Dogs love vegetables, especially crunchy ones with light and subtle flavors! Munching down on a veggie is a great way to keep your pup entertained, and give them a healthy treat that can promote healthy digestion, and give your dog an extra boost of vital nutrients. 

While every dog’s taste buds are different, one of the most universally loved vegetables is cucumber! 

So refreshing and crisp, cucumbers are a delightful snack for humans and canines alike, and a perfectly safe treat to share with your pup. In this quick guide, we’re going over the basics of feeding your dog the occasional cucumber piece and answering common questions about the humble cucumber. 

Are Cucumbers Safe for Dogs?

The answer to ‘can dogs eat cucumbers’ is simple. Yes! Cucumbers are a completely safe food for dogs, so unless your dog has a cucumber allergy, it’s totally fine to share a slice or two with your canine companion. 

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It’s worth noting that some dogs may be extra sensitive to new foods, or foods that are high in fiber, like vegetables. This can cause some dogs to experience an upset stomach, diarrhea, bloating, etc., but is rarely serious. If your dog has severe allergies be sure to consult with your veterinarian before introducing a new food. 

Nutritional Value of Cucumbers

Like most vegetables, cucumbers contain a healthy amount of fiber, which can help keep your pup comfortable and regular. Cucumbers also include a small amount of vitamin C, an important antioxidant. Since your dog shouldn’t be eating a lot of cucumbers, they won’t get much fiber or vitamin C from the occasional cuke treat. 

What dogs can benefit from is the hydrating water content of cucumbers. Cucumbers are around 96% water, making them a great choice for keeping pups hydrated in the summer or encouraging dogs that are reluctant to drink to consume more water. 

How Much Cucumber Can Dogs Eat?

A few slices every once in a while (i.e. once a week).

Cucumbers are super low in calories, so you don’t have to worry about high blood sugar or excessive calorie consumption if your pooch eats too many pieces. However, it’s important to remember that eating too much of anything can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, bloat, and general discomfort. 

As long as you feed your dog cucumbers in moderation, they don’t need to worry about how they will impact your dog’s health. 

Dogs & Cucumbers FAQ

Because cucumbers are such a popular healthy dog treat, there are tons of questions from loving pet owners beyond “can dogs eat cucumbers?” Here are just a few of the most common questions about this tasty veggie: 

Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Skin?

⚠️ Yes, but in moderation. Most dogs have no problem eating and digesting cucumber skin, but if you want to be extra safe or your dog has a sensitive stomach, remove the skin. Because the skin is tougher than the interior of the cucumber it can be slightly more difficult to digest, which could trigger a reaction in sensitive pups. 

Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Seeds?

⚠️ Yes, but in moderation. Like the skin of the cucumber, the seeds are typically safe for dogs to eat. However, removing the seeds is a good idea for dogs with sensitive stomachs, or for the first time you introduce this food to your pooch. 

Can Dogs Eat Cucumber Flavored Foods?

❌  No. In general, it’s best to avoid artificially flavored foods. Cucumber-flavored foods may also contain other ingredients that are unsafe for dogs, so stick to dog-approved cucumber treats or raw, unseasoned cucumbers.

Can Dogs Drink Cucumber Water?

✅ Yes! Give your dog the spa experience by offering them a bowl of water with cucumber slices floating in it. Beware, your pup might end up bobbing for cucumbers and making a mess, so consider putting their bowl on a towel. 

Can Dogs Eat Whole Cucumbers? 

⚠️ Theoretically yes, but it’s not recommended. Whole cucumbers pose a potential choking hazard, so it’s better to cut a small piece for your dog instead. If your dog somehow gets ahold of and eats an entire cucumber, just be sure to keep an eye on them for any signs of gastrointestinal distress. 

Fun Ways To Feed Your Dog Cucumber

A simple slice of cucumber is a fabulous treat for your dog, but if you want to spice things up a little to pamper your pooch, try this dog-friendly recipe featuring cucumber: 

No-Bake Dog Pancake Cake

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup of rolled oats
• 1-2 ripe bananas
• 1 tablespoon of ground sunflower seeds
• 100 grams of firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• ½ cup of plant milk (or you can use vanilla soy milk)
• sliced cucumber and coconut for decoration

Directions

1. Pulse oats in a food processor until a powdery oat flour forms.
2. Add bananas and milk to oat flour and blend until smooth.
3. Preheat a nonstick pan over medium heat. If your pan isn't nonstick, grease it with coconut oil.
4. Using a small spoon, add the pancake batter to the hot pan. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side. 
5. Remove pancakes from heat and allow them to cool completely.

In meantime, make the frosting. Blend tofu and tahini in a food processor. Add about a third of a cup of milk at a time until you get a thick, hummus-like texture.

1. To assemble, place a dab of tofu frosting on a plate, followed by a pancake. Spread some tofu and tahini frosting on the first pancake, then top with the second. Repeat until you have used 4-6 small pancakes. All ingredients must be cold. 
2. Frost the sides of the cake using the leftover frosting. 
3. Lastly, decorate the cake with cucumber and coconut slices.

Rocky Kanaka

Rocky Kanaka is an entrepreneur, pet rescue advocate and dog dad to a rescue boxer named Flip, a blind Cane Corso called Kobe, and a terrier mix named Zoey. He's also a pet chef and owner of The Dog Bakery, which specializes in dog birthday cakes and fresh baked dog treats. His three dogs can't get enough of the dog cakes and treats!

Lorna Ladd

Lorna Paxton Ladd is a passionate dog lover and enthusiast of The Dog Bakery. She loves spoiling her 3 rescue dogs with dog cakes and jerky. A 15 year veteran in the pet industry, her aim is to educate pet parents on the best recipes, products, tips and tricks to optimize the human/canine bond. Her favorite product at The Dog Bakery are the customizable dog birthday cakes.