Can dogs eat cucumbers?
Plain cucumbers are safe for dogs and very low in calories, which makes them a great treat for overweight dogs. Slice them, and skip pickles.
Why cucumbers make a good treat
Cucumber is about 96% water. Half a cup of slices has only around 8 calories, compared with roughly 40 in a medium dog biscuit — so it’s a great reward for dogs on a diet.
How to serve cucumber
- Wash it and cut it into slices or small pieces. A whole cucumber can be a choking risk.
- The skin and seeds are fine.
- Frozen slices make a cooling summer snack.
Why not pickles?
Pickles are cucumbers soaked in salty brine, often with garlic, onion or spices. The salt is too much for dogs, and onion and garlic are toxic. Stick to plain cucumber.
How much?
A few slices are plenty. Too much of any new food can cause stomach upset, so start small.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat cucumber skin and seeds?
Yes, both are generally safe. Just cut the cucumber into manageable pieces.
Can cucumbers upset a dog’s stomach?
Too much at once can cause mild stomach upset, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Can dogs eat pickles?
Not recommended — they’re salty and may contain garlic, onion or hot spices.
Sources
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Every pet is different — for questions about your own pet’s health, talk to your veterinarian.