Not all fruits and vegetables that are healthy for humans are also healthy for dogs. Some fruits and vegetables, however, are safe for dogs and offer a healthy alternative to conventional dog treats. Cucumber is one of these vegetables.
Are Cucumbers Safe for Dogs?
Cucumbers are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, and offer a low-calorie, crunchy snack that many dogs love. Cucumbers only contain about 8 calories per one-half cup of slices, compared to the 40 calories in a single medium biscuit, and are very low in sodium and fat.
There are two potential risks of feeding cucumbers to dogs: overeating and choking. Eating too much of any food item can cause gastrointestinal (GI) upset in dogs, especially if it is a new food your dog has not eaten before. To prevent your dog from choking, always cut food down to a manageable size, especially for small dogs or for pups that wolf down their meals. Feeding a whole cucumber is not advisable.
The best rule of thumb for determining how much cucumber to feed your dog is the 10 percent rule. Veterinarians recommend that treats should only make up 10 percent of your dog’s daily diet. This means that the amount of cucumber you feed your German Shepherd Dog will vary greatly from the amount you feed your Chihuahua. As with any new snack, introduce cucumbers slowly into your dog’s diet and keep an eye out for any adverse reactions.
Are Cucumbers Good for Dogs?
Cucumbers are an excellent, healthy treat. They are especially good for pets that need to lose weight, as their low-calorie content offers some rewards without the rolls. Cucumbers also have high water content. This crunchy vegetable is actually 96 percent water, which makes it a tasty and hydrating summer treat.
Combined with exercise and a diet plan, cucumbers and other safe fruits and vegetables can be a great way to help an overweight dog get in shape without cutting out rewards. This is especially helpful if your pup’s weight-loss plan involves training for a fun new dog sport or if your canine needs encouragement to improve their leash manners.
However, do not feed them pickles. These contain added spices and salt that can be harmful at worst and unnecessary at best. While a bite of pickle probably won’t hurt your dog, stick with plain cucumbers as a regular treat and avoid feeding pickles of any variety to dogs.