Cucumbers are a popular food among humans, and for good reason. They’re nutrient-rich and low-cost, and they’re often used to complement a variety of dishes. That’s why many Pug owners might wonder: can I give my Pug cucumber?
The short answer is yes—Pugs can eat cucumbers. But there are lots of questions surrounding this issue and we’ll answer everyone in this post. Let’s start with the most obvious question:
Is cucumber safe for Pugs?
Yes, cucumbers are safe for Pugs to eat. You can feed it to your Pug as a snack anytime you like. However, it is best not to feed your Pug too much cucumber at once, as it can cause intestinal blockage. Also, seedless and skinless cucumbers are a better option because the seeds and the skin can be hard for Pugs to digest.
When you are feeding cucumber for the first time, watch for any abnormal signs. Although rare, some Pugs can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction. If you observe any abnormal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, stop serving cucumber immediately and consult your vet.
Benefits of cucumber in Pugs
What’s not to love about cucumbers?
They’re crisp and crunchy, they’re nutritious…and they’re great for your Pug, too! Here are just a few of the benefits:
96% moisture. Cucumbers are composed almost entirely of water, which makes them an ideal treat on hot days. They also may help keep your Pug hydrated.
Fiber. Cucumbers contain fiber, which is great for digestion!
Vitamins. Cucumbers contain several vitamins that help boost immunity and keep your Pug healthy overall.
Minerals like potassium, magnesium and silica are found in cucumbers as well. These minerals are essential for bone health and good organ function.
Breath freshener: Contains phytochemicals that can help prevent bacteria from forming in the mouth.
Do all Pugs like cucumbers?
Unfortunately, not all Pugs like cucumbers. Some Pugs have food preferences, and may not like the taste of cucumbers. Some Pugs can be allergic to cucumber, or experience stomach irritation. If your Pug doesn’t seem to like the taste of cucumber, don’t force it! Instead, try other Pug friendly vegetable treats like sweet potatoes, carrots, or green beans. Consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your Pug’s diet.
Can my Pugs have cucumbers every day?
The first thing to remember is that Pugs are individuals. Just like some humans have food aversions, some pugs don’t love cucumbers in their diet. But if your Pug is happy to eat cucumbers, there’s no reason you can’t feed them every day.
Just like humans, the trick is moderation. Cucumbers are low-calorie foods, so it will not upset your Pug’s digestive system if you let them eat cucumbers every day.
That being said, we recommend varying up their treats from time to time because your Pug can get bored with eating the same things all the time. Different treats have different components, too—some will have more vitamins and minerals than others. It’s always good to mix it up, even if your pup doesn’t seem upset about getting the same thing every day.
Can Pug puppies eat cucumbers?
Yes, you can feed a cucumber to your Pug puppy after they are two months old. Puppies should eat a specialized puppy diet during the first two months of their lives. We recommend consulting with your vet before introducing any new food to your puppy’s diet.
Once your puppy is past the two-month mark, start by feeding them just a small bite of cucumber once or twice a week. After a few weeks, you can increase their cucumber consumption as long as they don’t have any adverse reactions, like digestive upset or diarrhea. Be careful, because puppies have a delicate digestive system and can easily become ill if they consume certain foods.
Make sure that any time you’re introducing new foods to your pet’s diet, you do so slowly and carefully.
How much cucumber can Pugs eat?
Pugs can eat cucumbers, but it’s important to know how much you should feed them. The serving size will depend on the age, size and activity level of your Pug and their overall dietary needs. It’s always a good idea to consult with your vet first to make sure that your Pug is receiving all the nutrients in their diet.
That being said, here are some guidelines: For smaller pups (<20 lbs), one or two small pieces of cucumbers are a safe amount. For larger breeds (>20 lbs), a few more pieces of cucumber can be offered.
As with any treat, portion control is important for your Pug’s diet and treats. Start small and if there are no adverse reactions, you can offer more. Always follow the rule that your Pugs need a completely balanced diet, and all treats combined should not be over 10% of the total diet.
How to serve cucumbers to your Pugs?
If you’re looking for a way to serve cucumbers to your Pugs, it’s a great choice! First, just make sure you check with your vet about whether your Pugs should eat cucumbers at all. If you get the green light, then you’re ready to go.
Try to find organic cucumbers and make sure you clean them properly before serving them to your Pugs. You can also peel them if they’ve been treated with any chemicals or pesticides.
Once you’re ready to serve, there are a few ways you can do that:
Small pieces of cucumber as training treats: break off small chunks of the vegetable and give one to your Pug every time she does something right. It’ll keep her motivated and help her learn new tricks faster!
Top regular food: really mix it up by putting a few slices of cucumber on top of your Pug’s food before serving it up. She’ll love the freshness, and she’ll probably gobble down dinner even faster than usual!
Stuff cucumber slices with peanut butter or cheese: this is a great way to combine two snack staples into an awesome treat for your pup. Just cut out the middle of each slice and fill it with either peanut butter or Puggy safe cheese.
When is cucumber bad for Pugs?
Cucumber is a low-calorie food that is great for your Pug’s skin and coat. Sometimes, however, it might be bad for your Pug to eat.
If your Pug has underlying health issues like kidney disease, diabetes or bladder stones, cucumbers could be bad for him because they are high in potassium. If your Pug is prone to allergies and you’re not sure what he is allergic to, cucumbers could be the culprit.
If you give your Pug too many cucumbers, he could get an upset stomach or diarrhea. Cucumber seeds are also difficult for him to digest.
Cucumbers with skin can cause a blockage in his digestive tract.
If you’re going to feed cucumber to your Pug, make sure the cucumber is organic and peel the skin off beforehand.
What happens when your Pugs eat too much cucumber?
If your Pug eats a large amount of cucumbers, this can cause some pretty serious symptoms that can even be fatal. So if your Pug is showing any of these symptoms after eating too much cucumber, you should be concerned and seek medical attention right away. Here’s what to look out for:
Abdominal pain: Your Pug may show signs of abdominal pain by whining or crying when you pick them up or touch their belly, becoming restless and pacing, or turning away from food.
Vomiting: You may notice your Pug vomiting soon after eating the cucumbers, especially if they swallowed the skin or other unchewable parts of the vegetable.
Diarrhea: Your Pug may have diarrhea shortly after consuming a large amount of cucumbers, as well as frequent bowel movements and increased gas.
Bloat: If your Pug has eaten a lot of cucumber and is showing signs of bloat (stomach swelling) or is having trouble breathing, this can be a sign that they are choking on something like the cucumber skin.
Choking hazard: This is rare in Pugs but can occur if your Pug try to eat too much at once.
What to do if your Pugs eat too much cucumber?
Don’t panic. Cucumbers are not poisonous to Pugs, but that doesn’t mean they should eat too much of them.
If your Pug has eaten a cucumber, stop feeding your Pug and get any remains away from him as soon as possible. Watch for any signs of abnormal behavior or illness (for instance, diarrhea), and if you see any, contact your vet immediately.
However, cucumbers can cause stomach upset in Pugs, so if you notice your Pug is throwing up or seems ill, take him to the vet just to be safe.
Can Pugs eat pickled cucumbers?
No, Pugs shouldn’t eat pickled cucumbers.
Pickled cucumbers, or pickles, are made through a fermentation process that usually involves salt and spices, like garlic, onion, or other flavorings—all of which are toxic to your Pug. So while it’s okay for your Pug to eat a fresh cucumber (which is high in moisture content), it’s not okay for them to eat pickles!
If you want to give your Pug some kind of treat, make sure it hasn’t been pickled or fermented with salt or spices. Stick with fresh cucumbers only.
Other human foods Pugs can eat
What other human foods can Pugs eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Pug can eat.
So, can Pugs eat cucumbers?
So, can Pugs eat cucumbers? The answer is yes. Cucumbers are rich in vitamins A, B1, and C, as well as potassium, magnesium, and fiber—making it an excellent treat for Pugs. Just be sure to remove the peels and seeds before feeding it to your pet. The only time you should worry about feeding your Pug cucumbers is when they have diabetes or are on a low-carbohydrate diet. Don’t overfeed—follow the 90/10 rule: only 10% of your Pug’s daily calorie intake should come from treats like cucumbers.