Can dog's eat... Cucumber?

Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers, and all ages of dogs from young to old can enjoy the crunchy texture and taste of cucumber.  They can eat the light juicy flesh of the cucumber, and if you want to know can dogs eat cucumber skin, or can dogs eat cucumber seeds, the answer is yes. All parts of the cucumber are non toxic, and nutritious in small amounts for your dog.

Cucumbers are low in calories and saturated fat, but high in water content making it a safe and healthy treat option for your dog, especially if they are on a weight loss journey.

#How much cucumber can a dog eat?

Plenty, as it is a low calorie, water dense snack. The most important thing to do when feeding cucumber is to not feed it whole as this can be a choking hazard. Large portions of cucumber can also become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract, and create a blockage. This is painful and needs medical attention to correct. 

Instead of feeding the cucumber whole or in large chunks, chop the cucumber thinly into slices or small cubes, no larger than half a centimeter in diameter and length. If slicing your dog can enjoy
between one and ten slices per day, depending on their size and enthusiasm for cucumber. If cubing, feed between one and six cubes per day.

Whilst low calorie, there is still some present, so adjust your dog's overall food intake to account for this. No more than 10% of a dog's diet should be treat based, so again consider this in your
feeding plans.  

When feeding cucumber it can be fed raw or cooked, as long as it's fed to your dog plain with no sauces, condiments or seasoning as some of these ingredients can be toxic or irritant to your dogs digestive system. 

Cucumber can be frozen into ice cubes in summer to add flavour to drinking water, helping to keep your dog hydrated and cool.

If you love creating home cooked meals, or using meal toppers for variety, then cucumber is a great option to place on top of their regular meal to add colour, texture and moisture. Thus, enhancing their meal enjoyment. 

Whilst the seeds and skin are safe to eat they are not as tasty as the body of the cucumber, and can be a little bitter on the palate. Some dogs prefer their cucumber skinned, so if your dog does not enjoy cucumber the first time you try to feed it to them, try feeding skinned cucumber slices instead to see if this suits their taste buds better.

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#Health benefits of cucumber

The health benefits of cucumber are plentiful. Starting with its high water content. Water is important for gut motility and reducing the risks of constipation, as well as being used in almost every chemical reaction in the body. Without water, or adequate water, your dog's body will begin to struggle and dehydrate. Now, you are never going to hydrate your dog on cucumber alone, but as part of a rounded approach, it can be a good way to increase water in your dogs diet, useful if your dog is ill and has a temporary reduction in food or water intake but will eat treats like cucumber.

Cucumber is a safe option for dogs who for medical reasons such as being diabetic, or prone to pancreatitis are unable to eat the usual dog treats we find at the store. These store bought treats are often high in sugars and fats making them unsuitable for many dogs with health conditions such as diabetes. For these dogs, cucumber can be used as a replacement for rewards in training or good behaviour.

Cucumber contains vitamin C which is an anti-oxidant, important in the repair of cells and reduction of inflammation. The presence of potassium, magnesium and vitamin K in addition to Vitamin C means cucumber has lots to offer nutritionally.

#Conclusion- can dogs eat cucumbers?

• Cucumber is a low calorie, low fat safe vegetable that dogs can eat in moderation.
• All parts of the cucumber can be eaten including the skin and seeds of the cucumber
• Cucumber should be fed plain, and sliced or chopped into small pieces
• Cucumber can be a good option for pets on a diet, or those with medical issues such as diabetes       
• Most dogs like cucumber, and it's safe to feed to dogs of all life stages from puppy to senior years