Pooches possess omnivorous tendencies that is why they drool for all human food, whether those foods are good or bad for them. As a pet parent, we should know what fruits and vegetables can be included in their diet as not all fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs. There are some veggies that are safe for pooch consumption and offer a healthy alternative to conventional dog treats. Cucumber is one such vegetable and fruit.
Can dogs consume cucumber?
Reports from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) states that cucumber is not toxic to dogs, hence this low-fat snack can be shared with their puppies or dogs without any hesitation.
Are cucumbers good for dogs?
Cucumber is high in phytonutrients and possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits hence is a great low-fat and low-calorie treat for dogs that are obese.
What are the benefits of cucumber?
Cucumbers are high in water content, so feeding the pooch a few slices can be a good way to provide it with extra hydration. This is seen to be beneficial in cases where the dog otherwise does not drink much or needs excess water in his diet
This veggie is a great training snack to take with for long walks or can also be taken as a treat outside on a hot day, as the cucumbers are seen to reward the pet with a desirable taste, a boost of hydration, and won’t add on the calories.
What types of cucumbers can be fed/avoided to dogs?
Peeled Cucumber in the raw form is a great treat for pooches. But this veggie should not be fed to the dog in the following forms:
1. Commercially sliced cucumbers.
These have a waxed skin for preservation, and are long, up to 9 inches in length with tapered ends most frequently available in most of the grocery stores.
2. Cucumber Pickle.
Pickled cucumbers that are smaller and squatter and are preserved in vinegar, salt, sugar or water.
How can one serve cucumbers to their pooches?
Some ways cucumber can be served to dogs are:
1. Slices: The easiest option to share cucumbers with a dog is to slice and serve the cucumbers plain.
2. Treat substitutes: Cucumbers are a great substitute for high-calorie dog treats.
3. Filling garnishes: Cucumber can be added as a filling garnish to the dog’s diet to help it feel less hungry.
4. Stuff cucumbers into the dog’s chew toy or food puzzle toy: Wedge cucumber spears into a food puzzle toy.
Final thoughts
A pet parent will always love to treat their pet to little rewards throughout the day, hence one needs to balance the not-so-healthy options with a beneficial, low-calorie substitute like cucumbers. A combination of exercise and a weight-loss diet plan, cucumbers, and other non-toxic fruits and vegetables can be a great option that will help the dog lose weight without cutting out rewards, especially if the weight-loss plan involves training the dog for a fun new dog sport or if the fido needs encouragement to improve its leash manners.
Experts always recommend consulting a vet prior to including a new food to the pet.
Sources
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cucumbers/
- https://www.chewy.com/petcentral/nutrition-pet-diet-tips-can-dogs-eat-cucumbers/
- https://www.dogster.com/dog-food/can-dogs-eat-cucumbers
