The Benefits of Cucumbers for Dogs

Updated July 5, 2026

  

Last summer, we grew our own cucumbers in the backyard of our new place. Now, I love cucumbers, but did you know dogs love them, too? And they are actually good for them and can help hydrate on hot days? (Always keep fresh water available for your pet. Cucumbers are not meant to replace water, but are a good source of additional hydration). With the hot dog days of summer upon us here, I thought it would be a good time to talk about the benefits of giving cucumbers to our dogs. My boy Wolfie loved cukes! Pictured here, he was enjoying sampling our freshly picked cucumbers. 
 
*Note: In early 2025, there was a recall on certain cucumbers purchased in specific stores, which they have said is now over. Always check the FDA and CDC sites for updated recalls to be sure of what is on it, or better yet...grown your own, if  you have the space!

Did you know there are many benefits to cucumbers for dogs?  

 
According to Dr. Marty (DrMartyPets.com),  "Cucumber for dogs is perfectly safe, as long as you feed it to them in moderation." 
 
 ‼️ First, as with anything new for your dog's diet, always check with your dog's vet first.‼️
 

Many Benefits of Cucumbers: 

 🥒 Cucumbers are a vet-approved, good, low-calorie treat for dogs. 

 🥒 Cucumbers are about 95-96% water and can help with keeping your dog hydrated. However, they are not to replace a supply of fresh, cool water.

 🥒 Cucumbers can help naturally keep a dog's breath fresh. 

 🥒 Cucumbers contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
 
 🥒 Cucumbers contain Vitamins C, K, and B, plus potassium and magnesium, which is reported to help support immunity, bone health, an heart health. 
 
 🥒  Cucumbers can be cut up into small bite-size pieces, frozen, and added to fresh water.
 
 🥒 Cucumbers can be whipped up into a cool, refreshing treat! (See recipe below).
 
‼️Again, always feed in moderation to avoid gastrointestinal upset.‼️ 

 
Cukes, Yes. Pickles, NEVER! 

Don't confuse cucumbers with pickles. When pickling, the ingredients and spices used are NOT good for dogs, and can even be toxic.  So always say NO 🚫 to pickles! 

🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒

 Who is Dr. Marty?

 "Called the 'Miracle Worker' by Forbes Magazine, Dr. Marty has been a leading voice in integrative veterinary medicine for more than 45 years. He’s the bestselling author of The Nature of Animal Healing and The Spirit of Animal Healing and has appeared on national television programs including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Martha Stewart Show, and Good Morning America. He stars in the critically-acclaimed documentary, The Dog Doc." ~DrMartyPets.com


 

Cool As A Cucumber Dog Treat

Another great refreshing cucumber treat idea, especially on these hot days, is to whip them up into a cool healthy treat! (The following is one we originally found at DogMomChef.com).

Ingredients:

Fresh Organic Cucumber (sliced or cut into chunks)

1c. Organic Plain Fat-Free Yogurt

Smidge (@1/8 tsp.) Honey

Directions:

I preferred to peel my cukes for me and my Sibes, but you can leave the skin on if your dog likes it. (Just be sure to use organic if you want peels on to avoid pesticides, and give them a good wash! Or, wash and peel any cucumbers). Toss cucumber in a blender with the organic fat-free plain yogurt and a bit of honey to sweeten. Pour into a mold (we used silicone paw print and/or bone-shaped molds).

Freeze until firm and serve! 

 

 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 

NOTE: Always check the FDA (U.S. Food & Drug Administration) website at https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts to see the most recent and ongoing recalls.

 

When this article was orginally published in 2022, the FDA had issued a recall at that time for SOME cucumbers. "May 31, 2024 – Fresh Start Produce Sales Inc. of Delray, Florida, is recalling whole cucumbers shipped to certain states from May 17th through May 21st, 2024, due to the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella...The recalled cucumbers were shipped in bulk cartons from May 17th through May 21st, 2024, directly to retail distribution centers, wholesalers, and food service distributors in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia." The recalled cucumbers are dark green, approximately 1.5 - 2.0 inches in diameter, and 5-9 inches long. Mini cucumbers and English cucumbers are not included in this recall." You can read the full recall article HERE. ***But...again...always check the FDA website for current recalls.***

🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 🥒 

Important Reminder:

Always check with your dog's vet before feeding cucumbers or any new foods. Also, always give in moderation to avoid GI upset. 




Speaking of Wolfie...My Newest FiveSibes Tale Book! 
To order directly from Amazon, click on the image below. If you order my Wolfie book using my affiliate link below, I will receive a small commission *at no extra cost to you

 For more info & to see the stops and fab reviews on my Wolfie, What Is The Rainbow Bridge? virtual Book Tour, check HERE! 

Comments

  1. Brian's Home BlogAugust 3, 2022 at 7:17 PM

    I didn't know that, our Angel pups would have probably liked them.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Michelle & The Paw PackAugust 5, 2022 at 6:09 PM

    I, perhaps strangely, don't really like cucumbers. But my partner loves them, and so do both of my dogs. Whenever we make salad, I like to pick out the cucumbers in mine, before I add dressing, and give them to Kit and Fen!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dogs Luv Us and We Luv ThemAugust 5, 2022 at 10:29 PM

    This sounds like a great Summer treat for dogs. I like that you've also added honey to the mix! I'll have to try this

    ReplyDelete
  4. Britt K August 6, 2022 at 11:27 AM

    We feed our pets a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables, but I don't know that we've ever tried giving them cucumbers before. I'm definitely going to give it a go because the little man Lucifer is loving EVERYTHING we feed him, so I'm sure that this is no exception!

    ReplyDelete
  5. LaylasWoofAugust 6, 2022 at 1:51 PM

    I have read they are good for dogs but have never tried with Layla and I think I need to, thanks for the reminder as Layla gets lots of fruit and veggies all the time. I make Cucumber Mint water when hot by steeping sliced cucumbers in a jug of water over night with mint, yummmm

    ReplyDelete
  6. DawgBloggerAugust 6, 2022 at 3:07 PM

    This post makes me laugh because our dog's PT is trying to grow cucumbers and her dogs discovered them and eat them off before they even get a chance to mature.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tail Wag WisdomAugust 7, 2022 at 12:56 PM

    The photo of Wolfie is just adorable! Wow, terrific information about cucumbers for dogs. I didn't realize they even have anti-inflammatory properties. Your info graphic is great! Very well done! I will have to try the cucumber dog treat for Henry. He does love all human foods. I'll definitely check with his vet first. I'm sharing this will all my dog friends.

    ReplyDelete
  8. NikkiAugust 7, 2022 at 11:13 PM

    My pup's LOVE cucumber as treats - especially on a hot summer day. We will sometimes even just freeze the cucumbers in slices.

    ReplyDelete
  9. BethAugust 8, 2022 at 8:43 PM

    My dogs love cucumbers! I'll have to remember to give them cucumbers on hot days to help them stay hydrated.

    ReplyDelete
  10. AndreeAugust 18, 2022 at 9:08 PM

    This is awesome! I'm going to pass it on to all my dog friends. Thank you! (And I'll make some myself, too.)

    ReplyDelete

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