Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian first before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.

Thinking about sharing some cucumber slices with your dog? Well, no worries! Cucumbers are safe and healthy for dogs. Most canines love the crunchy texture and refreshing taste. Check out our tips below for safe feeding practices and healthy portions.

Are Cucumbers Bad for Dogs?

Adult dogs and puppies can safely eat raw cucumber slices. But it’s important to thoroughly wash them and cut them into thin slices. Eating a whole cucumber or a large piece could cause a choking hazard or an intestinal blockage, especially in smaller dogs. 

Here are a few other concerns about cucumbers to be aware of with dogs:

1. Keep in mind that although pickles are made from cucumbers, pickles are not a safe treat for dogs. They contain high amounts of salt as well as other potentially dangerous seasonings, like garlic and onion.

2. Just like with any other food, your dog could be intolerant to cucumbers. Try feeding them one small piece first. Then wait and watch for any signs of digestive upset, like vomiting or diarrhea.

There is a toxic chemical compound in the cucumber plant called cucurbitacin. This compound is typically found in the roots, stems, and leaves of a cucumber plant. But it can also spread to the cucumber fruit itself—in a smaller dose—which makes it taste more bitter. In this case, cucurbitacin is usually found in the ends of the cucumber, and the peel. In small amounts of cucumber, this compound shouldn’t harm you or your dog. But you can always cut off the ends and peel the cucumber, just to be safe. 

Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Seeds?

Yes, dogs can eat cucumber seeds. They are not toxic. However, some dogs and puppies will have trouble digesting the cucumber seeds and could get an upset stomach. To avoid that, remove the skin and seeds before feeding cucumbers to your dog.

Are Cucumbers Good for Dogs?

Cucumbers are a hydrating food because their water content is 96%. They are also low in calories and sugar. They also contain the following vitamins and minerals, although your dog will not benefit greatly from the small amount of cucumber slices that they might eat:

• Vitamin B

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin K

• Potassium

• Magnesium

Can Dogs Drink Cucumber Water?

Cucumber water made at home is safe and healthy for your dog. But store-bought cucumber water can contain unsafe ingredients for your dog, like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. 

How Many Cucumber Slices Can Dogs Eat?

The amount of cucumber that’s safe for your pup to eat will vary depending on their size. What’s appropriate to feed a German Shepherd isn’t appropriate to feed a Yorkie. 

And even with healthy snacks like cucumbers, treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet. The other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet. 

Check out the general guidelines below for safe feeding portions based on your dog’s weight and breed size. Each slice should be no wider than 1 inch and about ¼-inch thick.

• Extra-small dog (2-20 lbs.) = 1-2 cucumber slices

  • Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs, Shih Tzus

• Small dog (21-30 lbs.) = 2-3 cucumber slices

  • Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds

• Medium dog (31-50 lbs.) = 5-6 cucumber slices

  • Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Siberian Huskies

• Large dog (51-90 lbs.) = handful of cucumber slices

  • Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds

• Extra-large dog (91+ lbs.) = large handful of cucumber slices

  • Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees

If your dog accidentally ate too much, watch out for symptoms of an upset stomach. If you notice any of the following, call your veterinarian immediately:

• Decreased appetite or loss of appetite

• Fatigue

• Vomiting

• Excessive diarrhea

• Blood in their vomit or stool

• Weakness

• Collapse

How to Safely Feed Cucumber to Your Dog

The best way to feed cucumbers to your dog is to thoroughly wash them, peel them, remove the seeds, and cut them into thin slices. If you follow these tips, you can safely serve cucumbers to your pup. Check out some of the serving ideas below.

1. Give raw cucumber slices to your dog as treats, or add them as a topper to your dog’s food bowl.

2. Freeze cucumber slices for a crunchy, cold treat. 

3. Blend cucumber with other dog-safe fruits like watermelon, blueberries, and bananas, and freeze the mixture in a KONG toy as a cold, refreshing treat for later. Put a dab of peanut butter at the narrower end of the KONG to keep the blended mixture from leaking until fully frozen.

Featured Image: iStock.com/Victor Yee