Key Points:
- Yes, dogs can eat watermelon, but the seeds and rind should be removed.
- Watermelon offers dogs hydration and vitamins A, B6, and C.
- Some dogs might not like the texture or high water content of watermelon.
- Dogs should avoid the rind and seeds as they can cause gastrointestinal issues.
- Overconsumption of watermelon can lead to digestive upset due to high sugar.
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon so long as the rind and seeds are removed and it’s cut up into small pieces. While the majority of your dog’s diet should be their regular dog food, an occasional piece of this hydrating treat can do your pooch a lot of good. Read on to find out why!
Health benefits of feeding your dog watermelon
Watermelon is one of the most nutrient-dense and moisture-laden fruits making it a great occasional treat for your dog. Filled with antioxidants, fiber, potassium, essential vitamin C, vitamin A, and Lycopene, which is beneficial for slowing the rate of cancer growth.
Watermelon has some sugar, but its high fiber content provides insulation for the sugar, letting it release into the bloodstream slowly. However, if your dog has diabetes, your vet should advise you about serving sizes and your dog’s diet needs.
Ways to feed watermelon to your dog
- Hand-fed pieces: Cut the watermelon into small chunks, remove the seeds and rind, then offer the fresh fruit to your dog.
- Frozen: Freeze chunks (seeds and rind removed) for a cold dog treat on a hot day.
- Pureed: Puree the fruit (seeds and rind removed) and put it into ice cube trays to freeze for a hydrating snack.
Pet Pro Tip: If you have a dog that is prone to ‘snacksidents’ – you should consider getting a dog insurance plan as soon as possible. It can help you afford the best care in the future by covering eligible vet bills for digestive illnesses, toxic ingestion, and more.
FAQs
Is watermelon rind safe for dogs?
It’s really only safe for your dog to eat the light green part of the watermelon rind, not the hard, fibrous outer rind. The watermelon rind is tough to chew and hard for dogs to digest. Your best bet is to remove the rind altogether to avoid a choking hazard or intestinal blockages.
Are watermelon seeds safe for your dog?
Watermelon seeds aren’t safe for your dog. A few seeds accidentally swallowed pose little risk, but if you let your dog munch away on a watermelon slice, they can ingest too many. The hard seeds may not slide through the digestive system, causing an intestinal blockage. This is especially true for small dogs with much smaller intestines. A blockage requires immediate veterinary attention.
Are seedless watermelons the best choice?
Yes, seedless watermelons have softer white seeds, with less seed volume in the fruit. These seeds will slide easier through the digestive tract, making the seedless watermelons safer for your dog.
Can a dog eat too much watermelon?
Too much of any human food can cause problems, and watermelon is no exception. Like all treats, watermelon should make up only 10% of your dog’s diet to avoid obesity or diabetes. One cup of diced watermelon is enough for a large dog. Small dogs will be fine with a couple of small pieces.
How will I know if my dog eats too much watermelon?
Most dogs love watermelon and tolerate it well. But too much of this refreshing treat can cause digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation. Always consult your vet before adding new foods to your dog’s diet.
While watermelon is safe for dogs to eat, when giving your dog any human food, you should practice portion control and watch out for any adverse reactions. When in doubt, call your vet and see if watermelon is an okay choice for your pooch!
Safe ways to feed your dog pumpkin
Raw pumpkin: When steamed or roasted and cut into small pieces, raw pumpkin can be a great treat for your dog.
Canned: You can find organic canned pumpkin in the supermarket that only contains fresh pumpkin. Not only is this a healthy addition to your pup’s kibble but is also known to help slow or stop diarrhea in dogs.
DISCLOSURE
