Is your dog looking for some crunch without the calories? While treats disappear within seconds, they often aren’t the healthiest choice for dogs. That’s why many owners turn towards fresh produce as a canine snack supplement. Is cucumber good for dogs? Today will examine how this green veggie stacks up for our furry friends.
Can Dogs Eat Cucumber?
Dogs have precious few calories to waste. If you were a Chihuahua restricted to a 150 calorie-a-day diet, would you rather have a bite sized treat or a nice wedge of cucumber to snack on? Both options are safe, since dogs can eat cucumber.
You read that right. While you’d be hard pressed to find a produce loving cat, omnivorous dogs can’t resist some good old veggies. However, not all veggies are safe for dogs to enjoy. Luckily cucumbers are one of the certified safe options for canine consumption.
Is Cucumber Good for Dogs?
Now that you know cucumbers are an entirely safe treat, let’s explore why they’re worth feeding to your dog. How are cucumbers good for dogs?
The American Kennel Club (AKC) labels cucumbers a low-calorie snack that clocks in at just 8 calories per half cup of slices. This is excellent for dieting dogs who can now pass on a 40 calorie Milk Bone in favor of some green goodness.
In addition to being very low in calories, cucumbers are extremely nutritious. They have a very high water content that clocks them in at 96 percent water. This makes the vegetable a great treat for dogs during hot summer days.
Overall, there doesn’t appear to be any downside to feeding cucumbers to dogs. While cucumbers aren’t packed full of nutrients, they are hydrating and refreshing.
Cucumber also contains small amounts of potassium, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, magnesium, and manganese.
Are Pickles Safe, Too?
Is cucumber good for dogs? Check. So are pickles good, too?
Unfortunately, pickles are not a canine-friendly snack. Though they are cucumbers, their high sodium and spice levels make them unhealthy for dogs to consume. Human foods that dogs can enjoy should always be served as plainly as possible. Therefore, pickles are not a safe treat for pups to consume. (Though they are an excellent garnish for humans!)
Cucumber Serving Safety for Dogs
The AKC warns owners against two potential risks of dogs eating cucumber. The first issue is the risk of choking. To avoid this problem, be sure to always cut food up into doggie sized servings. Avoid ever feeding your dog a whole cucumber.
It’s also very important to avoid overfeeding your dog. Cucumbers are low calorie and healthy, but too much of any human food will likely cause issues for your dog. While overeating cucumbers are unlikely to cause real damage, it will likely lead to some temporary stomach upset for your pup.
The AKC always recommends following the 10 percent rule of thumb when determining how much of a snack to feed your dog. Never feed you dog more than 10 percent of her daily calories from snacks. Therefore, larger dogs will have more wiggle room to enjoy treats.
Cucumbers are an excellent way to reward dieting dogs. They provide the opportunity for the dogs to still enjoy snacks while losing weight. After all, we hate to deprive our dogs. Just look into their eyes.
Approved Veggies for Doggie Snacking
Cucumber is a yummy, crunchy treat that is safe for dogs. But what other veggies can be safely snacked on?
The healthiest vegetables for dogs include green beans, carrots, sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and spinach. However, there are a number of additional approved vegetables and fruits for dogs.
Be sure to always research safe serving methods before sharing any human food with your furry friend.
Canines and Cucumbers Conclusions
That about wraps up today’s veggie exploration. Is cucumber good for dogs? It sure is! Cucumber is a delicious, crunchy treat that doesn’t pack high calories, fat, or carbs. What’s not to love about that? Just be sure not to sprinkle any salt on your dog’s serving.
To read about more vegetables that dogs can enjoy, check out can dogs eat celery.
