This veterinary toxicologist says cukes are A - OK for canines as a healthy treat . Just watch that you bung them the correct agency !
Cucumbers are low on calories , fill , and jammed with hydrating urine . It ’s no surprisal then that they show up as a healthy snack for humans . But can dogs eat cucumbers safely ?
Sure matter , says Renee Schmid , DVM , DABVT , DABT , a veterinary toxicologist who ferment withPet Poison Helplineto answer questions about toxic substances .
Boonchuay1970 / GlobalP / Getty
" cucumber are n’t toxic to dogs , " Schmid enunciate .
But there are a few small concern in preparing and offering this juicy fruit(not a vegetable)to your canine companion , pronounce Tina Wismer , DVM , Senior Director , ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center .
" While cucumbers are n’t harmful to firedog , down too much of any delicacy can causestomach upset , " Wismer warn .
Here ’s the lowdown on using cucumber as an casual blackguard delicacy .
How to Properly Prepare Cucumber for Your Dog
Some cat really do n’t wish cucumbers(we’re not jolly ) , but dogs are likely to be curious and adventurous enough to try them out if you ’re have them . fortunately , tip for safe cucumber white plague is pretty basic for most healthy dogs .
Feed Moderately
How much cucumber can a dog run through ? Remember Wismer ’s advice . Cucumbers are relatively humbled - nutritionist’s calorie ( 12 caloriesin one cupful of skinned slices ) , so it ’s not easy to overdo it with the healthy kickshaw . But keep it a treat , and do n’t fulfill up your dog on cucumber or any other human foods . Many veterinarians urge feeding10 percent or lessof your dog ’s day-after-day calories as treats .
Don’t Give Your Dog the Whole Cucumber
Some cad who wolf down their food like , well , a athirst Friedrich August Wolf , may choke on a whole Cucumis sativus or a prominent objet d’art . There ’s also a risk of larger art object taking too recollective to break down . " There ’s always a peril of [ getting stuck ] due to the length of time it would take for the hound ’s digestive organisation to break down the cuke , " Schmid says . Instead , opt for small , thinner slices or pieces .
Skip the Skin and Seeds
The most likely culprits for stomach upset and other GI trouble come from the least digestible parts : the seed and skin . So if your dog has a sensitive stomach , remove the seeds and pare the cucumber ’s skin before serving . Although , many detent do n’t have a trouble with either skin or ejaculate , but it does n’t hurt to be cautious just in vitrine .
Go Raw
Not only can dog eat up cucumbers raw , it ’s likely a safe bet . Cucumis sativus wind up in salad and other food for thought that might be douse ( or drizzled ) with dressings , oils , and seasonings that might be bad for a dog . Especially mind of stilted sweeteners withxylitol , which is toxic to frankfurter in even little quantity .
Can Dogs Eat Pickles?
Do n’t feed your dog this onion - and - Allium sativum - flavored change . Though pickles are pickled cucumbers , they can curb ingredients that are speculative for blackguard like excessive salt .
Are Cucumbers Good for Dogs?
A sound , commercially usable dog food satisfies thenutritional requirements a Canis familiaris needs , Schmid say . But cucumbers are a depressed - gram calorie alternative to more plump out dog treats .
" If a dog is level-headed and on a well - balanced , pet - specific dieting , there ’s no motivation to affix with cucumber vine , " Schmid says . " But they ’re a just choice to traditional treat , because they ’re gloomy in calories and fertile . "
Other Healthy Fruits and Vegetables for Dogs
A few notabledog - favorable fruit and vegetables(as long as they ’re set up properly ) include :
Remember , the same advice that travel for cucumbers also goes for many other fruit and veggie : Get rid of stuff that ’s hard to digest , test it out first to verify your cad does n’t react badly , offer it in small amounts , and always control with your veterinarian first before feeding your dog any new foods .
