ByThese cucumber dog treats use just two ingredients: cucumber and plain yogurt. You blend them, freeze them, and you’re done in about 15 minutes of hands-on time. The most important safety step is checking that your yogurt has no xylitol and no added sweeteners.
Recipe Snapshot
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: None (freeze 2-3 hours)
- Total time: About 3 hours
- Yield: About 18-24 small treats, depending on your mold
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Storage life: Freezer, up to 2 months (my own kitchen guideline, not a vet rule)
Key takeaway: Plain cucumber is a safe, low-calorie, crunchy snack. Cucumber has about 8 calories per half cup of slices, compared with about 40 calories in a single medium dog biscuit, according to the AKC. akc
I started making these on a hot afternoon when my dog wouldn’t touch his dry biscuits. He wanted something cold. I had a cucumber in the fridge and a tub of yogurt. Ten minutes later, I had a tray in the freezer. Now it’s his favorite summer treat.
Are cucumber dog treats safe?
Yes, for most dogs. The AKC says cucumbers are safe for dogs and names two risks: overeating and choking. That’s why this recipe blends the cucumber and freezes it into small bites. akc
If you want to know more about what to avoid in your dog’s bowl, read my guide on what dogs cannot eat.
What do I need to make easy cucumber dog treats?
Recipe Card: Easy Cucumber Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- A silicone treat mold, or an ice cube tray
Steps
- Wash and peel the cucumber, then slice it.
- Add the cucumber and yogurt to a blender or food processor.
- Blend for 30-45 seconds until smooth.
- Pour the mix into a measuring cup with a spout.
- Fill each mold slowly. Don’t overfill.
- Wipe up any spills on the mold.
- Freeze for 2-3 hours until solid.
- Pop the treats out of the mold.
- Store them in a freezer container.
⚠️ Dog-Safe Ingredient Check
- Yogurt must be plain. Read the label for xylitol and other sweeteners. If you see “sugar-free,” put it back.
- No pickles. The AKC says to avoid pickles of any variety because of added spices and salt.
- No salt, no seasoning. Dogs don’t need it. akc
Pro Tip: Fill the mold halfway first, tap it on the counter to pop out bubbles, then top it off. The treats come out cleaner.
How many cucumber treats can my dog have?
Keep treats to a small part of the day’s food. A common rule is that treats should be no more than 10% of daily calories. I cover this in detail in how many treats a dog should have a day.
To work out your own number:
- Count how many treats your mold made.
- Check the calories on your yogurt label and divide by the number of treats.
- Ask your vet for your dog’s daily calorie target.
- Stay under 10% of that total from treats.
A rough starting guide is 1 treat for a small dog and 2-3 for a large dog. Start with one and watch how your dog’s tummy handles it.
Vet Tip: Introduce any new food slowly. The AKC advises introducing cucumbers gradually and watching for negative reactions. If your dog has diarrhea or vomiting, stop and call your vet. akc
Can dogs eat cucumber skin and seeds?
Yes. The AKC says the seeds and skin are generally safe to eat. I peel the cucumber for these treats because it blends smoother and is easier on sensitive tummies. Cut your cucumber into bite-size pieces if you serve it fresh instead. akc
Can I make these without yogurt?
Yes. Some dogs don’t do well with dairy. Try these swaps:
- Dairy-free: Replace the yogurt with ½ cup unsweetened, xylitol-free applesauce. Or use plain water.
- Cucumber-only cubes: Blend the cucumber alone and freeze.
- Add-ins: A few blueberries or a little mashed banana. See can dogs eat banana.
- Scaling by dog size: Use smaller molds for toy breeds. Use ice cube trays for large dogs.
- Grain-free: These are grain-free as written.
If you’d rather skip the kitchen, I also keep a few ready-made dog treats on hand for busy days.
Are these treats safe for puppies?
Most healthy puppies can have small amounts of plain cucumber. Because puppies have sensitive stomachs, start with half a treat. Ask your vet first, especially if your puppy is under 12 weeks. If you’re training a puppy with treats, my clicker training guide shows how to use tiny rewards well.
Can I freeze them, and how long do they last?
Yes, freezing is the whole point. Once they’re solid, pop them out of the mold and store them in a sealed container. I use a freezer-safe container with a lid so they don’t pick up freezer smells. They keep well for about 2 months. Throw out any that look freezer-burned.
Why are cucumber treats good on hot days?
They’re cold, crunchy, and mostly water. They’re not a replacement for drinking water, though. Always keep fresh water out. If your dog is a reluctant drinker, a dog water fountain can encourage more sips. Curious about water needs? Read how long a dog can go without water.
I like to set up a dog camera near the patio so I can watch my dog enjoy his frozen treat while I’m in the kitchen. It makes me smile every time.
Are homemade treats better than store-bought?
They can be, because you control the ingredients. I wrote about this in are homemade dog treats healthier than your usual brand. If your dog loves veggie treats, try my easy carrot dog treat bites or easy zucchini dog treats next.
For dogs that need extra support, a dog supplement can complement a balanced diet. Ask your vet first.
FAQ
Q: Can dogs eat cucumber skin and seeds?
A: Yes. The AKC says both are generally safe to eat. Peeling helps if your dog has a sensitive stomach. akc
Q: Can I use pickles in dog treats?
A: No. The AKC says to avoid pickles of any variety because of added spices and salt. akc
Q: How many cucumber treats a day is okay?
A: Keep all treats to about 10% of daily calories. Start with 1 small treat and increase slowly.
Q: Can puppies eat these?
A: Usually yes in small amounts, but check with your vet first.
Q: Can I freeze cucumber dog treats?
A: Yes. Freeze for 2-3 hours, then store in a sealed container.
Source cited: AKC: Can Dogs Eat Cucumbers?
