A cucumber is a popular food among humans. It is nutrient rich and low cost, which is why many Akita owners wonder if they can feed cucumbers to their Akitas.
But can you feed cucumbers to your Akitas? The short answer is “yes,” you can feed cucumbers to your Akitas, but there are lots of things to consider before doing so. This blog will answer every question regarding feeding cucumbers to your Akitas, so let’s start with the most obvious question:
Is cucumber safe for Akitas?
Yes, cucumbers are safe for Akitas. But there are some things you should keep in mind when feeding your Akita cucumber!
First, it’s best not to feed your Akita too much cucumber at once as a treat or supplement because of the high water content. Additionally, seedless and skinless cucumber is a better option because the seeds can cause digestive issues and the skin can be a choking hazard.
If you have never fed your Akita cucumber before, watch for any abnormal signs. While rare, some Akitas can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction to certain foods. If you observe any abnormal symptoms (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, hives) immediately after eating cucumber, discontinue use and talk to your vet about other potential treats for your pup.
Benefits of cucumber in Akitas
Cucumber benefits for Akitas include:
96% moisture: Cucumbers contain high levels of water, which can help maintain an Akita’s fluid balance and keep your Akita hydrated and cool.
Fiber: Cucumbers contain high levels of fiber, which can help your Akita’s digestion process by regulating the gastrointestinal tract.
Vitamins: Cucumbers contain vitamin K, which can help your Akitas blood clot and wound healing process. They also have vitamin A, which is great for skin and coat health. And they are a good source of vitamin C.
Minerals: Containing copper and potassium, cucumbers can aid in bone health and help prevent osteoporosis in your Akitas.
Breath freshener: Cucumbers contain phytochemicals, which can help neutralize bad breath in Akitas.
Do all Akitas like cucumbers?
Unfortunately, not all Akitas like cucumbers. Your Akitas may not like cucumbers because they have food preferences just as we do. Some Akitas can also be allergic to cucumber and other vegetables and fruits.
If you find your Akita does not like cucumbers, don’t force the issue. Instead, try other Akita friendly vegetable treats like carrots and celery. Before introducing a new food to your Akitas diet, it is best to consult with your vet first.
Can my Akitas have cucumbers every day?
Unless your Akita has an allergy to cucumbers, there’s no rule on how often they can eat them. If you want to feed your Akitas cucumber every day, and they seem to like it, then go for it!
But, we do recommend varying their treats a little. Just like humans, Akitas can get bored eating the same stuff every day. You might try dressing up the cucumber by putting it in a peanut butter sandwich or spreading some yogurt on it. Also, keep in mind that different treats contain different amounts of sugar, fat and calories. Mixing them up will help keep your Akita healthy and fit.
Can puppies eat cucumbers?
Yes, puppies can eat cucumbers, but it’s important to wait until they’re at least two months old. During their first two months, puppies should be on a specialized puppy diet, and introducing cucumbers will disrupt the balance of nutrients they need to grow healthily.
Once your puppy is two months old, you should still start introducing cucumbers slowly. Try waiting a couple of weeks between giving your puppy the first bite and introducing more regularly in their diet. Cucumbers can be a very healthy addition to your puppy’s diet, with vitamins A and C, potassium, magnesium, and lots of water—the latter being particularly helpful for the dry kibble that makes up a lot of puppies’ diets.
However! Be careful: puppies have very delicate digestive systems, so you should consult with a vet before introducing any new food to their diet and monitor them closely afterwards for any signs of allergic reaction or upset stomach.
How much cucumber can Akitas eat?
The amount of cucumber your Akita can eat depends on the age, size and activity level of your Akita. The best way to determine the serving size is to consult with your vet, but generally a smaller pup breed (<20 lbs) should be able to have one or two pieces of cucumber, whereas a larger pup breed (>20 lbs) might have a few more.
Portions are important for your Akitas diet and treats. It is best to start small and if there are no side effects, you can offer more. However, every Akita is different, so it is important to consult with a vet before offering any new foods or treats.
And remember that all treats combinedly should not be over 10% of the total diet.
How to serve cucumbers to your Akitas?
If you’re wondering how to serve cucumbers to your Akitas, the first thing you should do is check with your vet. Once you get their seal of approval, give it a try.
Cucumbers are low in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, but they’re also high in vitamins A, C, and K. They also have a lot of water and potassium and magnesium.
Try feeding organic only and be sure to clean them properly. Here are some serving ideas:
Small pieces of cucumber as training treats: You can use a small piece of cucumber as a training treat for your pup. They’ll love the taste and you’ll love that it’s low calorie.
Top regular food: Chop up some cucumber into small pieces and add it on top of regular food for a tasty treat.
Stuff cucumber slices with peanut butter or cheese: To give your pup something even tastier than just plain old cucumber slices, try stuffing them with peanut butter or cheese.
Frozen summary treat: For Akitas during the summer months or those who need cooling off after strenuous exercise, try freezing some chunks of cucumber as a summer treat.
When is cucumber bad for Akitas?
Cucumber is generally a good treat for your Akita, but sometimes it is bad.
If your Akita has underlying health issues like allergy, then cucumber can become bad as it can cause itchiness and skin irritation.
Overindulgence of cucumbers can also be bad for Akitas. This is because despite cucumber being wholesome for Akitas, it still contains calories that can lead to weight gain and other health issues if given too much. Also, overindulgence of cucumber with the seeds can cause digestive distress in Akitas.
Inorganic cucumbers are also bad for Akitas because they contain high levels of preservatives and pesticides that have adverse effects on their health. It is advisable to give your Akita organic cucumbers instead.
Cucumbers with the peel are also bad for Akitas because they contain insoluble fiber which cannot be digested by Akitas and will end up blocking their intestines. Therefore, it’s important to peel off the skin first before giving cucumbers to your Akita.
What happens when your Akitas eat too much cucumber?
Abdominal pain: When your Akita is in pain from eating too much cucumber, she’ll be restless and uncomfortable. She might whine or pace around the room. She might dart from one person to another, looking for affection. If you ask her to lie down, she’ll be stiff and unwilling to move.
Nausea: If your Akita is nauseous or has an upset stomach after eating too much cucumber, she might try to eat grass, vomit, or lick the ground. She may also drool more than usual and shed tears.
Diarrhea: You know what diarrhea looks like—but here are a few signs you can look out for besides seeing it on the ground. Your Akitas tail will be down between her legs, and she might have unusually frequent bowel movements as well as have trouble pooping.
Bloat: This is a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention! It’s caused by overeating, which puts pressure on your Akitas digestive system. Keep an eye out for swollen belly, pale gums, problems breathing or walking, and refusing food or water.
Choking hazard: Your Akita might choke if he/she eats too much cucumber at once.
What to do if your Akitas eat too much cucumber?
Don’t panic. Cucumbers are not toxic to Akitas, but too much of them could lead to some symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, etc.
First, stop feeding it any more cucumbers. If your Akitas have eaten the whole cucumber, then get any remains away from them. Then, monitor if your Akitas are showing any abnormal signs. Contact your vet if you have any concerns or notice that they are in pain.
Can Akitas eat pickled cucumbers?
Are you wondering, “Can Akitas eat pickled cucumbers?” The answer is no.
Because pickles are fermented, they can contain high levels of salt, spices, and ingredients like garlic or onions that are toxic to your Akita. Even if your Akita enjoyed the strange taste of these vegetables, they’re not on a list of foods you should share with your pet.
Save the pickles for yourself and stick with fresh cucumbers instead.
Other human foods Akitas can eat
What other human foods can Akitas eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Akitas can eat.
So, can Akitas eat cucumbers?
Yes, Akitas can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are rich in nutrients like fibers, vitamin A and K, as well as potassium and magnesium, making it an excellent treat for Akitas. Just remove the seeds and peels. The seeds are a choking hazard, and the peels can cause intestinal blockages.
Cucumbers are also very low in calories, so you don’t have to worry about overfeeding your Akita on this treat—just follow the 90/10 rule: only 10% of your Akitas daily food intake should come from treats, with the other 90% coming from their normal diet.