No matter the season, watermelon is a refreshing treat. After all, the fruit is 92% water.
You might want to share this hydrating snack with family and friends, as well as your pet. But can dogs eat watermelon?.
Your dog should not consume certain fruits, such as grapes, as they may be toxic and pose health risks. When consumed in moderation, others, like apples and strawberries, can serve as sweet substitutes.
Good news: Your pooch can eat watermelon. The American Kennel Club notes that there are precautions associated with this, though.
Prior to giving it to your pet, the watermelon must first be seedless or you should remove the seeds. Make sure to choose a seedless watermelon because the seeds could cause an obstruction in the digestive tract.
Remove the rind as well because it might cause your dog’s stomach to be upset. If your dog eats the rind, it might cause digestive problems that result in vomiting or diarrhea.
A low-calorie fruit high in potassium, vitamins A, B6, and C, watermelon is also low in calories. It also has fiber which can help with digestion. It is the ideal healthy treat for your pet because it contains neither fat nor cholesterol.
Similar to strawberries, it does contain sugar. Therefore, avoid overfeeding your dog watermelon to avoid upset stomach.
Find food that fits your pet’s needs
If you enjoy this juicy treat but have refrained from sharing it with your dog out of concern that it might not be good for them, your instincts were partially correct. Watermelon is a delicious picnic staple, sure, but is watermelon safe for dogs? If fed to dogs properly, watermelon can actually be a healthy treat for them.
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 few seeds won’t likely result in health issues for large dogs, many seeds can result in a blockage in small dogs.
Giving your dog the rind of a watermelon, which is the tough, green outer skin, is also not a good idea because doing so could result in gastrointestinal distress and vomiting or diarrhea. Although the fruit of the watermelon is a nutritious treat in moderation, eating too much of it may cause your dog’s stomach to become upset.
How to Feed Watermelon to Dogs
To determine the proper portion size for your dog when serving watermelon, you should always consult your veterinarian. Even a nutritious treat like watermelon ought to be included in your dog’s ideal daily balanced diet. Dr. Bayazit recommends:
If possible, Dr. The use of organic watermelon is always preferred, according to Bayazit, but washing the fruit carefully and thoroughly before serving is still essential.
Start out giving watermelon to your pet very slowly to see how well the fruits are being digested, as with any new food that is added to their diet. If your dog has soft stools or diarrhea, they may not like watermelon or have eaten too much of it.
If your dog loves the flavor and taste of watermelon and you’re looking for options outside of chunks of fresh fruit, here are some treats that are filled with that yummy flavor.
If you have a blender, you can make your dog an alcohol-free Mutt Mocktail with just a few ingredients. On a hot day, it can be served chilled to hydrate your dog and sneak in some nutritious food. Oh, this recipe can be adjusted for you, too!.
Watermelon (and pumpkin) flavors abound in Fruitables Skinny Minis, which are low-calorie snacks free of gluten, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors or flavors. An excellent source of dietary fiber and natural antioxidants.
Fresh ingredients are freeze-dried to help preserve all their naturally enticing aromas, delectable flavors, and rich nutritional value. Real turkey, turkey heart, and turkey liver are combined with fruits and vegetables, including watermelon.
What about the sugar in watermelon?
Watermelon contains sugar, but because of the high amount of fiber, the sugar is protected and releases into the bloodstream more gradually than it would in other fruits. But if your dog has diabetes, you shouldn’t give him watermelon until your vet has given you advice on serving sizes and his dietary requirements.
FAQ
Can I feed my 8 week old puppy watermelon?
Yes, watermelon is safe for dogs to eat (but not the seeds or rinds). Just make sure your dog doesn’t consume the rind or seeds. Also, watermelon rinds can cause digestive issues in dogs.
How much watermelon should a puppy eat?
To prevent obesity and diabetes, treats and watermelon should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet. Your dog may experience stomach upset, constipation, or diarrhea if they consume too much watermelon. As a snack, smaller dogs should consume much less than larger dogs.
What happens if a puppy eats watermelon?
Watermelon should be given to your dog in moderation, just like any other treat. Overeating watermelon can give your dog diarrhea, constipation, or an upset stomach. If consumed excessively frequently and in large quantities, it can even cause obesity and diabetes over time, according to Trupanion.
What are fruits that puppies can eat?
- Apples.
- Bananas.
- Blueberries.
- Cantaloupe.
- Cranberries.
- Cucumbers.
- Mango.
- Oranges.