Are Cucumbers Safe for Pets? Facts About TikTok's Trending Treat
By: Lizz CaputoFrom TikTok to Dog Tok - can your pet join in on the viral cucumber craze? Here's what experts say about whether cucumbers are pet safe.
Sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber - but can your pet partake?
We're about to spill the tea on the latest veggie trend that's taking over TikTok and your local farmer's market. That's right, we're talking about cucumbers! Before you start sharing your crunchy snacks with your soulful sidekick, let's explore the juicy details.
The cucumber craze: Not just for humans anymore!
You've seen it all over your feed – people munching on cucumbers like they're going out of style. But the real question is: can your dog and cat join in on this refreshing and trendy salad?
The Logan effect
Enter Logan Cummin, the cucumber-chomping TikTok sensation who's got everyone wondering if they should hop on the cuke bandwagon. This 35-year-old content creator from Connecticut has taken the internet by storm with his quirky and oddly satisfying daily ritual: eating an entire cucumber on camera (in a new and creative recipe) every single day.
With his "sometimes you need to eat an entire cucumber" catchphrase, Logan has become a viral chef sensation. But can your pet join in on the crunchy fun? Let's find out!
Cucumber nutrition: The 411 on this crunchy snack
Before you start slicing and dicing for your pup or kitty, let's break down the cucumber's nutritional profile.
Nutritionally sound: A whole cucumber has just 45 calories. That's less than a single potato chip - though not as tasty.
Mineral madness: These green giants are packed with good stuff, like Potassium, Magnesium, Vitamin K, and Vitamin C.
Fiber boost: With about 2 grams of fiber per cucumber, it's a gentle way to keep things moving, if you know what we mean.
So, when you share a slice with your pet, you're also sharing some solid health benefits.
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What the experts are saying
So are pets and cucumbers compatible? For the most part, it's a yes. Most dogs and cats can eat cucumbers without any negative effects. It's like nature's crunchy water bottle!
Pesticides are also not so cute for your dog or cat, so give veggies a good scrub before feeding. Cucumbers are meant to be a treat, not a meal replacement. Remember: portion control is key. Unlike Logan, some pets may not be able to munch on a whole cuke at once. It really just depends on their individual stomachs. Start small and if your pet enjoys the crunchy snack, you can give them more. When in doubt, ask your vet.
If your pet starts acting weird after their cucumber feast or has any abdominal distress, it might be time for a vet visit. Better safe than sorry!
How to make an (almost) entire cucumber for your dog
Ready to introduce your pup to the wonderful world of cucumbers? Let's take a page from Logan's book with this easy sweet and savory green recipe:
Get your container prepped: This is where you'll mix your "salad"
Slice it up: Think bite-sized pieces, not giant chunks (julienne not required).
Go green: Slice up a few pieces of green apple
Add liquid: Stir in a few tablespoons of pet-friendly bone broth (no spices, garlic or onion).
Mix it up: Put the top on your container and shake until everything is well mixed.
If you don't want to make a salad, you can try freezing cucumber slices for a cool summer treat. Keep an eye on your pet after their cucumber debut. Some tummy rumbles are normal, a disaster is not.
When in doubt, ask your vet. They know your dog or cat best!
The bottom line: Cuke or not to cuke?
Look, we're not saying cucumbers are the fountain of youth for your pets (although, how great would that be?). But as far as treats go, they're pretty cool – literally and figuratively! So go ahead, share a slice with your little partner in crime.
Lizz Caputo is the Manager of Content Strategy at Figo, animal enthusiast, and owner of a rescued senior American Bully. Her hobbies include checking out new restaurants in her area, boxing, and petting dogs of all shapes and sizes.