At A Glance
Cucumbers are approximately 96% water and also contain Vitamins C and K, in addition to potassium and magnesium. Sliced or diced, these delightfully crunchy veggies can keep you hydrated on a hot day. But can dogs eat cucumbers?
Last Updated on: April 26, 2023
Dogs are often known for their love of all things meaty and chewy, but every once in a while, you might catch your pet eyeing your salad bowl with a curious gaze. And if you happen to have some cucumbers on your plate, you might be wondering – can dogs eat cucumbers?
But before you go tossing cucumber slices to your pooch, it’s important to know whether or not it’s a wise idea. After all, most dogs are notorious for eating everything from socks to shoes – but that doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea.
So let’s find out if cucumbers are just another passing phase for your pup or a new addition to their ‘ruff-age’.
Can dogs eat cucumbers? Yes, they can! Cucumbers are delicious snacks that are refreshing and promote hydration. They are rich in nutrients, too.
The cucumber is a fruit from the gourd family. Yes, that’s right!
Botanically, they’re considered fruits and have plenty in common with melons – think cantaloupes or watermelons.
However, most people think of them as veggies and I’ll refer to them as vegetables too. But irrespective of whether we consider it to be a fruit or a vegetable, the cool cucumber does offer many nutritional benefits.
A cucumber contains 96% water, making it a hydrating treat for your pet on a sweltering hot day.
According to Healthline, an 11-ounce unpeeled cucumber contains the following:
Yes, they are! It’s perfectly fine for you to share cucumbers with your beloved pooch. Not only are they hydrating and healthy for your dog, but your pet might just love munching on this crunchy veggie, reminiscent of many dog treats.
Your dog will also benefit from the nutrients present in cucumbers. Vitamin C, for example, is a great antioxidant that will help your dog fight off free radicals. Potassium, on the other hand, helps with heart, nerves, and muscle function and ensures your pet has enough stamina to take it through the day.
Cucumbers also contain manganese, vital in supporting bone and cartilage health, and magnesium, which allows a canine to absorb other minerals.
But what about the rest of the cucumber? Can dogs eat cucumber peels?
The good news for busy pet parents is that dogs can eat cucumber peels as well. In fact, it is recommended that cucumbers be eaten unpeeled to maximize nutrient consumption.
Now if you’re wondering can dogs eat cucumber skin, the answer is yes. The skin, also called the peel, is healthy for your pet.
The skin of the cucumber contains fiber, which is essential in helping the body regulate the use of sugar.
When you peel the cucumber, you lose some of its vitamins and minerals. And since the peel is crunchy, it’s even more fun for your furry friend to chomp on.
While cucumbers are excellent for dogs, there are some things you should be aware of when feeding the fruit to your dogs.
Two things may happen when you give your dog cucumbers:
Cucumbers can be choking hazards. Depending on their type, cucumbers can grow between 5-14 inches.
And if your excited pet tries gobbling up even the smallest cucumber whole, it could end up choking.
This holds true, especially for dogs that eat too fast.
And what about the seeds? Can dogs eat cucumber seeds?
Cucumber seeds are edible and quite soft compared to seeds of other fruits. Therefore, cucumber seeds are safe for dogs. That said, pups and smaller dogs may have difficulty swallowing or digesting the seeds.
To prevent choking, especially for small pups, deseed the cucumber and slice it into small, bite-sized pieces. In rare cases, you may also need to peel the cucumber if your dog has a hard time swallowing or digesting it.
Cucumber seeds and skin are actually the most nutrient-dense part of the fruit.
But you have to control your dog’s intake based on its comfort. Another way for your pet to enjoy the refreshing goodness of cucumbers is by giving it cucumber water.
Can dogs drink cucumber water?” Absolutely yes!
You can make it yourself (I’ve mentioned the process below).
That said, be wary of store-bought cucumber water since it may contain xylitol, which is known to be toxic to dogs.
If you are a regular here and do read my blogs, you must have heard me mention many times that too much of even a good thing can be bad for your dog.
Well, this rule applies to cucumbers too. Too much cucumber can lead to gastrointestinal issues in dogs.
In general, eating cucumbers is fine for dogs. But there are some things you need to be cautious about.
For one, you don’t want your dog to choke on the cucumber. But this would depend on your dog’s size and the speed at which it eats.
You also don’t want your dog eating too many cucumbers as they may upset its stomach, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
So, if it’s your dog’s first time trying cucumber, start with a few slices and observe their reaction.
Dr. Brana Bonder, Veterinarian, DVM, says, “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.”
Before I forget, can dogs eat raw cucumber?
Yes, cucumbers should be eaten raw. Keep pickled cucumbers away from your pet since pickles are preserved using plenty of salt, spices, or vinegar, which are harmful for dogs.
Quantifying how many cucumbers you can give your dog is challenging because each dog’s system is different.
Vets consider 10% of human food safe for daily intake, and as long as you follow this 10% rule for all human food you allow your pet, including cucumber, your pet is good to go.
And as Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, says, “Cucumbers are good alternatives to traditional treats because they’re low in calories and fat.”
Moreover, puppies can eat cucumbers, too. However, to be safe, peel the cucumbers and remove the seeds. Slice them into small pieces so they will be easy to munch, swallow and digest.
Dogs can eat raw cucumbers as long as they are fresh. But ensure you wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or chemicals.
Here are several ways to safely feed cucumbers to your dog.
Your dog will need water, so why not make it delicious and healthy?
You can also elevate the humble cucumber by making refreshing pupsicles! This is a perfect snack for the summer or whenever the weather is hot and humid. Cucumber popsicles are quite easy to make too.
In An English Garden Murder, Julia’s chocolate labrador, Jake, has a starring role.
He is based on Gail’s dog Jake, featured here at about the age Julia gets her Jake.
Eating a cucumber, obviously. pic.twitter.com/JFzLkDn3ck— Katie Gayle (@KatieGayleBooks) April 2, 2022
Yes, it is recommended that dogs eat cucumber skin because the skin has the highest concentration of vitamins and minerals. That said, observe your pet for uneasiness or any other physical reactions after you’ve given it an unpeeled cucumber.
Also, remember that puppies or smaller breeds may have a hard time digesting cucumber skin.
On the contrary, dogs are allowed cucumbers because they are healthy and low in calories. But cucumber could be a choking hazard to some small breed dogs.
It is advised to slice cucumbers into small bite-sized pieces before feeding your dog. Plus, eating too many cucumbers may lead to gastrointestinal upset.
Yes, it’s true. Cucumbers have phytochemicals and phytonutrients that effectively kill the bacteria inside a dog’s mouth.
As a result, your dog will have fresher breath after eating cucumbers.
Yes, because cucumbers are low in calories. A half cup of cucumber slices only has eight calories. Cucumbers are also refreshing, which makes them an ideal snack for dogs.
That said, cucumbers shouldn’t replace any treats recommended by your pet’s vet.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
