Can dogs eat cucumbers? Yes they absolutely can! Read on to find out the health benefits cucumbers provide your dog…
Health Benefits of Cucumbers For Dogs
Cucumbers are nutrients packed, but before we break down into its nutritional benefits, the vegetables, are known to help freshen the dogs breathe, thanks to the presence of the phytochemicals and the phytonutrients, which are responsible for eliminating the bacteria in the dog’s mouth that is responsible for producing bad odor.
Cucumbers are great for older dogs that are predisposed to swelling and stiffness on some of their joints, and for those that experience pain; the vegetable, therefore, contains silica, the mineral that is responsible for strengthening the joints and the dog’s connective tissues. Canines suffering from arthritis can also find relieve from the cucumbers, all they have to do is chow on a few slices.
Enhances kidney and liver health – cucumbers help the liver and kidney function efficiently a fact that applies to both man and dogs. Therefore, by moderately feeding cucumbers to your dogs, you will be inadvertently relieving them of their condition as regards the kidneys.
Cucumbers are also a good source of water for your dogs, given that they are made up of about 95% water, if you are, therefore, having a hard time getting your dog to drink water, just find them slices of cucumber and give it to them as snacks to help provide them with that extra boost of water.
A Breakdown of Nutritional Content of Cucumbers
Vitamin K– being a fat-soluble vitamin is necessary for enhancing your dog’s blood ability to clot, the above then means that if your dog has low levels of vitamin K then its blood will not be able to clot.
Molybdenum- is among the essential minerals, and its function in the body is to help activate the enzymes that are used to break down, the harmful sulfites while preventing the buildup of toxins.
Vitamin B1- is an essential vitamin and must, therefore, be present in your dog’s diet. The dog’s brain among other high-energy organs depends on Vitamin B1 to function properly given that it is used for carbohydrate metabolism.
Manganese- is a vital mineral and mostly needed by the puppies, among other older pets, to help in the development of quality bones and cartilage. Its job does not stop there, as it also helps with the mitochondria function while providing energy to the cells.
Copper- is necessary for the formation of the dog’s bones, collagen, the connective tissues, and myelin, even better is that it enhances the red blood cell function by helping the body absorb iron. And while copper might be good for the dog’s health it is also dangerous when taken in excessive amounts or due to accumulation, and will, therefore, overwhelm the liver, causing liver cirrhosis.
Vitamin C- is used by the body to reduce cognitive aging and inflammation, remember, however, that vitamin c is among the nutrients that dogs can synthesize in their livers, and by supplementing it only enhances the health of the dog.
Are cucumbers bad for dogs?
For as much as cucumbers are good for dogs in the same vein, they also have some side effects, mostly because of a lack of moderation.
Cucumbers are, therefore, known for causing stomach pains in dogs, if you therefore, notice any abnormal behaviors by your pets after feeding on certain foods, then attention of a vet should be sought immediately, the reason being that pets respond differently to foods, some have sensitive stomachs and others are allergic. The above is the reason why you should always consult a vet before introducing new foods to your pet.
Cucumbers Encourage Diarrhea in Dogs
Remember we said that cucumber is made with up to 95% water, which means that it might contribute to excessive amounts of water and fiber in the dog’s body, which will then lead to loose stool and consequently diarrhea. The idea, therefore, is to feed a few slices of cucumbers to also prevent your dog from becoming too gassy.
Cucumber Skin
Even though dogs can eat the cucumber with its skin intact, some dog’s intestines will have a hard time digesting it. What’s more, when the cucumbers are still on the farm they are sprayed with a lot of pesticides, which when ingested could be detrimental to the health of your dog, make sure you wash the cucumber.
Are Cucumbers Safe For Dogs?
Essentially yes. The only time they could not be safe is if you give your dog the whole cucumber, or cut it into large chunks as this could choke your dog. Make sure you cut the cucumber in to small pieces your dog can manage before feeding it to them.
Conclusion
Your dog can eat cucumbers safely. Cucumbers are characteristic crunchy, have low-calorie content, and are low in fat and sodium. So apart from the fact that they are quite nutritious, they are also a good option for dogs that are heavyweight because they help them shed off the extra weight.
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