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Can dogs eat watermelon? Its a delicious picnic staple, sure, but is watermelon safe for dogs? If you enjoy this juicy treat but have stopped short of sharing it with your pooch, for fear that it might not be good for them, your instincts were partially correct. Watermelon can actually be a healthy dog treat — if its fed to them correctly.
The fleshy pink fruit of a watermelon is loaded with healthy nutrients that are as beneficial for humans as they are for our canine companions.
Watermelon is rich in potassium and vitamin C, and its also a great source of vitamins A and B6, according to Dogtime. It also contains fiber, which can aid healthy digestion. This fruit contains no cholesterol and almost no sodium or fat. While watermelon does contain sugar, it is mostly made up of water, and should not cause any unhealthy spikes in blood sugar. Because its 92% water, it makes it both a sweet treat and a creative way to help your dog stay cool and hydrated during the summer..
The flesh of a watermelon is a safe and nutritious treat for dogs, but the other parts of the fruit arent all right for your pooch to eat. According to the American Kennel Club, if dogs swallow watermelon seeds, the seeds can cause an intestinal blockage — which is not only painful for your dog but could become serious enough to require surgery to correct.
While a seed or two is unlikely to cause health problems for large dogs, it doesnt take many of them to cause a blockage in small dogs.
Its also unwise to give your dog the rind — the hard green outer skin of a watermelon — as ingesting it can cause gastrointestinal distress that triggers vomiting or diarrhea. While the fruit of the watermelon is a healthy snack in small quantities, eating too much of it could also give your dog an upset stomach.
Watermelon is a wonderfully refreshing treat for us humans, it’s the perfect snack for chopping into wedges, chilling in the fridge and enjoying throughout warmer summer days, but are our dogs allowed to enjoy the juicy, colourful fruit too? Read this guide to find out all about whether dogs can eat watermelon and if there are any nutritional benefits!
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon! There are a few precautions you’ll need to take though, such as removing the large seeds as these can cause an intestinal blockage if too many are consumed, particularly if your dog is a smaller breed. Another thing to be aware of with watermelon is the rind, as this can cause gastrointestinal upset. Watermelon is also high in sugar, like many fruits, which means it should not be fed too regularly or it can contribute to the risk of obesity and diabetes. If you’re in doubt about your dog chomping on watermelon, always ask for your vet’s advice.
If you’re wondering if watermelon is good for dogs, the answer isn’t simple! These deliciously juicy fruits are 92% water, so they’re great for a hydrating snack, particularly on warmer summer days. It’s much better than giving your dog an ice cream, which can cause stomach upsets from the milk.
What’s more, watermelons are also low in calories and salts (sodium) and are fat free, making them a relatively healthy dog treat. However, watermelon should only be fed on the odd occasion, rather than as a regular part of your dog’s daily diet. They do contain sugar, which can lead to health problems if fed in excess.
Another key thing to note is that, although watermelons are packed full of nutrients, these are all things your dog will get from a complete and balanced diet. This means that there’s no need to add watermelon in as a regular addition. Only ever give in moderation – remember that there is too much of a good thing and overfeeding with fruits like watermelon could cause gastrointestinal upset.
Never give your dog watermelon flavoured sweets, drinks or lollies either, these are packed full of sugar, sweeteners and additives which can be dangerous for your pet’s health.
How Much Watermelon Can a Dog Eat?
Even healthy treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s overall diet. And the other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.
To help make the portions a little easier, below are some general guidelines for safe watermelon treat sizes based on your dog’s weight. Each “slice” should only be about 1 inch x 1 inch x ¼-inch thick:
Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds
If your dog ate some extra watermelon when you weren’t looking and you’re worried that they ate too much, keep an eye out for the following symptoms of an upset stomach:
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.
Worsening symptoms include:
If you notice any of these more serious symptoms, call your vet and take your dog to the vet immediately.
Can Dogs Eat WATERMELON? – We Explain All!
NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.
If you’ve shared a piece of watermelon or your pup has snuck a piece, there’s no need to worry. As long as your dog does not have diabetes and is not sensitive to sugar, they should be completely fine.
Both red and yellow watermelon are safe and healthy fruits for most puppies and adult dogs to eat. However, dogs that have diabetes or sugar sensitivities as well as dogs that are obese should not be given the fruit.
Watermelon is low in calories and contains no fat or cholesterol. And since 92% of a watermelon is actually water, it’s helpful for hydration—especially on hot summer days.
Keep in mind though, that due to the small amount of watermelon your dog should eat as a snack, they cannot depend on watermelon alone for hydration.
Be sure that your dog does not eat watermelon rind. It’s not safe for them to consume, as it can become a serious choking hazard or create an intestinal blockage. If your dog has swallowed a watermelon rind, visit your veterinarian immediately.
Before feeding any watermelon to your dog, remove the rind and seeds. These black seeds contain cyanide, although it’s unlikely that a dog would be able to eat enough of them to be poisoned. The seeds can also be a potential choking hazard.
Despite the name, seedless watermelons will sometimes still have thin, white seeds. And although those probably won’t pose choking hazards, they could upset your dog’s stomach. So it’s safest to remove those as well.