbers slowly into your dog’s diet and keep an eye out for any negative reactions.

Are Cucumbers Good for Dogs?

Cucumbers are an excellent and healthy treat. They are especially good for pets that need to lose weight, as they are low in calories. Cucumbers also have high water content. This crunchy vegetable is actually 96% water, which makes it a tasty and hydrating summer treat.

Combined with exercise and a diet plan, cucumbers and other safe fruits and vegetables can be a great way to help an overweight dog get in shape without cutting out rewards. This is especially helpful if your dog’s weight-loss plan involves training for a fun new dog sport or if your dog needs encouragement to improve their leash manners.

However, avoid feeding your dog pickles. These contain added spices and salt that can be harmful at worst and unnecessary at best. While a bite of pickle probably won’t hurt your dog, stick with plain cucumbers as a regular treat and avoid feeding pickles of any variety to dogs.

Related article: Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Cant Eat

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Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers? What to Know About Cucumbers for Dogs (2024)

FAQs

Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers? What to Know About Cucumbers for Dogs? ›

Can dogs eat cucumbers? Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers in moderation. These vegetables consist of around 96% water and also contain some minerals and vitamins. But be careful when feeding cucumber to your pup, as high quantities of this vegetable can lead to digestive problems.

How much cucumber can I give my dog? ›

A bigger breed such as a Labrador can eat around a quarter of a cucumber in a given day, whereas a smaller breed like a terrier should only eat around an eighth of a cucumber cut into chunks for snacking per day. Cucumber is a low-calorie snack compared to most other dog treats.

Is cucumber good for dogs' stomach? ›

While cucumbers are nutritious and non-toxic to dogs, they're not completely without risk. Feeding your pup too much cucumber at once can upset their gastrointestinal tract and cause stomach trouble. Choking is also a possibility, especially if your dog is a fast eater who tends to inhale their food.

Why do dogs like cucumbers so much? ›

The Crunch: Many dogs love the satisfying crunch cucumbers provide. It's a stimulating texture they crave! Refreshing and Hydrating: The high water content makes cucumbers a cool, hydrating treat, especially on hot days.

What vegetables can dogs eat? ›

Some of the most commonly used vegetables in dog food are beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, carrots, celery, corn, green beans, peas, spinach and sweet potatoes.

Should cucumber be peeled? ›

Nutrients: Cucumbers provide few calories but a lot of vitamins and minerals. Cucumbers also have high water content. Cucumbers should be eaten unpeeled to enhance their nutritious value. The quantity of fibre, as well as key vitamins and minerals, is reduced when they are peeled.

Do cucumbers clean dogs' teeth? ›

Cucumbers – sliced cucumber, when fed moderately, is an excellent source of potassium. This essential mineral supports kidney health. Thanks to the crunchy texture, cucumber also helps clean a dog's teeth and prevent tooth decay.

Can dogs drink water with cucumber? ›

If you make cucumber water at home, it's totally safe for your dog to drink some. However, you should avoid giving store-bought cucumber water to your pup as it may contain harmful additional ingredients, such as xylitol (a sugar substitute).

Can dogs have bananas? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.

Can dogs have watermelon? ›

Both red and yellow watermelon are safe and healthy fruits for most puppies and adult dogs to eat. However, dogs that have diabetes or sugar sensitivities as well as dogs that are obese should not be given the fruit. Watermelon is low in calories and contains no fat or cholesterol.

Are eggs good for dogs? ›

Eggs are nutritious for both people and dogs. They can be tasty treats or a hearty breakfast, whether they're hard-boiled, poached, scrambled, or over easy. A cooked entire egg or yolk can be good for your dog, unless your pet has a pre-existing health condition like acute pancreatitis or diabetes.

Can dogs eat cheese? ›

Cheese can be given as an occasional treat in moderation, alongside a healthy diet. If your dog manages to eat a whole block or other large amount of cheese, they may vomit. Keep an eye on them, and call your vet for advice if they become unwell.

Is tuna good for dogs? ›

Dogs can safely consume tuna in small amounts. The best kind to offer your pet is tuna canned in water, with no added salt. Small portions will keep the risk of mercury poisoning low while providing your pet with the nutritional benefits of the fish.

Can too much cucumber cause diarrhea in dogs? ›

In excessive quantities cucumber can upset your dog's stomach, resulting in tummy ache and diarrhoea. The gastrointestinal upset will pass, but it is expected for your pup to be in some discomfort. To avoid upset, it is best to introduce your dog to new foods slowly.

Does cucumber hydrate dogs? ›

Yes, cucumber is very healthy for dogs. It's made up of 90% water so is brilliant for hydration, and is low calorie and low fat. Basically, having your pooch chow down on a refreshing portion of cucumber will bring almost no risks, only benefits.

Are cucumbers good for dogs kidneys? ›

Cucumbers also have vitamin K, which keeps your dog's bones strong and healthy. They have vitamins and minerals that help keep your dog's liver and kidneys functioning properly too. And, as a bonus, cucumbers have phytochemicals and phytonutrients that help eliminate bad breath.

How much cucumber should I eat daily? ›

Cucumbers are very low in calories, high in water content and rich in vitamins and minerals. 1 small cucumber=16 calories. You can eat up to 3 cucumbers a day.

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