NOTE: Before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods,” always consult your veterinarian. Depending on a number of variables, including their age, health history, health conditions, and diet, what may be beneficial for one dog may not be beneficial for your dog. No treats or other foods should be given to dogs on prescription diets.
There’s no reason to be concerned if you shared a piece of watermelon or if your dog did. Your dog should be completely fine as long as they do not have diabetes and are not sensitive to sugar.
Most puppies and adult dogs can safely eat both red and yellow watermelon because they are both safe and healthy fruits. However, giving the fruit to dogs who are obese or who have diabetes or sugar sensitivities is not a good idea.
Watermelon has few calories, no fat, and no cholesterol. Additionally, since a watermelon is 92% water, it is a good source of hydration, especially on hot summer days.
However, keep in mind that your dog should only consume a small amount of watermelon as a snack and cannot rely solely on it to keep them hydrated.
Be sure that your dog does not eat watermelon rind. They shouldn’t eat it because it poses a serious choking risk and may cause intestinal blockages. Visit your veterinarian right away if you notice that your dog has ingested a watermelon rind.
Remove the rind and seeds from any watermelon before giving it to your dog. Although the cyanide in these black seeds is present, it is unlikely that a dog could consume enough of them to become poisoned. The seeds can also be a potential choking hazard.
Despite their name, watermelons can occasionally still contain tiny, white seeds. Additionally, even though those are probably not choking hazards, they might cause stomach upset in your dog. So it’s safest to remove those as well.
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 Is Watermelon Good For Dogs?
Watermelon is full of beneficial nutrients that are healthy for dogs, including potassium and vitamins A, B6, and C. It’s also high in fiber, which is good for digestion.
Although watermelon contains sugar, the fruit’s fiber content insulates the sugar from the bloodstream and delays its rapid absorption. Additionally, it contains lycopene, an antioxidant that may aid in the prevention of cancer.
Watermelon is healthier than many store-bought treats because it has fewer calories, less sodium, no fat, and no cholesterol. This fruit can be a good source of hydration and a particularly cooling treat on a hot day because it is made of roughly 92 percent water.
Can my dog eat too much watermelon?
Anything in excess can lead to issues, and watermelon is no exception.
It should be noted that any dog should consume their regular, nutritionally balanced dog food for 90% of their daily calories. 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.
FAQ
How much watermelon can I give my dog?
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.
Can dogs eat bananas?
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They’re high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. Although they are low in cholesterol and sodium, bananas should only be given to dogs as a treat because of their high sugar content.
Can watermelon give dogs diarrhea?
An upset stomach, constipation, diarrhea, or even long-term obesity and diabetes can result from consuming too much of any one treat, including watermelon. Remember to limit your dog’s diet’s treats, like watermelon, to 10% or less.
What should I do if my dog eats watermelon?
Get your dog to the vet right away if you notice symptoms of an intestinal blockage, such as vomiting, constipation, lethargy, and abdominal pain, in the event that your dog did consume the seeds or rind of a watermelon.