On a scorching hot day, we all know that the addition of watermelon pieces in a bowl of chilled fruit salad makes this dessert all the more refreshing.
Truly a healthy snack when it comes to human food, we can’t help but assume that this is also a hearty treat for our furbabies. But, can dogs eat watermelon?
Good thing, DogFoodGuide is here to the rescue. A website worthy of being bookmarked, we’re here to give you the best dog food products, answer all your “can dogs?” questions, and much more.
In the case of watermelon, you can expect to find all the must-know facts here. So, read on. Our goal is for you to find everything and anything on one page so that you won’t have to look for other can-dogs articles.
Juicy, Need-to-Know Watermelon Facts
Many probably think that this water- and fiber-rich plant produce is a fruit, but you’d most likely say that this is a veggie if you’re someone from Oklahoma. Why?
Generally, watermelon is considered a fruit by many (including botanists) because of its sweet taste. It also grows from flowers and holds seeds.
But, since it comes from the gourd family, which includes pumpkin and bitter gourd, Okies say this is a veggie and has even declared this as their official vegetable back in 2007.
Now, we won’t argue with them since both have raised valid points. But, since the majority says that it’s a fruit. We’ll call it a fruit for now.
When it comes to its nutrient profile, watermelon has much to boast. It has even been given the name Superfood by Woman’s Day since it is low in calories and brimming with vitamins and minerals. Here are a few:
The short answer here is Yes. You can feed your dog watermelon. But like all “people” foods, this must only be given in moderation. Keep in mind that feeding your dogs watermelon (or any type of veggie, fruit, or even dog treats) comes with risks.
Health Benefits Of Watermelons To Dogs
Given all the nutrients soaking inside this fruits’ shell, it’s good to know that your dog is not only satisfying their cravings for something sweet. Fact is, they’re actually gaining a few things from it health-wise.
So, if you’ve decided to feed your dog a few pieces of watermelon, here are some of watermelon’s yummy benefits:
Hydrating. This is one reason why watermelon is so popular, especially in the summertime. With 92% water content, a slice of watermelon would surely quench your dog’s thirst.
Immune System Booster. Antioxidants play an essential role in keeping the immune system of your dog in check. When it comes to watermelon, this fruit is just loaded with it. An excellent source of Vitamin C, carotenoids, lycopene, and cucurbitacin E, all these are antioxidants that help fight free radicals and repair cells.
Improves Gut Health. Pineapple’s fiber content is 71% more than the amount found in watermelons, but the small amount of fiber in watermelon is still beneficial for your dog’s gut. The combination of water and fiber in these fruits promotes regular bowel movement. It can also help form the stool of your dog.
Skin and Coat Enhancer. Watermelon is an excellent source of Vitamin A and C. We love these vitamins since they keep our skin soft and our hair strong and shiny. The same goes for your dog.
Why Your Dog Should Not Eat Watermelon?
Yes, feeding your dog watermelon has its pros. However, more than the benefits, you also need to know all the dangers. Because when given to your dog the wrong way, watermelon can have adverse side effects.
While ingesting watermelon seeds doesn’t harm humans, it’s a different story for your pet dog. Swallowing a few seeds isn’t a cause for panic, but ingesting too many of those hard seeds may cause intestinal blockage (especially for smaller dog breeds).
The same goes for the watermelon rind (simply known as the skin/shell). Your dog also faces the risk of intestinal blockage if you let your dog eat watermelon rind since this part is hard to digest).
Tummy Upset
People who eat too much watermelon can suffer from diarrhea, bloating, as well as indigestion. It’s the same for your pet dog.
Diabetes
While sugar spikes aren’t something you should be worried about since the sugar found in watermelon is slowly released into your dog’s bloodstream because of fiber, feeding a dog with diabetes this summer staple should be a concern.
The sugar content in these fruits may hurt your dog’s health. Since pet care should be your priority, contacting your vet before introducing any new food products or store-bought treats is always a good idea.
Tips On How To Serve Watermelon To Your Dog
If your vet has given their go signal, then feel free to treat your dogs to a slice of watermelon. But before you do, make sure to keep these tips in mind. These will help your dog enjoy all the good things about watermelon and avoid the bad:
If you have a choice between seeded and seedless watermelon, choose the latter. Removing the seeds can be time-consuming and annoying. Plus, with seedless watermelon, you’re assured that your dog won’t have to suffer intestinal blockages caused by seeds.
Now, if a seedless watermelon isn’t available, you can still feed your dog a slice of seeded watermelon (minus the seeds, of course).
One more thing you have to remove is the rind. The rind, as mentioned, can also cause obstruction, so make sure to give your dogs watermelon without the skin or rind.
Remember to give this to your dogs only as an occasional treat. In short, this shouldn’t be part of their regular diet. If you’re a pet care provider, you’ve probably heard about the 10% treat rule.
This rule basically states that treats like fruits and veggies shouldn’t exceed 10% of your dogs’ daily calorie intake.
Fun & Easy Watermelon Treats For Dogs
If a slice of watermelon is not good enough for your dogs, you can also try these simple, easy-to-make treats:
Watermelon ice cubes. Instead of serving frozen watermelon chunks, try mashing the watermelon using a fork or a blender. Once done, put the pureed watermelon into your ice cube trays, and viola! Your pup’s in for a cool, refreshing treat.
Watermelon jerky. If your pooch wants a chewy treat, you can also dehydrate the fruit.
Watermelon smoothie. Now, if you have some bananas or berries left in your pantry, puree these with yogurt or peanut butter and some crushed ice. Make sure to only use dog-friendly substances/ingredients.
Below are more recipe ideas for you to try out this Summer! Enjoy!
How much watermelon can a dog eat?
Just like most safe human foods to share with a dog, watermelon should be given sparingly as it contains seeds that can cause a blockage and a rind that may result in gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea. Just one cup of diced, seedless watermelon can benefit your dog, and: Maintain immune system health.
Will watermelon make my dog poop?
Like many fruits, watermelon can cause loose stool if your dog eats too much at a time. If you feed your dog watermelon, make sure to keep an eye out for any changes in their bowel movements.
What does watermelon do for dogs?
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 it's also a great source of vitamins A and B6, according to Dogtime. It also contains fiber, which can aid healthy digestion.
Can I feed my dog watermelon everyday?
The flesh of a watermelon is a safe and nutritious treat for dogs, but the other parts of the fruit aren't all right for your pooch to eat. And 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 tummy, thanks to its high fiber content.
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An individual with a profound affection for animals, who was brought up in an environment surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. A self-taught enthusiast in the realm of pet care. At present, the proud caretaker of two rescued felines and two lovely mixed-breed canines.
