Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?
If your dog gets extra persistent about begging for scraps every time you are preparing a cucumber sandwich or a salad it’s probably because they find cucumbers very delicious! And when our fluffy friends fancy themselves a food item they can want it really bad. So what’s the low down on cucumbers? Can dogs eat them without any side effects and are cucumbers good for their health? Read on to know everything about the suitability of cucumbers for dogs.
Don’t Worry Cucumbers Aren’t Toxic to Dogs
If your beloved pet has sneaked away a cucumber and has managed to eat most of it there is no reason to panic! You can relax as cucumbers are not poisonous to dogs. But your concern is understandable as it’s never wise to feed your pet anything you are unsure of especially when it comes to fruits and vegetables. According to the ASPCA human foods should be sparingly given to dogs as chances of developing stomach disorders and even toxicity runs high if dogs consume some vegetables and fruits in large amounts.
An Occasional Doggie Treat Option
While we have clarified about the non toxic effects of cucumbers on dogs that doesn’t really mean that dogs can feast on them! At most cucumbers make for a tasty but occasional snack options for dogs especially if they are bonkers about it. If consumed in large amounts and that means anything more than 10% of your pets daily diet portion cucumbers can cause stomach disorders like diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort.
So if you are thinking of introducing some nutritional veggie treats into your dog’s diet you can offer cucumbers as well as zucchini and carrot sticks all of which make for very healthy options provided your pooch doesn’t binge on them too often!
Health Benefits of Cucumbers For Dogs
When given in moderation cucumbers can actually offer varied health benefits to dogs. They are very rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants which make them a healthy alternative to store bought dog treats. Cucumbers are very good for hydration especially during hot weather and work as natural breath fresheners too. Cucumbers also contain generous amounts of silica, potassium and magnesium all of which aid in good skin and fur health in dogs.
In addition cucumbers also loaded with multivitamins so think of them as wonderful natural health supplements for your pet which should be offered in small doses!
Summary
Dogs can eat cucumbers as they are definitely not toxic to them. But if you are planning on giving vegetables and fruits to your dog do so after careful discussion with your vet as all human foods are not suitable for our pets. So while a few slices of cucumbers offered as an occasional doggie treat is perfectly fine and even beneficial for their general health, always remember that moderation is the key! And in case you pet has binged sneakily on a few too many cucumbers, there is no need to panic because it is not a fatal situation. But seek the help of your vet immediately as overfeeding can cause digestive issues.
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