If you’ve been on the internet for any amount of time, you know well that Chihuahuas love cucumbers.
That’s because cucumbers are incredibly popular food among humans—they’re affordable, easy to grow, and nutrient rich. Cucumbers are a great source of Vitamin K, which helps with bone growth and blood clotting. They also contain Vitamins B1 and B5, which help with metabolism and red blood cell production. And since they’re 96 percent water, cucumbers are a great way to stay hydrated in the summer.
With all these benefits, it makes sense that many Chihuahua owners wonder if they can feed their furry friends cucumbers as well. The short answer is YES! But there are a lot of factors to consider before feeding your Chihuahua cucumber—for example, how much is too much? Can Chihuahuas eat cucumbers at all? Are there any risks to feeding your Chihuahua cucumber?
In this post we’ll answer every question about feeding your Chihuahua cucumber that you could have. Let’s start with the most important question:
Is a cucumber safe for Chihuahuas?
Yes, cucumber is safe for Chihuahuas, but it’s best to introduce it slowly.
Cucumbers are 96 percent water and most Chihuahuas love them. They’re low in calories and fat, can help hydrate your Chihuahua if they’re having trouble with water, and are good for their digestion. But keep in mind that some Chihuahuas can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction to cucumbers, so watch for any abnormal signs if you’re feeding them for the first time. If you observe any abnormal symptoms, discontinue feeding it to your Chihuahua.
Seedless and skinless cucumbers are a better option because of the potential choking hazard from the seeds, and the skin can be hard for Chihuahuas to digest. You can feed them to your Chihuahua raw or cooked as a treat or healthy snack, along with other foods.
Benefits of cucumber in Chihuahuas
96% moisture: Cucumbers are a superfood for your pets, because they contain a whopping 96% water! They’re like the best thing you can feed them to stay hydrated.
Fiber: Cucumbers contain soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble helps with digestion, while insoluble helps keep their colon healthy. Both are important!
Vitamins: Cucumbers contain vitamins A, B, and C in abundance, which help pet owners maintain their own health while giving them immune support.
Minerals: Calcium and potassium are found in cucumbers in high amounts. These minerals help keep your pet’s muscles strong and their heart healthy.
Breath freshener: Cucumber contains phytochemicals that fight bacteria in the mouth, which can cause bad breath. Feeding Chihuahuas cucumbers regularly will help keep bad breath at bay.
Do all Chihuahuas like cucumbers?
Unfortunately, no. Your Chihuahuas may not like cucumbers and that’s okay. Chihuahuas, like people, have food preferences. Some Chihuahuas may enjoy the taste or smell of a cucumber, but some may not. Some Chihuahuas can be allergic to cucumbers, so be careful and don’t force it if your Chihuahua shows signs of discomfort or allergy (such as vomiting or diarrhea). Instead, try other Chihuahua-friendly vegetable treats like carrots or green beans. Consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your Chihuahua’s diet.
Can my Chihuahuas have cucumbers every day?
There’s no rule on how often Chihuahuas can eat cucumbers. As a low-calorie treat, cucumbers are a great alternative to other high-calorie treats, like cheese or peanut butter. So yes, you can feed Chihuahuas the recommended amount of cucumber every day if they like it.
But be aware that some Chihuahuas might not enjoy the taste of cucumber, so you should vary the treats you’re feeding your Chihuahua. Also, different treats contain different vitamins and minerals, so your Chihuahua will benefit from having a variety of them in its diet.
Can Chihuahua puppies eat cucumbers?
YES! But first, your puppy needs to be at least two months old.
Like humans, puppies’ bodies are still developing—and that means their digestive systems are still getting used to the world around them. Before two months old, they can only eat specialized puppy food designed just for puppies, so don’t feed them anything else.
After two months, you can introduce them to a small bite of cucumber once or twice a week. Be careful—puppies have a delicate digestive system, so you want to make sure they’re ready for the new taste and texture before you give them too much. Always talk to your vet about introducing any new foods into your puppy’s diet.
How much cucumber can Chihuahuas eat?
Your Chihuahua can eat cucumbers. They are great for their metabolism and, in fact, contain many vitamins and minerals that Chihuahuas need to stay healthy—but it’s always best to consult your vet first about what foods are okay for your particular Chihuahua.
Depending on the age, size, and activity level of a particular Chihuahua, the recommended serving size of cucumber will vary. Smaller pups (<20 lbs) like Chihuahuas can have one or two small pieces of cucumber per day, while larger breeds (>20 lbs) may have a few more pieces depending on their weight and health status.
It’s important to follow the rule of “portion control” when giving your Chihuahua any treats or snacks besides their regular diet. Start with a small amount (for instance, 1 or 2 slices of a cucumber), just in case there are any adverse health effects—such as an allergic reaction—that you might not be aware of yet. If your Chihuahua seems fine with this portion, you can offer more over time until you reach the recommended serving size per day (10% of their total calorie intake).
How to serve cucumbers to your Chihuahuas?
Cucumbers are a healthy treat for Chihuahuas. They are non-toxic and contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which can keep your Chihuahua looking and feeling their best. Cucumbers are naturally low in calories and fat, making them a great choice for Chihuahuas that need to lose weight. In addition, their texture helps remove plaque from teeth as your Chihuahua chews them.
Before serving cucumbers to your Chihuahua, check with your vet. If you decide to feed cucumbers to your Chihuahua, make sure they are organic and clean. You should also avoid feeding them the seeds or peel.
You can serve small pieces of cucumber as training treats or top regular food with cucumber slices. You can also stuff cucumber slices with peanut butter or cheese to make them more enticing to your Chihuahua. Finally, if you have extra cucumbers on hand, you can freeze them into treats by chopping them up and freezing them in ice cube trays so they last longer.
When is a cucumber bad for Chihuahuas?
Cucumber isn’t usually harmful to Chihuahuas, but there are a few ways it’s detrimental to your Chihuahua’s health.
If your Chihuahua has a history of allergies, cucumbers can actually cause further irritation. Here, you should be cautious and consult with your veterinarian before feeding your Chihuahua cucumber.
Another concern is overindulgence—if you feed your Chihuahua too much cucumber at once, they may suffer from indigestion or diarrhea.
Inorganic cucumbers have been found to have pesticides, which can be toxic to Chihuahuas if ingested in mass quantities. If you’re feeding your Chihuahua cucumbers regularly, choose organic.
Finally, if you’re planning on feeding your Chihuahua raw cucumber slices (with the peels still attached), make sure the skin doesn’t contain any harmful fungi that could cause illness in your pet.
What happens when your Chihuahuas eat too much cucumber?
Is your Chihuahua eating too many cucumbers? Here are some common symptoms to look out for.
Abdominal pain: If your Chihuahua is displaying signs of abdominal pain, such as restlessness, pacing and whining, she may be in discomfort after eating too many cucumbers.
Vomiting: Too much cucumber can cause vomiting in Chihuahuas.
Diarrhea: When a Chihuahua eats too many cucumbers, diarrhea is a common side effect.
Bloat: Sometimes called gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV), bloat occurs when your Chihuahua’s stomach becomes enlarged with gas or air and twists on itself. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Choking hazard: Cucumber peels and seeds can be choking hazards for Chihuahuas when swallowed whole.
What to do if your Chihuahuas eat too much cucumber?
Don’t panic! The most important thing you can do for your Chihuahua is stay calm, just like Chihuahuas need their owners to be calm when they are having a bad hair day.
If you have already fed your Chihuahua cucumbers, it’s a good idea to stop feeding them, and get any remaining cucumbers away from your Chihuahuas.
Make sure that you monitor your Chihuahuas for any abnormal signs or behavior. If your Chihuahuas are acting weird, contact your vet.
Can Chihuahuas eat pickled cucumbers?
Pickles are a no-go for your Chihuahua.
First, pickles are cucumbers that have been fermented in brine, salt, or vinegar. This is a risk for your Chihuahua, because many pickling products contain spices and ingredients like garlic or onions that are toxic to Chihuahuas. You also don’t want your Chihuahua eating high levels of sodium, so the brine used to ferment pickles can be another cause for concern.
You’re always better off feeding your Chihuahua fresh cucumbers than fermented pickle cucumbers if they’re craving a cucumber fix.
Other human foods Chihuahuas can eat
What other human foods can Chihuahuas eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Chihuahuas can eat.
So, can Chihuahuas eat cucumbers?
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat cucumbers. Cucumbers are rich in moisture, fibers, Vitamin K, B vitamins and potassium, making it an excellent treat for Chihuahuas. Remove seeds and peels before feeding to your Chihuahua. Don’t overfeed and follow the 90/10 rule: only 10% of your pup’s daily calories should come from treats.