Can My Dog Eat That? Cucumbers

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat cucumbers?” Read on!

Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?

If a cucumber slice drops to the floor and your dog vacuums it up, it’s OK — dogs can eat cucumbers. They are a healthy snack and safe for dogs to eat in moderation, much like cranberries, pineapple, broccoli and other fruits and vegetables. Cucumbers are rich in vitamins and minerals, have a very high water content and are low in calories, making them healthy and hydrating dog treats.

When Are Cucumbers Bad for Dogs?

Feeding cucumbers to your dog is generally OK as long as you follow the same rules that apply for most human food treats — feed cucumbers in moderation, slice them into small pieces and check with your veterinarian first. Even a healthy treat should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s recommended daily calorie intake. With cucumbers, you’ll need to be more aware of the effects of fiber — cucumbers are a good source! — than of calories: if your dog eats too much fiber at once, that can cause an upset stomach. It’s also important that the size of the cucumber slices are appropriate for your dog’s size to reduce the risk of choking or an intestinal blockage.

What Happens If Dogs Eat Too Much Cucumber?

Even the healthiest of foods can cause a problem if they’re eaten in large quantities. Dogs eating cucumbers whenever they want could cause an upset gastrointestinal tract, so make sure you’re limiting your dog’s access to them. How much cucumber a dog can eat depends on their size — it makes sense that a Great Dane can generally eat more (of anything) than a Yorkshire terrier!

Which Parts of a Cucumber Can Dogs Eat?

There are a few different parts of a cucumber fruit, so let’s go over some common questions about which parts are safe for dogs to eat.

Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Skin?

As long as you wash it first, most dogs can eat the whole cucumber fruit, including the skin. However, some dogs have trouble digesting cucumber skin, so you may need to remove it if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Seeds?

Cucumber seeds are not toxic to dogs, so they’re fine for dogs to eat. However, like the skin, some dogs have trouble digesting the seeds — you may want to scoop those out.

Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers Raw?

Yes, just like when we eat cucumber slices, it’s perfectly safe for dogs to eat raw cucumbers. It’s the other ingredients that might be mixed with cucumbers that are the concern. For example, cucumber and onion salad is off the menu, as onions are toxic to dogs. Sticking with plain cucumbers is best for your dog.

Can Dogs Drink Cucumber Water?

If you’re making cucumber water at home and know the ingredients going into it are safe for dogs, that’s fine. If you’re buying cucumber water from a store, check for ingredients like xylitol that are toxic for dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Pickles?

No, it’s not recommended that dogs eat pickled cucumbers. Pickles, like hot dogs, typically have a high salt (sodium) content, which isn’t healthy for dogs. The pickle brine may also contain ingredients like garlic or onion that are toxic to dogs.

Can Puppies Eat Cucumbers?

Pups can safely eat cucumbers as long as they’re sliced into puppy-sized pieces. You could use cucumber slices as a refreshing and crunchy reward during a training session. Blueberries and carrots are some other fruits and vegetables that can serve as healthy training treats.

Are Cucumbers Good for Dogs?

Yes! Cucumber slices can be a healthy, low-calorie snack for dogs. Just make sure you wash them and keep your dog from over indulging on these crunchy treats. And as always, check with your vet before adding a new food to your dog’s diet.