Can dogs eat cucumbers? Good question! Cucumbers are a favorite amongst humans but is it safe for your dog to eat too? We spoke to vet, Dr. Rebecca MacMillan to find out everything you need to know.
If your dog is always giving you their best puppy dog eyes while you’re eating, you probably want to know what human food can dogs eat? While there is a long list of surprising things dogs can eat besides dog food, you’ll want to be sure that fruit and veggies make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. The rest should be made up of the best dog food.
So where do cucumbers land on this list? Let’s see what Dr. Rebecca MacMillan has to say about it.
Can dogs eat cucumbers?
Dogs can eat cucumber – it's actually quite healthy for them! But as with any new food, there are some steps you should take to ensure it sits well with your canine. “This non-toxic vegetable is perfectly safe for dogs to eat, in moderation. Cucumbers are low in calories and have a high water content making it a great option for dogs watching their waistlines,” says Dr. MacMillan.
Are cucumbers good for dogs?
Cucumbers are safe for dogs and are actually a great low-calorie option that provides a very satisfying crunch for your dog. A half-cup of sliced cucumber is about eight calories, whereas a single Milk Bone treat is 40 calories.
Cucumbers are considered a great snack for dogs – especially those who may need to lose a little weight. Not only are they 96% water, but they contain nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
When are cucumbers bad for dogs?
The only real issue you should be concerned with when feeding your dog cucumbers is that they may like them a bit too much and could choke on them - or overeat them, which can cause an upset stomach in dogs.
“As with any fruit or vegetable, it is important not to overdo it. Cucumber should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet… Also, you should bear in mind that not all dogs will want to eat cucumber, so you should never force your pet to eat something they don’t like. If they‘re not keen you could try them with an alternative dog-safe vegetable like carrot, bell pepper, or broccoli,” says Dr. MacMillan.
And pickles are on the list of foods that dogs should never eat, so avoid this cucumber variation. Besides it being just marinated cucumbers, pickles have a lot of spices and salt that can upset your dog's stomach and add unnecessary things to their diet.
How to feed cucumber to your dog
“Cucumber is easy as it can be served raw and with minimal preparation. Just wash it and chop it into manageable slices, especially for smaller or brachycephalic breeds that are more prone to choking,” Dr. MacMillan advises.
As always, be sure to keep an eye out for any adverse reactions or potential choking when giving your dog cucumbers.
If you found this feature helpful, check out Can dogs eat walnuts? Or Can dogs eat ice cubes?
Dr MacMillan is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. She works in the South West and loves complex medical cases.
