Can dogs eat cucumbers?

Updated 13/04/2024

Cucumbers add a refreshing crunch to our salads, a crisp note to our cocktails and of course have pride of place in the land of pickles. So as such a healthy snack for us humans, you might be wondering - can dogs eat cucumbers - or should they be avoided in the world of canine nutrition for some reason? Well luckily for your furry friend, cucumbers are perfectly safe for dogs as a treat. In fact, unlike many of the foods we humans love to snack on, cucumber is pretty low calorie, so it's an undeniably healthy 'human food' option for your furry pal to try.

Is cucumber poisonous to dogs?

So are cucumbers safe for dogs or can dogs eat cucumbers without you worrying about any symptoms of toxicity cropping up? Well we can safely say that there aren't any toxic compounds in cucumbers like there are with many other popular ingredients we humans put away (onions, we're looking at you). With that said though, there's always the slim chance that your furry pal could be allergic to new foods, so always keep a close eye on them when trying anything new. If symptoms of an allergic reaction don't arise (redness, itching, hives), then your pup should be safe to snack on cucumber every now and then.  

Related article: Can dogs eat pomegranate?

Are cucumbers bad for dogs?

So can dogs eat cucumbers in any way, shape or form, and are cucumbers good for dogs, or should they just be an occasional snack for some reason? Well luckily for your pup, cucumbers are actually a rather healthy snack option for your furry friend. Made up of mostly water, cucumbers (when served plain) are a great way for your pooch to enjoy a 'people food' without having to take on a whole bunch of calories. And while there's no way any dog should have a diet of cucumbers (now that would be rather strange), they certainly make for a healthy snack choice, should you fancy treating your pooch to something new, refreshing and crisp.      

Related article: Can dogs eat sunflower seeds?

Health benefits of eating cucumbers for dogs

So, can dogs eat cucumbers and get all the same health benefits we humans can? Certainly - to an extent. Treats should only make up around 10% of your dog's calories, which means they won't be eating a whole lot of cucumber. With that said though, they'll still benefit from the nutrients packed into the snack - find a few below.

• Vitamin K. Helps with the blood's ability to healthily clot.
• Vitamin C. Reduces inflammation and preserves cognitive function.
• Fiber. Helps to maintain regular bowel movements.
• Potassium. Helps maintain the functioning of the heart's, muscles' and nerves' electrical charges.
• Magnesium. Helps to maintain strong bones and heart health.
• Manganese. Helps puppies to grow healthy bones and joints. 

Related article: Can dogs eat beets?

Feeding your dog cucumbers

So, now you’re all clued-up on the health benefits of cucumbers for dogs and their safety for your canine companion, you might be wondering what the safest way is for you to feed your pooch cucumbers. Take a look below for answers to some of the most common questions asked by pet parents on the topic.

Preparing cucumber for dogs

Like with sharing any 'people food' with dogs, the best way to serve it up is in small, bite-size pieces and without any extras, no matter how tasty they might be for your pup.  

Can dogs eat cucumber skin?

The skin of the cucumber is perfectly safe for dogs, in fact, much of the nutritional goodness lives in the skin. Just be sure to wash it thoroughly so that you're sure no pesticides are leftover and ingested by your pup.  

Can dogs eat cucumbers raw?

Raw cucumbers are perfectly safe for dogs. Served straight out of the fridge, cucumbers make for a seriously refreshing snack for your furry friend.

Can puppies eat cucumbers?

And can dogs have cucumbers at a young age? Certainly - cucumbers are perfectly safe for puppies to eat, as well as adult dogs. Just be sure to cut the vegetable into bite-size pieces and keep an eye on your pooch after snacking, just in case any signs of an (unlikely) allergy crop up. 

Related article: Can dogs eat pepperoni?

Other cucumber products

And can dogs eat cucumbers if they're cooked into a 'people food' or pickled? Sadly not - served simply plain and uncooked is the safest way when it comes to dogs and cucumbers. Why? Well many of the seemingly safe ingredients we humans eat every day are in fact toxic to dogs.  

Other foods that are safe for dogs

Now the question - can dogs eat cucumbers is settled, why not get clued-up on more foods dogs can eat.

• Broccoli
• Cherries
• Pineapple

Related article: Can dogs eat seaweed?

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.