Having a pet is no different than having a child, especially dogs. Incredibly adorable but also a lot of hard work goes into raising them. dogs are, unfortunately, animals with a short life span and so one very important duty that befalls their owners is to watch out for their diet and ensure all their dietary needs are met and they are kept away from potentially harmful foods. To do so you must know what your dog needs and doesn’t need.
A common mistake all pet owners make is to believe that what is healthy for us will be healthy for our furry friends. But that’s not necessarily true. Another common mistake we make is in our belief that all vegetables are safe to be given to our pet dogs. Again that’s not a hundred percent accurate.
So what about one of the most common vegetables that we almost always have lying around in our houses: cucumbers? Can we give our dogs cucumbers without causing them to have adverse health effects? And if they aren’t safe, what should we do if we’ve been giving our hammies cucumber all this time?
We’re here to answer all your queries about your dog and cucumbers.
dogs are omnivores and that means they eat both greens and meat. In the wild, they’ll eat seeds, grass, and insects. They also love fruits and vegetables.
Nutritional Value in Cucumbers:
Cucumbers contain 16 calories in a cup of serving. However low in calories they may, cucumbers have a high quantity of minerals and vitamins.
Cucumbers are rich in potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and magnesium, and copper.
Are Cucumbers Safe for dogs?
So now that we have established that cucumbers are a healthy treat for humans, at least, the question is if they’re appropriate for dogs.
The short answer is yes, they are. However, there are certain conditions to be taken into account. You would need to feed them just the right amount and monitor them for any health problems that may arise such as allergies.
Health Benefits for dogs:
One of the major health benefits that come with cucumbers is their high water content. Cucumbers are mostly water and mostly we mean up to 95 percent water.
dogs aren’t too fond of drinking water so adding cucumbers to their diet will keep them hydrated and healthy.
As mentioned before, cucumbers are low in calories. This means they can easily be offered as a snack to your dog without running the risk of giving them empty calories which can and eventually will lead to obesity.
Cucumbers are also high in fiber and are a healthy option especially to prevent constipation. The high fiber plus the number of high water contents present in cucumbers promotes decent bowel movements for your dog and prevents constipation.
Cucumbers are also a safe snack for baby dogs as it encourages fluids into their systems.
How many cucumbers should I feed my dog?
Now just because something is safe doesn’t mean you can overfeed it to your dog. You must always remember that moderation is key.
You should feed your dog a single slice no more than three times a week. If overfed, there could be a few health problems for your furball.
What happens if a dog eats too much cucumber?
Diarrhea is one major health risk that indicates that too much cucumber has been fed to your dog. The watery nature of cucumber can also make your dog’s stool very watery.
Diarrhea can lead to dehydration which in turn can create even more health problems for your dog. If dehydrated, your dog can die. So if your dog is dehydrated it’s a good idea to take them to the vet. And if your dog is running a watery stool, stop feeding them cucumber and also limit the fruits and vegetables in their diet until your dog gets a clean bill of health from your vet.
Make sure to wash the skin of the cucumber before offering it to your furry friends because of the possible presence of pesticides.
Does the breed of my dog matter?
Dwarf dogs, as their name implies, are relatively smaller in size and weight and so they need to be offered smaller portions which are half a slice no more than twice a week. Cucumbers are especially healthy for dwarf dogs, who are a risk of diabetes, for their high quantities of minerals, fibers, antioxidants, and vitamins.
Nevertheless, Dwarf dogs are also prone to diarrhea so too much cucumber will make them sick, and will be at a higher risk of dehydration since they’re tiny.
Syrian dogs are bigger in size so it is easy to overfeed them. Make sure to feed them small pieces and to follow with the recommended amount.
Can dogs eat pickles?
Pickles are cucumbers so that probably makes them safe to be fed to dogs, right?
Absolutely not! Pickles contain vinegar which is extremely toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs.
Summary:
Our furry little friends need to follow through with a well-balanced diet that meets all their nutritional needs. dogs seemingly love to eat cucumbers. Crunchy and tasty, they are a nice variation from the pellets usually given to them.
However, as we mentioned at the start of this article, pets are like children. Just because they love something doesn’t mean it is a smart idea to overindulge them. Cucumbers, no matter how healthy, should be fed in small amounts and are not a substitute for dog food. If cucumbers are fed in unadvisable amounts, it can lead to your dog ending up with a loose tummy and with digestion problems which in turn can lead to bigger health concerns in the long run.
Always remember, when you feed anything new to your dog, start small and keep a close eye on them and continue accordingly. Happy feeding!