Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?. Our dogs are our best friends and if there’s anything our dogs love to share with us, it is “people food!” The last thing we would ever want to do is to give our four-legged friends treats that are unhealthy for them.
Yes, watermelon is safe for dogs but we are recommending that you do not allow them to eat the seeds and rind of the watermelon.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?. Watermelon consists of water and is a healthy snack for your dog provided they don’t overindulge in it in one sitting. Watermelon is digested by dogs because of the texture and the fluid intake, but the fruit also adds additional vitamins and minerals into their body.
The red and light green fruit contained in the watermelon rind that they can consume and live on. This does not include, however, the seeds and the rind itself.
Is Watermelon Good for Dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?. Red and yellow watermelon are not only safe for most puppies and adult dogs to consume; they’re also good for your dog’s health in many important ways. These are the advantages of watermelon:
- It’s full of nutrients. It contains some excellent vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium.
- It’s lower in calories. Because it’s low calorie, watermelon is an excellent snack for weight-watching dogs.
- It’s thirst-quenching. Watermelon contains over 90% water and therefore it would be useful in case of dehydration, most particularly during the hot summer afternoons. Remember, since watermelon should only be given to your dog in small snack portions, it’s not enough to keep them hydrated on its own.
Is Watermelon Bad for Dogs?
So is watermelon safe for dogs? Generally, yes—although there are some important dangers to be aware of.
- It contains sugar. Fine, watermelon is extremely watery, but it does have naturally occurring sugar in it too. Thus, diabetics and sugar-sensitive dogs should avoid the fruit.
- The rind is dangerous. The fruit is fine, but the thick rind can be dangerous for dogs to swallow and choke on or lead to an intestinal obstruction. Make sure to peel it before giving your dog watermelon.
Dogs eat watermelon all the time in the hot summer months but what are the potential health benefits or risks in letting your dog eat with this type of fruit? Let’s learn whether watermelon is safe for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
How to Feed a Dog Watermelon
Like any treat you give your dog in addition to their standard, balanced diet, watermelon has to be eaten in moderation. Treats are not meant to make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet, so only a couple of bite-sized pieces would be perfect.
There are some safe ways to feed your dog watermelon:
- In chunks: Cut a watermelon open and remove the rinds and seeds.
- Freeze bite-sized pieces of fruit after removing the rinds and seeds. On a hot summer day, serve them to your dog for a refreshing, cooling treat.
- Puree: Puree fresh fruit after seeds are removed, then freeze in an ice cube tray or a silicone mold.
- Watermelon “ice cream”: Blend together frozen watermelon chunks and plain, unsweetened yogurt. Use it as a mix-in with your dog’s food or fill a rubber toy with it. Plain yogurt is generally fine for most dogs to eat, provided they don’t have lactose intolerance. It’s typically healthier for them than ice cream, and the yogurt has great bacterial cultures for their gastrointestinal tract. Just make sure to use plain yogurt with no added flavor, fruit, sugars, natural sweeteners, or artificial sweeteners. Make sure to check the label closely so that the product is free from harmful xylitol. Alternatives to yogurt are lactose-free dairy yogurt or dairy-free yogurt, which are derived from plant products. Always check the label to prevent using unsafe additives and ingredients.
Can Puppies Eat Watermelon?
A puppy’s digestive system is more delicate than that of a grown dog. Especially with a puppy, it’s always best to call your veterinarian before feeding your dog any different foods.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Another. Puppy chow. Another. Caloric consumption. It is extremely important to watch how much watermelon your puppy will consume and keep in mind treats should make up 10% of a dog’s daily caloric needs. So, for instance, one cup of watermelon is around 50 calories. Such. Discuss your dog’s needs with your vet since they vary based on breed, age, and more.
- Rich in vitamins A, B1, B5, B6, and C, all of which are favorable to immune function, anti-inflammatory action, and energy balance
- Rich in minerals like potassium and magnesium—all of which play vital roles in electrolyte balance and utilization of nutrients
- Rich in antioxidant carotenoids like beta-carotene and lycopene, all of which are favorable in stimulating immune function
- Low in calories to stuff your dog without gaining weight
- Rich in water content for positive hydration
- And, by the way, it’s fun to eat!
But what are the cons? Watermelon itself is not harmful to dogs, but you do want to be certain that you’re only serving your dog the meat, and not the seeds or rind.
- The rind is irritating to the stomach. The watermelon’s hard outside is hard to digest and irritating to the digestive tract. If your dog can’t chew it up properly, it will also be a possible choking threat, says Deborah Bayazit, DVM, co-owner and medical director of Brilliant Veterinary Care.
- The seeds and rinds can cause an intestinal blockage. If your dog swallowed a large amount of the rind, it might cause an intestinal blockage too. While swallowing a few seeds will probably not be problematic, the quantity of too many can in fact result in an intestinal blockage, thereby constituting an emergency.