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Every dog owner knows that many dogs love to eat human food, whether it’s good for them or not. That said, it’s up to us to know what we can safely let our dogs try, as well as foods to avoid, for their safety and health. Most times, dogs are particularly fond of things with a crunch (given they have all their teeth), and your dog may eyeball you when you chomp on a cucumber.
Cucumbers are nutritious, but does that mean they are safe for dogs? Can dogs eat cucumbers? The answer is yes, dogs can eat cucumbers. Read on to the nutritional value cucumbers hold for both you and your canine pal and how to feed them to your beloved doggie.
Nutritional Value of Cucumbers for Dogs
Cucumbers are safe for your dog to eat. They are low in calories and contain vitamins and minerals; they also have a crunch that most dogs love. Cucumbers are hydrating and contain 96% water, which makes them an excellent treat on hot summer days. One serving of cucumber, which is roughly ½ up, is only 8 calories, and an entire medium-sized cucumber is only 30 calories.
Cucumbers also contain vitamins B, and K, and they have a little fiber that helps with digestion. They also contain calcium, magnesium and potassium, all of which are beneficial to dogs in balanced amounts.
How Often Can I Feed My Dog Cucumber?
Even though cucumbers are safe for your dog, you should provide them sparingly. A general rule is to give your dog 10% of treats daily in addition to his regular diet, as overfeeding any extras can lead to weight gain and gastrointestinal issues. Speaking of treats, small bites of cucumber are an excellent way to provide your dog with a healthy treat when training, but ensure the pieces are cut into small bites.
Always avoid adding salt or other seasonings to the cucumber you give your dog to avoid an upset tummy.
How to Safely Feed Your Dog Cucumber
Once you understand how much you can feed cucumber at a time based on your dog’s size, you need to understand how to safely provide them to your canine furball.
To feed cucumber to your dog safely, wash the cucumber, cut off the ends, peel the skin (optional) and remove the seeds. You can freeze the chunks of cucumber and use them in a kong, or you can put them in your dog’s food as a topper. You can also simply feed it here and there as a treat in between meals.
Before introducing any new food item you’re unsure about to your cat’s diet, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian first.
Conclusion
While cucumbers are perfectly safe for your dog, we recommend consulting a veterinarian before giving your dog human food of any kind. Always observe your dog afterward for any adverse reactions, and only give your dog 10% of treats in addition to his regular diet. To put this into perspective, 10% of daily treats for a Labrador Retriever will vary greatly compared to a Chihuahua.
Ensure the cucumber has no added seasoning or spices, and cut the cucumber into bite-sized pieces to prevent a choking hazard.
Featured Image Credit: Markus Winkler, Unsplash
