Can dogs eat cucumber?

Wash the cucumber and cut it into rounds about 1 cm thick, then quarter the rounds for small dogs. The skin and seeds are fine. A whole cucumber end can be a choking risk for a greedy medium dog, so avoid handing over large chunks.

Chilled cucumber straight from the fridge is especially appealing on a warm afternoon.

Frozen cucumber sticks are a good option for teething puppies once they are eating solid food. Choose sticks longer than the puppy's mouth is wide, and supervise while they chew.

Ten slices of cucumber add up to only around 10 to 15 calories. That makes it one of the few treats a dieting dog can enjoy in reasonable volume. Swapping some biscuit treats for cucumber can make a real difference over weeks, especially for dogs who beg often.

Because it is mostly water, cucumber is gentle, but a very large amount can still cause loose stools. Half a small cucumber is plenty for a large dog in a day, and a few slices for a small dog.

Some dogs simply do not care for the mild taste. Try a cold slice, then a frozen stick, before deciding your dog is not a fan. Others become so keen that cucumber turns into their favorite training reward.

Pickles and gherkins are cucumbers preserved in salty or vinegary brine, often with garlic and dill. Tzatziki contains garlic and yogurt. Cucumber salads may include onion and dressing. Stick with fresh, plain cucumber.