Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers can be a nutritious and hydrating snack for your pup. They’re a quality source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. Cucumbers are also a low-calorie alternative for your dog, with the average cucumber slice containing only 1 calorie.
Beneficial: This food is generally considered beneficial by the veterinary community. Dogs can get nutritional value from this food if added to a dogs regular diet.
| Food Safety: | Beneficial, as an occasional treat |
| Nutritional Value: | Vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium |
| Daily Serving: | 1-6 slices per day (depending on dog size) |
| Benefits | Hydration, antioxidants, low calories, low sodium |
Nutritional Value of Cucumbers
Vitamin and mineral-packed vegetables make great additions to your dog’s diet. Despite being about 95% water, cucumbers also contain several essential vitamins and minerals, such as:
- Vitamin K: Supports healthy blood clotting and bone metabolism.
- Vitamin C: An antioxidant that promotes a healthy immune system and aids in iron absorption.
- Potassium: Helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.
- Magnesium: Supports bone health, muscle function, and nerve function.
However, while cucumbers are a healthy snack for your dog, they should not replace a well-balanced canine diet.
Are Both Cooked and Raw Cucumbers Safe for Dogs?
Both cooked and raw cucumbers are safe for dogs to consume. Raw cucumbers are generally a better option because heat from cooking can diminish their nutritional content. Wash raw cucumbers thoroughly before serving them to your dog, as this will help remove pesticides or dirt on the skin.1
Don’t add seasonings, salt, or oil if serving cooked cucumbers to your dog, as these ingredients may harm your dog’s health. Remember: while pickles are made from cucumbers, pickles are not a safe dog treat. They contain high amounts of salt and are potentially made with garlic and onion, which are dangerous for dogs. 2
Be cautions with picking cucumbers out from a prepared salad. Even if you haven’t added dressing to the salad, the veggies may have been seasoned with salt, garlic or other unsafe herbs.
Recommended Cucumber Serving Sizes for Dogs
Serve cucumbers to your pet in moderation. Treats, including cucumbers, should account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.
The appropriate serving size depends on your dog’s size, age, activity level, overall health, and diet. As a general guideline, reference the list below for cucumber serving sizes by weight:
- Small dogs (10-20 lbs): 1-2 thin cucumber slices
- Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 2-4 thin cucumber slices
- Large dogs (50+ lbs): 4-6 thin cucumber slices
Canine Food Allergies and Cucumbers
Food allergies are rare in dogs, so it’s unlikely your dog is allergic to cucumbers. However, to minimize any potential risk it’s best to introduce them to cucumbers carefully. The first time your dog eats cucumber, watch for the following allergy symptoms:
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
If you observe any of these symptoms after feeding cucumbers to your dog, contact your veterinarian right away.
Citations
http://npic.orst.edu/faq/fruitwash.html#:~:text=As%20a%20rule%20of%20thumb,is%20better%20than%20dunking%20it. (2018)
https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-safety-tips/are-onions-poisons-to-dogs/ (2011)
