Can dogs eat cucumbers?
Yes (when cut into small bites).
Training your dog often involves a lot of treat-based rewards. So, it’s understandable to weigh your options before deciding the snack you’ll be serving up. If you’re looking for a low-calorie, delicious bite, look no further than cucumbers. Not only are they significantly healthier than your typical dog treat, but they’re also packed with nutrients.
(Even though cucumbers are generally safe for dogs, you should always consult your vet before introducing new foods to your pet’s diet.)
Are cucumbers good for dogs?
Cucumbers are low in calories, fat and carbs, making them a snack you can feel comfortable serving to your pup often. Since cucumbers are mostly made of water, they’re hydrating and a great hot summer’s day bite. The vegetable can also offer your pup health benefits, too. While the following nutrients are great to incorporate into your pup's diet, occasional bites here and there aren't enough to drastically improve their well-being:
- Vitamin C: benefits the immune system, helps with healthy aging, offers an energy boost
- Vitamin K: promotes blood health
- Potassium: provides an energy boost and maintains nerve and muscle health
- Magnesium: supports bone, muscle and nerve health
- Biotin: maintains healthy skin and coat
Are cucumbers bad for dogs?
While this vegetable isn’t bad for dogs, treats, including cucumbers, shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Your veterinarian can help you determine proper portions based on your pet's specific needs. Cucumbers can also have a diuretic effect, which can cause dogs to have accidents more often.
RELATED: Can dogs eat tomatoes?
How to serve your dog cucumbers
Like most snacks, it’s important that cucumbers are served in bite-sized, easily digestible pieces. Don’t serve the whole cucumber stalk to your pup, as it could be a choking hazard and cause a blockage.
Can dogs eat cucumber seeds?
It’s not necessary to deseed a cucumber before serving it to your pup. But be sure to monitor them to ensure they’re enjoying themselves safely.
Can dogs eat cucumber skin and peel?
Similar to the cucumber seeds, feel free to serve cucumbers with the skin and peel intact, too. It isn’t toxic for dogs, but always be sure to watch them to avoid any choking hazards.
If you think your dog is choking on a piece of cucumber, look out for pawing at their mouth, gagging or retching, coughing, turning blue, silence or collapsing. When a dog is choking, it’s important to act fast. In an effort to remove the object, swipe their throat using your finger and perform the Heimlich maneuver — you may need to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), too. Read our article to learn how to act fast in emergency choking situations.
Happy snacking
Whether serving during a training session or just because, cucumbers are generally safe for dogs to enjoy and make a wonderful treat.
We're confident that cucumber isn’t the only human food your dog would love to sink their teeth into (cue the drool). Check out our series "Can dogs eat … ?" to learn more about which human foods are off-limits and what's fair game.
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