Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?

By the PawMathCalc Team · Updated October 26, 2026

Short answer: yes. Cucumbers are safe and one of the lowest calorie treats you can give a dog: about 95% water and roughly 1 kcal per slice, which makes them ideal for dogs that need to lose weight.

Why cucumbers can be good for dogs

About 15 kcal per 100 g: a whole slice is about 1 kcal.
Mostly water, so a refreshing snack on hot days.
A crunchy swap for higher calorie biscuits during weight loss.

Risks of cucumbers for dogs

Large chunks can be a choking risk: slice them.
Too much at once can cause gas or loose stool.
Pickles are not the same: they are salty and often have garlic, onion or spices.

How to serve it

Wash and slice into thin rounds or sticks.
Peel for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Freeze slices for a summer treat.

How much per day by dog weight

Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of a dog's daily calories. For a spayed or neutered adult dog that budget is shown below, with how many cucumber slices (about 1.05 kcal each) fit in it if they are the only treat that day.

Dog's weight	Daily treat budget	Cucumber slices per day
10 lb	35 kcal	up to 5 slices
20 lb	59 kcal	up to 10 slices
30 lb	79 kcal	up to 15 slices
50 lb	116 kcal	up to 25 slices
70 lb	150 kcal	up to 35 slices
90 lb	181 kcal	up to 45 slices

The amounts for larger dogs are capped below the calorie limit, because fiber, not calories, is what causes trouble with this food.

Start with one or two pieces the first time and watch for an upset stomach. Your own dog's budget is in the dog food calculator (it shows a "treats budget" line).

Check any other food

Not sure about something else in your kitchen? The can dogs eat it checker lists 98 foods as safe, careful or toxic, with the reason for each.

If your dog ate something toxic, call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.

Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center; American Kennel Club food guides; USDA FoodData Central (calories); treat budget from the RER formula used in WSAVA feeding guidance (10% rule).

Try the can dogs eat it? food checker

Enter your own numbers below, or open the full can dogs eat it? food checker with the formula and more examples.

This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Your pet may differ: ask your vet. Terms

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat cucumber skin?

Yes. The skin is safe; peel it only if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Can dogs eat pickles?

Better not. Pickles are high in salt and often contain garlic or onion, which are toxic to dogs.

Are cucumbers good for overweight dogs?

Yes. They let you give more treats for very few calories.