Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe? What Can Cantaloupe Do To Your Pup’s Health

Having a tasty, cool cantaloupe sorbet or popsicle on a hot summer day surely beats the heat. If you’re a dog parent with a canine companion that looks dead tired, you might be tempted to give your dog a bite to quench their thirst.

However, the big question is: Can dogs eat cantaloupe? Is cantaloupe safe for dogs?

If you wish to finally uncover the truth behind cantaloupe and its effects on your dog, just stick with us for a few minutes. Dog Food Guide, after all, won’t be your one-stop dog food guide if not for its unceasing determination to answer all your can dogs questions. 

Juicy Cantaloupe Facts

Cantaloupe, aka “ sweet melon” or “rockmelon,” is a type of muskmelon that is part of the Cucurbitaceae or gourd family. Like its cousin, the watermelon, cantaloupe is made up of 90% water (which you probably know by now).

What might surprise you, though, is that this fruit is also packed with nutrients.

Yes, you heard it right. Not only is this fruit sweet and yummy, but it’s also nutrient-dense. If you’re curious to find out what you’re getting from eating this humble melon, check out below:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Potassium
• Folic acid
• Vitamin B6
• Magnesium
• Dietary Fiber
• Iron

Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?

The short answer is Yes. Your dog can eat this sweet treat as long as it’s only given in moderation as an occasional treat. However, there’s more to it than that. 

Although cantaloupe is considered a healthy treat, feeding fido this food comes with risks. Also, since dogs are not made equal and are born with varying nutritional needs, there are times that cantaloupe isn’t something your dog should eat. 

If you wish to find out when, how, and how much cantaloupe your dog should eat, read on.

Health Benefits Of Feeding Your Dog Cantaloupe

Sure, eating a slice of frozen cantaloupe isn’t only refreshing, but it also comes with a handful of health benefits for humans.

That’s why it’s easy for dog owners to assume that their dogs will reap the same rewards. Thankfully, your trusty canine companions are indeed in for a treat.

Is cantaloupe good for dogs? The answer is yes, and here are a few good reasons why cantaloupe is good for dogs.

It Is Rehydrating

Remember that cantaloupe is mainly made up of water. This makes this fruit a great treat to give your pet when they need something to help quench their thirst.

It Promotes Healthy Digestion

If your dog often feels constipated, adding a few pieces of cantaloupe in your dog’s diet every now and then might help. After all, the combination of dietary fiber and water in this fruit can help loosen your dog’s stool and improve your dog’s digestion.

It Can Help Manage Your Dog’s Weight

Apart from improving your dog’s digestive health, you might find adding a healthy dose of this low-calorie fruit to your dog’s diet helpful since this can help give your dog the feeling of “fullness” without adding a lot of pounds.

It Is High In Antioxidants

Cantaloupe is loaded with various types of antioxidants, vitamin A, C, and beta carotene included. And like in humans, antioxidants can help boost your dog’s immune system by fighting off damaging free radicals. These free-radical-fighting substance also promotes healthy cell function. 

It Helps Activate Blood Clotting

This humble melon also contains Vitamin K – a fat-soluble vitamin that helps blood clot and prevents excessive bleeding.

Potential Dangers Of Feeding Cantaloupe To Your Dogs

Given all the excellent stuff cantaloupe can do to your dog’s body, it’s going to be hard for dog parents to resist the urge to feed this to your dog. But before you let your dog indulge, be reminded that despite all the pros, having too much of a good thing can be bad. 

And when it comes to cantaloupe, your dog might just face these risks in case this fruit is given the wrong way:

Choking Hazard

Yes, your pup might look like it can gobble on everything, but there’s a limit to their food-munching ability. Swallowing the big chunks of melon and the tough cantaloupe rinds can be a choking hazard since it can block your dog’s airways as well as your dog’s digestive tract.

Gastrointestinal Upset

The seeds (although tiny) and the rinds are hard to digest. Although melon seeds don’t contain cyanide like apple seeds, ingesting the seeds (and the skin) can ruin your dog’s digestive system and lead to various tummy problems like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive gas, and abdominal pain.

Canine Diabetes & Obesity

While feeding your dog cantaloupe in moderation is alright, letting your dog have too much cantaloupe is a bad idea.

Your dog might be eating a healthy diet, but if you’re adding too many treats on top of that, you can already say goodbye to health and say hello to canine obesity. 

Another thing to consider is this fruit’s sugar content. Although cantaloupe’s glycemic index is low compared to other treats or fruits, it still contains sugar that can add up in your dog’s body if overeaten. 

The Right Way To Feed Cantaloupe To Your Dogs

Want your dogs to eat cantaloupe? Go ahead. But while you’re at it, make sure to keep these in mind to avoid any unwanted mishaps from happening:

• Since the rind can have bacteria and pesticides, make sure to wash this thoroughly
• Avoid feeding your dog the seeds and the rind
• Introduce new food slowly to see if your dog can tolerate it
• Serve ripe cantaloupe in bite-sized pieces
• Portion control is key
• Diabetic dogs and overweight dogs can still have some occasionally (Note: Don’t overdo it!)

Final Verdict

Can your dog eat cantaloupe? Hell, yeah! Just don’t overdo it because just like all types of food, eating cantaloupe in large amounts can have adverse side effects. 

So, if your dog is feeling a bit adventurous and requires a fresh, new treat, feel free to give your pet a few pieces. You can also serve it frozen or mix it with other dog-friendly fruits. 

Apart from giving them a helping of fruit salad once in a while, you can also try out those paw-some cantaloupe recipes online that will surely make your Fido’s tail wag in delight.