Pugs will eat pretty much anything and won’t mind sharing food with you. However, not all human food is safe for dogs. As a pet parent, you need to know what type of food Pugs can eat and which ones are toxic. If you’ve ever wondered “can Pugs eat cucumbers”, you’re in the right place.
Can Pugs Eat Cucumbers?
The short answer is Yes, Pugs can eat cucumbers safely. It is a great low-calorie snack that can help keep your dog hydrated, especially, on those hot summer days.
That being said, you should feed them in moderation. Your dog’s snacks should NEVER consume more than 10% of their regular diet.
You should also consult with your veterinarian whenever making any changes to your dog’s diet.
Can Pug Puppies Eat Cucumbers?
As long as your puppy is already eating high-quality dog food and has been weaned from its mother, they should be fine eating small amounts of cucumbers.
It’s important to remember that their small digestive systems are still developing. So they will be more prone to digestive issues.
Personally, I would avoid feeding fruits and vegetables to small puppies until they are at least a year old.
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Cucumbers To Pugs?
Cucumbers are low in calories and high in vitamins and nutrients. This fruit consists of 95% water and so a few fresh pieces can help keep them hydrated.
Cucumbers are beneficial to both humans and dogs. Here are some of the ways that this fruit will benefit your four-legged friend.
Vitamins and Minerals
Both you and your pooch will benefit from the nutrients and minerals that are found in this veggie. This veggie is a great source of Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Potassium, Vitamin C, and Iron.
These vitamins are known to help support your dog’s immune system, support strong teeth, bones, muscles, and help blood clot properly.
That being said, dogs do NOT need to eat veggies. They will get all the nutrients and vitamins they need from high-quality dog food.
Bad Breath
Not many people know that cucumbers can help both dogs and people with bad breath. For people, you just hold a slice of cucumber between your tongue and the roof of your mouth for 90 seconds.
Cucumbers contain phytonutrients and phytochemicals that can help fight the bacteria that are responsible for bad odor. That being said, giving your dog cucumbers should not replace regular teeth cleaning.
Arthritic Dogs
This veggie is known to contain antioxidants that will protect your dog against free radicals that may lower the risks for arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
Stronger Bones
Cucumbers contain Vitamin K, which is a fat-soluble vitamin that is known to act as a blood-clotting agent. In addition, it may also help build strong bones and help reduce fractures.
Fun Cucumber Facts
Cucumbers belong to the Cucurbits family and are one of the oldest vegetables around. Many people think they are a vegetable, but they are actually a fruit.
The term “Cool as a cucumber” is true because the inside of a cucumber can be 20 degrees cooler than the room temperature of the cucumbers surrounding.
Cucumbers have many uses from keeping you hydrated, removing hunger from your mind, cleaning up your home surfaces without harsh chemicals. (yes, this veggie can clean your faucets, sinks, stainless steel and etc!)
Nutritional Facts
One cucumber raw and peeled (100 grams):
- Calories: 10
- Fat: 0.2 grams 2% of Daily Value (DV)
- Sodium: 2mg
- Carbohydrate: 2.2 grams 1% of DV
- Fiber: 0.7 grams
- Protein: 0.6 grams
- Calcium: 14.00mg 1% of DV
- Potassium: 136mg 3% of DV
- Iron: 0.22mg 1% of DV
Are Cucumbers Safe For Pugs?
Cucumbers are not toxic to Pugs and as long as you feed them in moderation, they should be fine.
That being said, some dogs will react differently to human foods. If this is your first time feeding your Pug vegetables, you should monitor your dog to make sure they don’t have any allergic reactions.
Digestive Problems Can Be Common
If you overfeed your dog anything in excess, problems can occur.
Gastrointestinal (GI) upset is very common, especially, if your dog has never eaten this type of food. This can cause your pooch to suffer from bouts of diarrhea.
Can Pugs Eat Raw Cucumbers?
Yes, raw cucumbers are fine for dogs. Opt for organic produce as it is less likely to have pesticides or harmful chemicals that can be toxic to your pooch.
Can Pugs Eat Cooked Cucumbers?
Yes, but they may not like the smooshy texture. Avoid adding any spices or oils that can upset your Pug’s tummy.
What Part Of A Cucumber Can A Pug Eat?
Cucumbers are composed of several different parts such as; rind, seeds, stalk or stem, and mesocarp.
Use this table to help you determine which parts of cucumber are edible for dogs.
| Parts of a Cucumber | Safe for Your Pug to Eat |
| Rind or skin | Yes |
| Seeds | Yes |
| Mesocarp (the fleshy part) | Yes |
| Stems | Yes, but you should probably remove it. |
Can Pugs Eat The Cucumbers Skin?
Yes, the skin is fine for dogs to consume, however, they may not like the bitter taste of it.
It’s best to peel the cucumber before feeding it to your pooch.
Is It Safe For Pugs To Eat Cucumber Seeds?
The seeds are safe for Pugs. If your dog doesn’t like the seeds, you can scoop them out with a spoon before feeding it to them.
Can Dogs Eat The Cucumber Plants?
If you grow cucumbers in your yard and your dog loves eating the plants, you may want to put up some type of barrier to keep them away.
While the plants are not known to be toxic to pets, the leaves of the cucumbers can cause sneezing and eye problems.
What About Fermented Cucumbers?
These are known as pickles and No your dog shouldn’t eat them. While pickles themselves are not toxic to Pugs, it’s the solutions and ingredients that are used. As a pet parent, it’s important to understand if pickles are safe for Pugs and what precautions to take.
How Can I Feed My Pug Cucumbers?
This is an extremely easy vegetable to feed your dog. All you need to do is wash the veggie completely and cut it into small bite-size pieces.
You can either hand feed your dog, put some pieces in their regular dog food.
Or you can put small pieces in their water to add some flavor and help reduce their bad breath.
Alternatives To Cucumbers For Pugs
If your pug loves eating veggies, then you may want to consider some of these green healthy vegetables that are beneficial for dogs:
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Cucumbers
Yes, Pugs can eat cucumbers in moderation. They can be a great snack that can help keep your dog hydrated as well as helping control their bad breath.
Before feeding your dog cucumbers, make sure you thoroughly wash them completely and cut it into bite-size pieces to avoid choking.
References And Further Reading
Vegetable Facts – Cucumber Facts – Interesting Facts About Cucumbers
PubMed – Vitamin K and Bone Health