Cucumbers might not be a preferred food for many humans, but if dogs can eat them, they probably will! Many dogs don’t think twice before taking a big bite of something, so kids might try to sneak fruits and vegetables to your furry friend under the table.
While dogs may act like a vacuum for all of the unwanted table scraps, that’s not a safe role for them. Not all human foods are the same for dogs as they are for humans. So, just because a food like a cucumber seems healthy doesn’t automatically mean it is. Always do your research before feeding a new food to your four-legged family member.
Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?
Not every fruit is safe for dogs to eat, but cucumbers sure are! They’re a low calorie treat that many dogs enjoy. As long as the cucumber is sliced or diced, your dog can safely eat it. Not only do cucumbers have a satisfying crunch, but they can also help keep your dog hydrated on a hot day. So, using cucumbers as a healthy treat, especially for training, might be a good idea for your canine.
Health Benefits of Cucumbers for Dogs
Cucumbers are not only safe for dogs, but they’re also healthy. They’re packed with a lot of essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, and potassium. All of those are essential for a balanced canine diet.
Additionally, cucumbers are also recommended for dogs who need to lose weight. They only have about 8 calories for each one-half cup of slices. The average bone-shaped biscuit has around 40 calories in each treat, so cucumbers are excellent alternative snacks to fill your dog up without causing them to gain extra weight.
The reason cucumbers have so few calories is because they’re made of 96% water. So, they’re recommended for dogs who get dehydrated easily and they’re great treats during a hot summer day.
Risks of Cucumbers for Dogs
The main risk associated with cucumbers for dogs is a choking hazard. Dog can choke if they eat cucumbers that aren’t cut small enough. This is true for any food, so make sure you cut the fruit into reasonably sized pieces for your pup when serving them.
Similarly to any food, it’s also important that you don’t give your dog too many cucumbers at once. If dogs eat too much of any food item, they could experience gastrointestinal upset, especially if it’s a new food to them. Eating too many cucumbers won’t cause any serious health concerns, but your dog will be more comfortable if they only eat small servings.
Humans who like cucumbers also tend to like pickles, but these are a completely different food. Pickles are often soaked in salt and possibly in other toxic human foods for dogs, such as garlic or onions. So, stick to plain cucumbers with no added flavors.
Can Dogs Eat Other Fruits and Vegetables?
Yes, there are plenty of other fruits and vegetables that dogs can safely eat. Cucumbers are healthy and can be the only human treat for dogs, but some pups prefer to mix up their snacks every once in a while. Some other healthy fruits for dogs include apples, blueberries, and bananas. Beneficial vegetables include carrots and kale.
However, not all healthy human foods are also healthy for dogs. Fruits like grapes, cherries, and avocados have parts that could be considered poisonous for dogs. Other fruits like oranges, lemons, and plums aren’t as toxic, but they often do more harm than good if dogs eat them. So, you can never just assume that all fruits are healthy without doing your research.
The same is true for vegetables. Mushrooms for dogs can be dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Other vegetables like asparagus aren’t deadly, but they’re difficult for dogs to eat and they provide no real health benefits. But luckily, most fruits and vegetables are harmless and even beneficial in some cases.
There are many human foods that are unsafe for dogs, but luckily, cucumbers aren’t one of them! If your dog needs a healthier snack or if they want to cool down during a hot day, a cucumber might be the perfect snack for them. Cucumbers should never supplement their meals, but they’re a healthy treat now and then. So, consider switching your dog’s high calorie biscuits to some tasty cucumber pieces. Your pup will thank you in the long run.