Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?

Why are cucumbers so good for dogs?

A full cup of cucumber slices has about 16 calories. For comparison, a single commercial dog treat typically has 20 to 40 calories. That makes cucumbers an ideal treat for dogs on a diet or dogs that get a lot of treats during training. The high water content also makes them naturally hydrating, which is useful on hot days or for dogs that do not drink enough water on their own. They contain small amounts of vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium, though the quantities are modest.

Can dogs eat the skin and seeds?

Yes to both. Cucumber skin is safe and actually contains most of the fiber and nutrients. The seeds are soft, small, and completely harmless. There is no need to peel or deseed cucumbers for dogs. The only reason to peel would be if the cucumber is waxed (as some store-bought varieties are), and even then the wax is food-grade and not dangerous. Organic or unwaxed cucumbers can be served whole, sliced, or diced with everything intact.

Are there any risks?

The only practical risk is choking if a dog tries to swallow a large piece whole. Cut cucumbers into slices or bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog's size. Avoid feeding pickles, which are cucumbers soaked in salt, vinegar, and often garlic or dill in quantities that dogs do not need. Plain, fresh cucumber is the way to go. Some dogs also experience mild gas if they eat a large amount at once, but this is uncommon and temporary.

How much cucumber can a dog eat?

Because cucumbers are so low in calories, you have more flexibility with portions than almost any other treat. A few slices for a small dog and half a cucumber for a large dog is a reasonable range. You can use them generously as training treats without worrying about caloric impact. Frozen cucumber slices also make a great warm-weather treat that lasts longer than room-temperature pieces.