Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?

Yes. Dogs can eat cucumbers, but keep the portions small.

Dogs are usually classed as omnivores due to them being able to digest small amounts of certain fruits and vegetables without too much trouble.

This includes cucumbers.

However, dogs aren’t really omnivores in the same sense that we as humans are.

They are actually facultative carnivores, which essentially means that they are carnivores that can process a small amount of plant matter.

What this boils down to is that a dog’s diet should primarily come from animal proteins, supplemented by a small amount of other foods, such as plant proteins.

The 10% rule is a good guide, in that, a dog’s diet should consist of 90% high-quality dog food, and up to 10% other foods, such as fruits, vegetables and snacks.

With that cleared up, let’s look further at can dogs eat cucumbers?

Are cucumber good for dogs?

Cucumbers contain many beneficial vitamins and minerals for your dog.

Cucumbers are also very hydrating due to the fact that they are around 95% water, and therefore double up as a thirst-quenching snack for your dog on hot days.

Additionally, cucumber also contains fibre, manganese and beta-carotene. They are low in sodium, low-calorie and have even been shown to help regulate high blood sugar in animals, as well as reducing inflammation.

Although the overall amount a dog eats is minimal, cucumbers can be considered healthy for dogs and a good addition to their diet.

Is cucumber safe for dogs?

In general, yes.

There is a very rare chance that your dog could have an allergic reaction, in which case contact your vet immediately.

There is a choking risk, but this is the case for most foods and not particularly unique to cucumber.

So yes, all things considered, cucumber is safe for dogs to eat.

How much cucumber can I give my dog?

As mentioned above, the 10% rule is generally recommended when it comes to foods outside their regular dog food.

This means that up to 10% of your dog’s daily food intake should come from other foods such as fruit, vegetables or treats. Feeding them any more than this can cause stomach upset, weight gain or worse.

What does this mean in the real world? Keep it to a few slices or chunks.

Start small and see how it sits. Larger dogs can have around one cup’s worth, smaller dogs less.

Use your judgement and if you are unsure, consult your vet for further advice.

Can dogs eat cucumber skin?

Yes, the skin is generally safe for your dog to eat.

Most of the cucumber’s vitamins and minerals are contained in the skin, so you want to include it if you can.

The only potential issues are contaminants, such as pesticides being present on the skin. If you are concerned about this, opt for organic or peel the skin before serving.

Can dogs eat cucumber seeds?

Yes, the seeds can be left in the cucumber and your dog can happily eat them.

You may wish to remove them, but you don’t have to.

Can puppies eat cucumber?

Yes, if the puppy has been weaned, then it is generally safe for them to have a very small amount of cucumber.

Obviously, you need to take extra care when feeding any food to puppies due to the increased choking risk.

Keep the chunks very small and closely supervise them.

As with any new food, you will also want to keep an eye out for any allergic reactions or stomach upsets.

Consult your vet if you have any concerns.

Summary

A small amount of cucumber is fine for your dog as long as you follow precautions.

Keep the chunks small and feed as part of a well-balanced diet.

Related FAQ’s

Can dogs eat pickles?

Although a few pickles will probably not hurt your dog, it’s not recommended feeding them these due to the vinegar and spices present.

Pickles are likely to upset your dog’s stomach.

Keep it to plain, raw cucumber.

Can my dog eat raw cucumbers?

Yes. Cucumbers are generally served raw, so this is the best way to eat them. No cooking required!

Follow the serving advice above.

Can dogs eat cucumbers with lemon?

They technically can, but it’s not advised, see our article here.

What vegetable can dogs eat?

If you would like more info on what you can and can’t feed your dog, such as tomatoes, peppers, carrots, lettuce, apples, strawberries, celery and many more, take a look at our section Can My Dog Eat? where we give you the lowdown.

See you there…