You may notice your dog making puppy eyes for your food scraps as dogs tend to enjoy human food. However, you must first consider whether the food suits dog consumption.
The crunchy and juicy fruit is an excellent addition to your dog’s food, provided that; you only allow it to eat the parts safe for its consumption.
Hence, the question arises can dogs eat cucumbers?
Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers. They are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Fiber and are a safe addition to your dog’s diet. However, dog parents must ensure that the seeds and peels are discarded. Cucumbers can also be given in various forms, like chopped or boiled.
Read on to find out the benefits of cucumbers to dogs and the quantity you should be feeding them.
What are the Benefits of Cucumbers for Dogs?
Cucumbers have several health benefits due to their nutritional content, which makes them healthy for human and canine consumption.
- High Water Content
Cucumbers are exceptionally high in water content. They consist of 95% water, proving to be an excellent source of hydration and a great alternative to store-bought snacks produced artificially and known to be harmful to dogs’ health.
- Low Calorie
Cucumbers are great snacks for dogs as they majorly consist of water. The remaining 5% consists of small quantities of protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins and minerals.
This means that this fruit can be consumed without fearing the additional calories, as 1 cup of cucumber only has 16 calories!
- Fiber
The skin or the peel of the cucumber has a lot of fiber. Dietary fiber is water-soluble and aids in digestion. It helps keep the gut clean and also solves any stool quality problems.
- Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps in bone strengthening. It is notably helpful if your dog is exceptionally active. This vitamin keeps the skeletal structure of dogs intact and helps in muscle rehabilitation. It also aids in blood clotting.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an important antioxidant found in massive quantities in citrus fruits. Also found in Cucumbers, it helps in fighting inflammation, controlling free radicals that may cause cancer, and also helps slow down cognitive aging.
- Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte essential for proper impulse functioning. Improper impulse functioning leads to nervous system problems, which may cause motor disabilities. Potassium deficiency can also cause constant tiredness and loss of appetite.
- Manganese
Manganese is a micromineral. It is required in small amounts and works towards the absorption and digestion of nutrients such as carbohydrates and proteins.
- Controls Bad Breath
Bad breath is a common issue shared by most dog owners. Cucumbers can help solve the problem. The phytochemicals and phytonutrients in cucumbers work towards eliminating the source of bad breath.
While this fruit cannot substitute oral healthcare practices prescribed by the vet, it is a step forward to keeping your dog’s oral health in top condition.
Different Forms of Cucumbers
Cucumbers need not be raw to be included in your dog’s diet. There are various forms in which it can be introduced to your dog.
- Cucumber Slices
The simplest form to make is sliced cucumbers. All you need to do is cut the cucumber after peeling it into quarters.
Slice it further into small bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. Remove the seed, and you have an instant snack for your pet.
Alternatively, after peeling, you can cut it into thin slices and get rid of the seeds later.
- Dried Cucumbers
Dehydrating the cucumber slices will cause a loss of water content, but the nutrients will stay. Although it is not the best way to add it to your pet’s food, dried cucumbers are safe for dogs.
- Combine with Other Food
Cucumbers are easy to pair with other vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, etc. Slice them up into small pieces; they are an excellent nutrient-rich combination.
Remember that the total amount should not exceed 10% of the daily caloric intake.
- Lemon and Cucumber Water
Add slices of cucumber to water with freshly squeezed lemon to give your dog refreshing and flavored water on hot days. Adding lemon slices is not recommended as your dog may choke on them. Instead, squeeze in the juice.
- Steamed or Boiled
You can switch up things by boiling or steaming cucumber slices. While cucumber is easily chewable even while raw, cooking it makes it lose its crunch, giving your dog a different texture.
Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?
Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers. They majorly consist of water. They are nutrient sparse fruits containing small amounts of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. However, they are safe for dog consumption.
Not only are these fruits available throughout the year, but they are also affordable. Unlike traditional treats such as peanut butter for dogs, this snack is natural, has low sugar and calories, is low-effort to prepare, and is enjoyed by most dogs.
Before you feed your dog cucumbers, keep reading to find out how much and what kinds of cucumbers dogs should eat.
Can Big Dogs like Boxers and Labradors Enjoy Cucumbers?
Dogs of all sizes enjoy cucumbers. Before introducing any new food to your dog’s diet, ensure to keep your vet in the loop. This way, any allergies are identified right away.
Dogs do not have an understanding of how much and what is safe for them. As a responsible pet parent, you must have information regarding what are the risks and precautions associated with the food and accordingly introduce the food to your dog.
Are Cucumber Peels Safe for Pets?
Cucumber peels are not safe for dogs. In the present times, most crops are grown using chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
Eating vegetables or fruits with the skin on is not recommended unless properly cleaned. This recommendation applies to both animals and humans.
The skin of cucumbers contains fiber, which is great for digestion. As long as it is organically grown, cucumber peels are not toxic to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Seeds?
No, they can’t. Your dog’s body is not adapted to digest the seeds of cucumbers. These seeds could cause bellyache and lead to constipation or diarrhea.
While they are not toxic to your dog, your dog should have seedless cucumbers.
If you choose to feed your dog cucumber seeds, introduce them slowly into your dog’s diet, giving it plenty of time to adapt to the change.
Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Leaves?
Dogs can but to some extent. Cucumber leaves contain more fiber than the entire fruit. While dietary fiber is essential for a well-balanced diet, moderation is key.
If you must feed your dog cucumber leaves, occasionally limit them to a leaf or two. Exceeding this limit may cause diarrhea or constipation.
Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Flowers?
Unlike the fruit, you may find it difficult to come across the flowers of the cucumber plant. While they are nontoxic, it is best to stick to the fruit.
Risks Associated with Feeding Your Pets Cucumber
The skin and peels of cucumbers contain most of the nutrients that the fruit provides. Discarding them would leave mostly water behind. While they are not toxic for your beloved pet, there are certain risks associated with feeding these to your dog.
- Beware of Chemicals
Chemical additives used while growing and storage may prove to be fatal for dogs. Ensure that you wash your cucumbers properly to get rid of any wax, pesticides, etc.
- Do Not Combine with Dairy
Most dogs do not consume dairy products. However, if your dog is in the minority that enjoys and can stomach dairy, ensure that you do not feed cucumbers and dairy products at close intervals. This may cause stomach upset.
- Peels and Seeds
While they are safe for consumption, they are not easy to digest. They may cause constipation, vomiting, bloating, or diarrhea.
- Choking
Ensure that you give your dog cucumbers in bite-sized chunks. This way, you can prevent choking and a trip to the vet. This is another reason that it is advised to remove the peel and the seeds of the fruit.
- Overeating
Anything beneficial in nature loses its benefits if not used in moderation. Mindful feeding is of the essence when it comes to feeding your pet food meant for humans.
Keep track of the recommended size and do not exceed it. Remember that these foods are only supplements as occasional treats and cannot be made a permanent addition to your dog’s diet.
Can My Dog Eat Cucumbers Every Day?
No. Dog food is proven to be a complete mix of nutrients required for a dog’s wellbeing. Human food can be occasionally fed to dogs as a treat but can never replace a meal or become a permanent addition.
Daily consumption of veggies and fruits is healthy for humans because our digestive system is capable of breaking them down.
Eating cucumbers regularly is bound to cause gastrointestinal issues in your dog. It is best to keep such treats limited to thrice a week.
How Many Cucumbers Can My Pet Eat?
Raw veggies and fruits are treats that can make up to 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Depending on your dog’s weight in pounds, you can calculate the ideal amount of cucumbers per lb.
For example, if your dog weighs 50 lbs, it is recommended that you feed it 30 calories per lb of bodyweight. Hence, you will feed it 1500 calories each day.
Out of this amount, up to 90% of nutrition should be derived from dog food. The remaining 150 calories can be from treats such as cucumbers.
Can You Offer Your Dog Cucumbers in Vinegar and Dill Cucumbers?
Feeding your dog cucumbers is safe. However, preserving agents such as vinegar, salt, etc., are not recommended to your dog’s diet. An occasional slice of a pickle may not harm your pet, but keeping your pet away from pickles is best.
Vinegar is harmful to dogs with kidney issues. Excessive sodium can be fatal for your dog. Pickles usually contain high amounts of both these ingredients and a variety of spices. It is best to stick to fresh cucumbers for your dog’s diet.
Can Your Dog Eat Different Types of Cucumbers?
Yes! Persian cucumbers, English cucumbers, and mini cucumbers are among the wide varieties safe for your dog’s consumption.
Cucumbers are refreshing fruits. Commonly mistaken for vegetables, the plant grows throughout the year across most parts of the globe and is especially popular during summers.
The low-calorie fruit is high in water content and can be used in various dishes and for beauty purposes. As long as moderation is exercised, the answer to can dogs eat cucumber is a yes!
