Can dogs eat cucumber?

Quick takeaways about cucumber

• Cucumbers make a healthy, low-calorie treat.
• But the skin and seeds might irritate sensitive stomachs.
• Avoid feeding your dog pickles, as they’re too high in salt.

 

Just like humans, dogs are omnivores and need a diet of vegetables and fruit, as well as meat.

Cucumbers can be a great option as a snack – it’s high in vitamins and water, so they can provide a hydration boost, too.

If you’re considering introducing cucumbers, read on to find out why cucumbers are good for dogs, what to do with the seeds, and how much cucumber to give them.

 

Can dogs eat cucumbers?

Yes, they can. Many dogs enjoy their crunch texture and juicy, hydrating flesh.

 

Is cucumber good for dogs?

Cucumbers are a great vegetable to include in your dog’s diet as they’re high in vitamins C, K and B, potassium and magnesium – which all work towards supporting a healthy digestive and immune system.

A refreshing, hydrating treat, cucumbers have a high water content, are low in sodium and are fat-free.

With a low-calorie count, cucumbers are also a suitable snack for overweight dogs.

 

Can dogs eat cucumber seeds and skin?

Cucumber skin is the vegetable’s most nutritious part, containing fibre and higher amounts of vitamins.

However, it can also contain cucurbitacin. This is a chemical found in the plant’s stem, roots and leaves, which can also be present in the skin.

It’s generally not harmful in small doses, but if you’re concerned or your dog has a fragile stomach, peel the cucumber and cut its ends off.

Seeds can also irritate a sensitive stomach, as some dogs and puppies find them difficult to digest, so deseed the cucumber if that’s the case.

 

Are there any risks with feeding cucumbers?

Too much cucumber can cause an upset stomach – watch out for vomiting and diarrhea.

They can also pose a choking risk for small dogs and those who like to wolf down their food with gusto.

Make sure you cut the cucumber into bite-sized pieces or give it to your dog as pulp and don’t hand out the whole vegetable.

Like any food, introduce cucumbers gradually and always speak to your vet before adding new food to your dog’s diet.

 

How much cucumber should I feed my dog and how?

Consider cucumbers part of your snack and treat repertoire, which should total around 10% of your dog’s daily diet.

If you have a small dog like a Yorkshire Terrier or Pug, a couple of 2cm chunks a day is good, while a German Shepherd or a Labrador could eat a handful.

Use diced cucumber or cucumber pulp as a meal topper or keep chunks in the freezer for a refreshing treat on a hot day.

You could also mix frozen cucumber with dog-friendly fruit and fill a Kong as a tasty snack.

 

Can I feed my dog pickles?

Pickles aren’t good for dogs so steer clear of these as like all pickled foods, they’re high in salt and often have added sugar.

Garlic and onion are common ingredients in pickling brine, both of which are poisonous to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal problems and vomiting.

 
Try our personalised meal plans with high-quality raw ingredients – including fresh fruits and vegetables – to help keep your dog healthy and happy.