Can dogs eat cucumber?
As a pet owner, you may wonder whether your dog can eat cucumber.
As a veterinarian, I get a lot of questions from dog owners regarding feeding cucumbers to their adorable canine companions. In this article, we will clarify some of these questions. Let's get started…
Can dogs have cucumber?
The answer is “YES”. Like other human foods, cucumber is totally safe for dogs to consume. Your dog will surely love this crunchy, juicy treat during a hot summer day. A cup of cucumber slice usually contains 8 calories compared with a single milk bone biscuit that contains 40 calories. This vegetable or fruit, whatever you would like to say, comprises almost 95% of the water that helps your dog to be hydrated quickly.
Veterinarians suggest filling almost 10% of a dog’s daily diet with vegetables or fruits. That means you can easily introduce cucumber as a mouth-watering treat to your dog’s diet. Be careful about giving adequate portions to each dog based on their body weight, breed, and size. If your little puppy hasn’t experienced cucumber before, introduce it slowly by replacing some other vegetables in the diet.
You are cooking when, suddenly, your dog looks at you. You want to give him a little treat but you wonder if he can eat the food you are holding in your hand.
With our vet-approved magnet, you’ll know the answer at a glance! Plus, you can quickly scan our QR code to access the full article with all the explanations.
The health benefits of cucumber for dogs
Besides its crunchy and juicy texture, cucumber contains a bunch of nutrients which are beneficial for your dog. A moderate amount of cucumber helps your dog to stay fit and healthy as well as prevent getting overweight. Along with hydrating power, cucumber is a powerhouse for vitamin K and has some other phytochemicals and phytonutrients like molybdenum, copper, biotin, and potassium. Some health benefits of cucumber may include:
- Hydration: Cucumbers are almost entirely made up of water, which keeps your dog cool and hydrated. This might be a wonderfully refreshing treat for your dog on a hot summer day.
- Vitamins: Both fresh and ripened cucumber comprises a bunch of vitamins like vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B1, etc.
- Minerals: Fresh cucumber contains minerals like potassium, molybdenum, iron, copper, biotin, manganese, etc.
- Weight loss: Obesity is one of the most common problems in the canine family. Having only 8 calories per cup of cucumber can be a great addition to reduce overweight in your dog. Use this as a natural treat during any kind of exercise or training.
- Fresh breath: With a bunch of phytochemicals and phytonutrients, cucumber helps freshen your dog's breath.
How can I feed cucumber to my dog?
You can easily serve fresh or cooked cucumber depending on what your dog likes. Always wash your veggies before serving to your dog. Pet experts suggest giving raw cucumber since it retains more nutritional value. Never give cucumber pickles to your dog. Just slice them or make small cubes to avoid choking.
Finally, a small cube of fresh cucumber to your dog can be a healthy alternative to packaged treats. Always consult with your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet.
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