Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?

Yes, dogs can eat cucumbers. Plain cucumber is safe, crunchy and very low in calories, about 8 calories in half a cup of slices, so it's a good treat for dogs watching their weight.^1,2,3 The ASPCA lists the cucumber plant as non-toxic to dogs.⁴ Cut it into small slices to prevent choking, and don't give pickles, which are very salty and often contain garlic or onion.^1,2

Cucumber Nutrition for Dogs

Cucumbers are mostly water, with a little vitamin K, potassium and fiber and almost no sodium or fat.^3,1 A small serving gives your dog very few nutrients, but that's fine for a low-calorie treat.²

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central values for raw cucumber with peel.³ Slice weight is our estimate.

How Much Cucumber Can a Dog Eat?

A healthy adult dog's treats, including fruit, should be no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.^5,6 Using the Merck Veterinary Manual's energy formula for a neutered adult, that works out to roughly 35 calories of treats a day for a 10-pound dog, 59 for a 20-pound dog, 98 for a 40-pound dog, 150 for a 70-pound dog and 196 for a 100-pound dog.⁷ Your dog's real needs depend on age, activity and body condition. Cucumber is so low in calories that piece size and loose stools are the real limits. The AKC suggests starting with a few small slices.¹ PetMD's suggested amounts are below.²

Slices no wider than 1 inch and about 1/4 inch thick. A handful is our estimate of about 1/4 cup of slices.

How to Serve Cucumber to Your Dog

• Wash it well and trim off the ends.²
• Cut it into thin slices or small pieces. Don't give a whole cucumber or large chunks, especially to small dogs or fast eaters.^1,2
• Chilled slices make a refreshing summer snack.¹
• Use cucumber in place of higher-calorie treats if your dog needs to lose weight, along with a diet plan from your vet.¹ See overweight dogs.

Are Cucumber Skin and Seeds Safe?

Sources differ. The AKC says the skin and seeds are generally safe.¹ PetMD suggests peeling and removing seeds for sensitive stomachs, because seeds can upset some dogs and the peel and ends can contain cucurbitacin, a bitter compound.² Peeling is optional for most dogs. Trim the ends, and don't feed a cucumber that tastes very bitter.

Can Dogs Eat Pickles?

No. Pickles are soaked in salty brine and often contain garlic, onion and spices.^1,2,8 Dill pickles have about 400 times the sodium of plain cucumber.^9,3 A lick or a single slice is unlikely to hurt a large dog, but call your vet or a pet poison hotline if your dog ate several pickles, especially garlic or onion flavored ones, or shows thirst, vomiting, diarrhea or wobbliness.^10,11,12 Give plain cucumber instead.

Can Dogs Drink Cucumber Water?

Homemade water with a few cucumber slices is fine, but plain fresh water should always be available. Some store-bought flavored waters contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, so check labels.^2,13 See xylitol poisoning.

What About Sea Cucumber?

Sea cucumber isn't a vegetable at all. Sea cucumbers are sea animals related to sea stars and sea urchins.¹⁴ We found no veterinary guidance on feeding them to dogs, so ask your vet before giving sea cucumber treats or supplements.

Can Puppies Eat Cucumbers?

Yes. Puppies can have a slice or two of washed cucumber cut into small pieces once they're eating solid food and having treats.^2,6

When to Call the Vet

Call your vet if your dog has a poor appetite, seems tired or uncomfortable, or keeps licking his lips or gulping after eating it. Get care right away for repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool, weakness or collapse.² Call right away if your dog swallowed a large chunk and is choking, gagging or vomiting, or ate pickles or flavored water that may contain xylitol.^2,10,13

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