Can dogs eat cucumbers?
Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers. Although it may not be common practice to feed your dog cucumber, you may be missing a trick!
Due to the nutritional density found within cucumbers, we could actually add them to the extensive list of superfoods. Superfoods are a variety of different foods that offer our dogs heaps of goodness that can benefit them in different ways.
Let’s have a closer look at cucumbers and see why they may make a great addition to your dog’s diet!
Table of Contents
Are cucumbers good for dogs?
Yes, cucumbers are good for dogs. Cucumbers offer a variety of health benefits for our dogs, which include essential vitamins and minerals. These can help our dog’s bodies to function correctly. So, what do cucumbers contain that makes them so good for our precious pooches?
- Great for hydration
The majority of cucumber is actually water. In fact, cucumbers are 96% water, making them a great way to hydrate your dog.
They are the only food source to contain that much water, whilst also being packed with nutritional goodness. Offer cucumber to your dog on hot days to help replace any lost fluid.
- Promotes healthy digestion
The fiber found within cucumber helps to promote healthy digestion. Fiber helps to keep bowel movements regular as well as firming up the feces. This can aid in avoiding constipation.
- Low in calories
As cucumber is low in calories, it makes a great, guilt free snack for your dog. You can offer plenty of cucumber to your dog and reap the benefits, without the worry of your dog piling on the pounds.
- Provides Vitamin K
Cucumber contains plenty of Vitamin K. This helps to support the blood clotting process. If your dog was to have low Vitamin K, their blood would not be able to clot if they sustained an injury.
- Good levels of Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 supports a variety of bodily functions, including brain health and red blood cell formation. B6 also promotes a shiny coat and healthy skin, whilst providing your dog with heaps of energy.
- Boosts the immune system
Cucumber helps to boost the immune system. This can help your dog to fight off infections and diseases more effectively.
Are cucumbers bad for dogs?
No, cucumbers are not bad for dogs. As with any new foods, you should always introduce cucumber slowly into your dog’s diet.
Dogs can be allergic to any food source, and whilst it is rare for a dog to have a cucumber allergy, it cannot be discounted. Signs of an allergic reaction include facial swelling, difficulty breathing, and unconsciousness.
Other hazards include:
- Choking hazard
Cucumbers are crunchy and can sometimes be hard chew in large chunks. When offering cucumber to your dog, make sure that it is in bite sized pieces. Grating cucumber may also be a safer way to prepare cucumber for your dog.
- Pesticide contamination
All fruits and vegetables are at risk of containing pesticides. Fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed before consumption and organic produce should always be favored over others. It may also be worth while to try growing your own produce!
- Gastrointestinal upset
Due to the high fiber content found within cucumber, if too much is ingested, it can cause an stomach upset. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and excessive gas.
Bloating is a serious condition in large breed dogs. If you think that your dog is bloated, call your veterinary surgery immediately for further advice.
Suggested reading: How many treats can my dog have a day?
Can puppies eat cucumbers?
Yes, puppies can eat cucumbers. Offer them a small amount initially and then monitor for any adverse reactions. Do keep in mind that puppies may struggle with their baby teeth to be able to chew cucumber, due to its crunchy flesh.
If your puppy is showing signs of a broken tooth or bleeding from the mouth after eating cucumber, speak with your veterinary practice for further advice.
Can dogs eat cucumber skins?
Yes, dogs can eat cucumber skins. They can be firmer and more fibrous than the flesh inside, so make sure to either grate or chop the cucumber into smaller-sized pieces. If you’re worried about your dog eating cucumber skins, you can peel the cucumbers before offering them to your dog.
How to offer cucumber to dogs
There are a couple of different ways that you can offer cucumber for dogs. Generally, the easiest way is to offer them some fresh cucumber mixed in with their normal diet.
It is important to bear in mind that a dog that is fed on a well-balanced and reputable dog food should not need additional additives, such as cucumber. Superfoods should be used as a way of introducing an additional boost of goodness into your dog’s diet.
Chopped cucumber – The easiest way to offer cucumber to your dog is to chop it into small, bite sized chunks. This can then be added to your dogs food and make the texture more interesting for them to eat.
Grated cucumber – Grated cucumber offers the lowest choking hazard risk. Simply wash an organic cucumber and then use a cheese grater to finely grate the cucumber. This can then be mixed in with their normal diet.
Blended cucumber – Cucumber can be added to a blender with a small amount of water and blended into a liquid. Other superfoods can also be added into the mix, such as basil, kale and watermelon! Dogs can be offered this superfood smoothie as a drink or alternatively it can be frozen into cubes and offered to your dog on a hot day.
Cucumber infused water – Cucumber can be sliced and then placed into your dogs water bowl. The goodness from the cucumber can then be released into the water, offering your dog a fresh and nutritious drink.
What other vegetables can my dog eat?
There are many fruits and vegetables you can add to your dog’s diet for an extra boost of nutrition alongside their usual diet. Kale, pears, watermelon, broccoli, bean sprouts, edamame, artichokes, beets, plantains, papaya, okra, and carrots are just a few examples.
Note: There is some guidance you should be aware of when feeding new foods to your dog, so be sure to click through and check out our articles in full to make sure you know how to feed each food safely.
Final thoughts on can dogs eat cucumbers
Cucumber for dogs can make a fantastic addition to their diet. It is packed with essential vitamins, such as Vitamin’s K and B6.
Cucumbers can keep your dog hydrated, as well as boost their immune systems and promote healthy digestion. There are plenty of other superfoods that your dog can enjoy, so get creative with their treats and meal times!
