Cucumbers provide important nutrients that help dogs feel cool and energized especially in hot weather. Professionals or specialists in dog health suggest dogs can eat cucumbers safely but not as a regular part of their diet. Some dogs find cucumbers a tasty and healthy substitute because they make a crunchy sound when eaten.
In this article, we will discuss how we can feed cucumbers to the dogs, including health benefits and few risks. Moreover we will also discuss the amount of cucumber you may offer to your dog. Finally, we will explore other dog-friendly fruits and vegetables. Let’s find out and read the complete article for proper guidance.
Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers – Crunchy, Refreshing, and Hydrating
Cucumbers are a type of nutrient that have a lot of fiber, and too much fiber may cause gastrointestinal discomfort for dogs. You should control the number of cucumbers your dog eats to a few slices. Rather than letting it eat as much as it wants which makes the tummy of your dog feel upset. Even though cucumbers are good for every dog, it is also important to serve them just the right amount.
How Much Cucumber Can My Dog Eat?
Every dog should ingest the amount of cucumber based on how big or small it is. Vets suggest you adjust the amount of cucumber according to the size of your dog. Doctor Ambika Vaid, an Integrative Veterinarian and Advisor to Badlands Ranch has suggested the right number of slices of cucumbers for dogs, which are as follows:
- 1-2 slices a day for dogs between 2 and 20lbs
- 4-5 slices a day for dogs between 25 to 50 lbs
- A small handful of cucumber slices for dogs over 50lbs
Are Cucumbers Nutritious For Dogs
Dogs need vitamin B because it helps their body get energy from their food and improves the working of red blood cells. Cucumbers provide them vitamins B, C and K along with potassium which keeps your dog healthier and prevents infections. But this does not mean that pet owners only rely on cucumber to fulfill the nutritional requirements of dogs. Make sure that cucumbers are not the primary source of nutrition, however you can offer them as an additional snack. Do keep in mind that dogs need essential proteins mainly vitamin B12 and niacin, which support their muscle development. If you have any questions related to what type of food you can feed to your dog, your vet can provide better guidance.
Health Benefits of Cucumbers for Dogs:
Good health is vital for all the dogs living in this world because it helps them feel happy and energetic. When dogs are healthy, they can play, run and enjoy life with their pet owners properly. Following are some health benefits of cucumbers for dogs. Let’s read them:
1. Vitamin C:
Vitamin C supports the immune system of dogs and makes it easier for them to fight off infections. You have seen dogs run and jump to catch the balls which leads to sprains or strains. Sometimes a dog missteps while it navigates obstacles like tunnels which causes injuries in its body. We like to play frisbee with our dogs, but catching a flying disc leads to joint or muscle injuries. Although we administer medicines and proper food to our injured dogs, we must include cucumber as well in the diet. For all these injuries, body tissues need to be repaired and vitamin C from cucumbers repair damaged tissues of dogs. In addition to this, vitamin C from cucumbers prevents your dog from anemia, keeps it energetic and strengthens its bones.
2. Vitamin B:
Every dog needs learning and memory required for activities like training commands, navigating obstacles, recalling familiar people, solving puzzles and remembering routines. Dogs play with toys, go for walks, receive treats and meet new dogs. Similarly, many dogs feel fear by hearing sounders of thunder or fireworks and encountering strange animals. All these brain related activities mentioned above require proper brain function. And cucumbers contain vitamin B, which improves the brain function of dogs. Moreover if you feed your dog with vitamin B contained in vegetables and meat, then it helps them stay healthy.
3. Vitamin K:
We all know that dogs play rough with other dogs. Sometimes, they run through thorny bushes and chew on sharp objects such as shards from toys. And accidently, dogs may walk on broken glass and climb rough fences. In all the above mentioned activities, dogs get cuts on their body parts. However, vitamin K found in cucumbers helps their body make proteins that clots the blood so that your dog does not bleed too much. Moreover, with the help of vitamin K found in vegetables like cucumber and pork’s liver contributes to the nutritional values for dogs.
4. Potassium
In the biological cells and tissues present in a dog’s body, potassium plays a vital role in proper distribution of water and electrolytes. For normal functioning of muscles and nerves, potassium and sodium within the cells and the blood stream is very important.So the cucumber contains potassium which impacts a dog’s ability to be active. When we serve cucumbers as an additional snack to our dogs then it helps in regulation of heartbeat. Moreover, balanced levels of potassium helps the kidneys of dogs and remove extra sodium and keeps the blood pressure in check. In case you notice any symptoms of fatigue and muscle cramps in your dog, then you must serve food and fruits. Serve your dog with bananas, potatoes, cucumbers and spinach enriched with potassium.
Note: In case of severe symptoms like climbing stairs or jumping, you must consult the vet for proper guidance.
What Are The Risks Of Dogs Eating Cucumbers?
Dog owners must not serve pickled or processed cucumbers to their pets as they contain many risk factors. Similarly you must not include salts, spices and dressings while preparing cucumbers for serving to your dog. In case your dog has eaten excessive amount of cucumbers then it can cause:
- Choke
- Vomit
- Have diarrhea
- Have an allergic reaction
Vets also recommend monitoring your dog for allergic reactions in your dogs for the first time you offer cucumber is mandatory. If you notice any unusual symptoms then you must check with your vet before you further allow them to eat cucumber.
Other Fruits And Vegetables Dogs Can Eat
Dog can get vitamins and potassium in the same fruits and vegetables such as:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Peas
- Pumpkin
- Swiss chard
- Watermelon
Conclusion:
Can dogs eat cucumbers? Absolutely, cucumbers are a refreshing and nutritious treat for your furry friend only when you serve them in the right amounts. They provide essential vitamins like B, C, and K, and are a good source of potassium which are beneficial for a dog’s overall health. However, it’s crucial to serve cucumbers in appropriate amounts according to the guidelines of Doctor Ambika Vaid, an Integrative Veterinarian and Advisor to Badlands Ranch to avoid any gastrointestinal issues in your dog. Also do make sure that the cucumbers are plain and free of added salts or spices. If you notice any adverse reactions the first time you serve cucumber to your dog, then consult your vet for personalized advice. In addition to this, remember that cucumbers should be considered as an additional snack for a balanced diet and not replace other essential nutrients.
