Can dogs eat cucumber?

"Can dogs eat cucumber?" is a frequently asked question among dog owners. Barfers in particular know that many vegetables that are healthy for humans can be very dangerous for our four-legged friends. We explain whether cucumbers are dangerous for dogs.

Vegetables as a popular snack for dogs

In the search for fresh, varied snacks for dogs, dog owners sooner or later come across vegetables. Although vegetables are very important and nutritious for dogs, many types of vegetables can also lead to poisoning in dogs. With cucumbers, however, owners need not worry if they follow certain guidelines.

Ingredients of cucumbers

Cucumbers are a popular ingredient in salads, dips or as a fresh snack. Our four-legged friends also love this snack. Cucumber for dogs adds variety to their daily diet and provides important nutrients. Cucumber also consists of around 95% water and is therefore ideal for dogs who don't drink much and as a little refreshment on hot summer days.

Cucumbers are also often fed as a gentle diet for the intestines. This is because they are particularly easy on the stomach and easy to digest. In combination with cottage cheese and chicken, they can provide your four-legged friend with relief from gastrointestinal complaints. The unusual garden vegetable is also particularly low in calories and therefore also a good change for overweight four-legged friends.

In addition to the group of B vitamins, cucumbers contain vitamin A and are a good source of potassium. Other vitamins and minerals are rather marginal, so that overdoses in combination with other supplements for dogs cannot occur.

However, cucumbers can also contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs and humans.

Cucurbitacins, the toxins in the cucumber

Cucurbitacins are the dangerous substances in cucumbers. These are bitter substances that are mainly found in pumpkin plants. They cause the bitter taste in cucumbers, zucchinis and pumpkins. Cucurbitacins are toxic and can lead to poisoning in dogs as well as humans. If a cucumber contains a lot of cucurbitacins, the vegetable tastes very bitter and is inedible. You can tell directly from this that this cucumber is not fit for consumption by dogs and humans.

Commercially available cucumbers generally do not contain cucurbitacins and are therefore completely safe for dogs and humans. The risk is significantly higher with home-grown vegetables. Stress such as sudden cold, excessive cold rain, drought or the wrong seeds can cause cucumbers to develop bitter substances that penetrate the fruit.

In addition, home-grown cucumbers can be bred back so that the bitter substances are contained in the seeds again. Therefore, you should always use seeds from cucumbers that do not taste bitter or simply buy them in the shops.

Cucumber for dogs - symptoms of poisoning with cucurbitacins

Unfortunately, the bitter substances in cucurbits can be very dangerous. They can cause shock and even death in dogs. The following symptoms can occur after poisoning

• heavy salivation
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• drowsiness
• disorientation
• shock

If you observe these symptoms in your dog, you should consult a vet as soon as possible. Because every minute counts in the event of poisoning.

Can dogs eat pickled cucumbers?

Pickled cucumbers are not recommended for dogs. This is because cucumbers are usually seasoned with vinegar, garlic and mustard and peppercorns. These ingredients are unhealthy for dogs and do not belong on the menu. In addition, many pickled gherkins from the jar are refined with sugar or sugar substitutes. These substances can also be unhealthy and toxic for your four-legged friend. We therefore recommend a normal cucumber as a small snack between meals.

At a glance: Can dogs eat cucumber?

• As a rule, dogs are allowed to eat cucumber
• However, cucumbers can contain the bitter substance cucurbitacin, which is poisonous for four-legged friends
• The risk with home-grown cucumbers is higher than with cucumbers from the supermarket
• If the vegetable tastes normal and not bitter, the cucumber is completely safe for dogs
• As bitter substances are found in almost all cucurbits, zucchinis, pumpkins and the like should also be tested for their bitter taste