Can dogs eat cucumber? Everything you need to know
Can dogs eat cucumber?
Yes, dogs can eat cucumber!
Remove the seeds from the cucumber before giving it to your dog, as they may cause stomach upset, and cut into bite sized pieces to prevent choking.
Is cucumber good for dogs?
Cucumber is a safe and healthy snack for dogs. Cucumber contains mostly water and is low in calories and fat, so it’s a great alternative to high-calorie treats.
It can also help to freshen their breath and clean their teeth!
How to feed a dog cucumber
- Remove the seeds
- Cut up the cucumber into bite size pieces or slices
- Feed a few chunks to your dog as a treat
- Or freeze cucumber slices until firm for a refreshing summer treat
- Or add a few pieces of cucumber to your dog’s regular food
How much cucumber can my dog eat?
Despite being a healthy snack, dogs should be given cucumber in moderation, taking the size of the dog into consideration. Also consider all the other treats your dog may eat or have eaten that day; even healthy treats like cucumber should comprise only 10% of your dog’s overall diet.
- Smaller dogs can have a few slices or small pieces of cucumber per day
- Medium dogs can have around half a cucumber per day
- Larger dogs can have up to a whole cucumber per day
The nutritional benefit of cucumber for dogs
- Contains vitamins C and K, which are important for a healthy immune system and strong bones
- Contains potassium and magnesium, which are important for blood pressure regulation and bone health
- Contains antioxidants, which help protect the cells
- Contains fibre, which is important for digestive health
- Low in carbohydrates and fat
Additionally, as cucumber has a high water content, it is helpful for maintaining hydration.
Cucumber recipes for dogs
Cucumber “frozen yoghurt”
Ingredients:
- A few chunks of skinless cucumber
- Strawberries, blueberries and/or banana
- Plain, unsweetened yoghurt
Other requirements:
Ice cube tray, Kong or Licky Mat (or other slow feeder that can hold wet food)
Method:
- Mash or puree the cucumber chunks with a couple of berries and/or a few slices of banana.
- Combine the mixture with a couple of spoonfuls of plain, unsweetened yoghurt.
- Fill the ice cube tray or Kong with the mixture and freeze for a cooling treat. Alternatively, spread the mixture over a licky mat for longer lasting enjoyment.
The risks of dogs eating cucumber
Giving your dog too much cucumber at one time may cause a stomach upset, especially if your dog is not used to it. Always introduce a new food slowly and monitor for any signs of allergies or other ill effects. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you can try giving him just a little cucumber to see if he has any reaction.
Note that the seeds of a cucumber are not toxic to dogs, but they can be a choking hazard for small dogs and cause digestive issues in dogs of all sizes, so it’s best to remove them.
Too many treats in your dog’s diet can cause health problems over the long term, including obesity and diabetes. Treats, including healthy ones like cucumber, should only comprise 10% of your dog’s diet, and are best avoided altogether in dogs that are overweight, diabetic and/or on a prescription diet. Always consult your vet for nutritional advice if you are unsure.
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