Can dogs or cats eat cucumbers?
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Can dogs eat cucumbers?
Yes, you can feed your dog cucumbers as a snack making sure that this is part of a balanced dog food based diet. Did you know, cucumbers are made up of 96% water, so they are an excellent choice as a refreshing healthy snack on summer days to help keep them cool and hydrated.
Cucumbers are very low in calorie content which is great for maintaining a healthy weight for your dog, or a good treat option if your dog is on a low calorie diet or has specific health needs such as being diabetic.
The nutrients contained in cucumbers like Vitamin K, C, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium all promote a healthy immune system for our canine friends. In addition, the fibre content contained in cucumbers will help digestion and gastrointestinal microflora health.
How much cucumber can dogs eat?
As a veterinarian when giving snacks to dogs I like to recommend the 1:10 rule. This means when giving a snack such as cucumbers it should not exceed more than 10% of the recommended calorie intake for your specific dog breed. For example a medium dog such as a Basset Hound (13.5kg - 23kg) the recommended snack size would be 5-6 slices. Whereas an extra-small dog breed (0.5kg - 4kg) the recommended snack size would be 1-2 slices.
If you are unsure about how many calories your dog should be consuming for a specific breed, contact your veterinarian.
Can dogs eat cucumber seeds?
Yes, dogs can eat cucumber seeds. They are not toxic to dogs. However, some dogs and puppies will have trouble digesting the cucumber seeds and could get an upset stomach. If you are worried about this you can remove the seeds and skin when preparing cucumbers for your dog.
How to prepare cucumbers for dogs
When preparing cucumbers for dogs there are a few things to consider. Ensure that the vegetable is well washed, and free from any sprays or chemicals used in the farming process. Washing also removes dirt and bacteria which could make your dog unwell.
Carefully hold the cucumber, and chop it into small bite-sized pieces to avoid choking risks. Around 1-2cm pieces are perfect for most dogs to enjoy the crunchy texture without the risks of injury.
Cucumbers can be frozen to provide a healthy refreshing treat on a hot summer day. Simply slice the cucumber into desired size and place in the refrigerator till frozen, or add to water to make cucumber ice cubes.
When offering all new foods to your dog's diet, offer a small amount first and monitor for any symptoms that the food is not agreeing with your dogs digestive system. .
What are the signs of a cucumber allergy?
It would be incredibly rare for your dog to have a cucumber allergy. They may have an intolerance to cucumber and signs of a food intolerance include lethargy, bloating, diarrhoea or loose stools and occasionally vomiting up food. Thankfully the risks of this are low, but always start with feeding a small amount first and monitor for any signs of allergy.
Can dogs eat...
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Can cats eat cucumbers?
Yes, cucumber can be eaten in small amounts as part of a balanced diet. Cats can be fussy eaters, so may not want to eat cucumber, but it's a safe food for them to enjoy if they do want to enjoy a healthy treat.
Cucumber has many health benefits. It's high in water, which is important for chemical reactions in the body, and hydration. Water helps in digestion and reduces the risks of constipation, a common problem in more senior cats.
The vitamin and mineral content of cucumbers aid in promoting immune function and bodily repair.
How much cucumber can my cat eat?
Cucumber is a low calorie treat, so as long as you chop it up nice and small, or into thin slices, a standard size (around 5kg) cat can enjoy around 3-4 slices of cucumber two to three times a week if they enjoy eating it. You will need to remember to reduce their main food source slightly to allow for the extra cucumber calories.
Can cats eat cucumber seeds?
Cats can eat cucumber seeds, and the skin of the cucumber, but they may choose not to. The seeds and skin have a more bitter taste than the flesh of the cucumber, so your cat may prefer you to skin and deseed the cucumber before they eat it- yes they can be that fussy!
How to prepare cucumbers for cats
Cucumber can be fed raw or cooked (roasted, grilled etc) as long as it is fed plain without any extra sauces or condiments. Sauces can contain garlic, onions and spices which can cause inflammation to your cats gastrointestinal system, and sometimes make them feel unwell. Feeding plain, and cutting into small cubes or thin slices is the safest way to feed cucumber to your cat.
What are the signs of a cucumber allergy in cats?
Cucumber allergy is very rare, and the possibility of this happening should not put you off feeding cucumber to your cat. If they were to have an allergic reaction, it would usually show mild symptoms of bloating, loose stools or flatulence, and reduced appetite. If this happens, do not feed cucumbers again, and instead look for another healthy vegetable to offer instead - we have lots of articles on safe fruits and vegetables you can explore.
Cucumber is a safe and nutritious food to feed both cats and dogs. It is best enjoyed in the summer months but can be fed year round. There are many health benefits for people and pets alike, and it's a low calorie treat, which in our eyes makes this vegetable one of our top choices to feed to cats and dogs.
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Information purposes only
The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
Pet poison emergency protocol
If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).
Food safety statuses
Could be given almost daily without harm
Not toxic, but should not be given regularly
Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet