The humble watermelon is a beloved snack for many people, as well as a fun summertime activity to cut and eat. But, is it safe for our furry friends? This article is dedicated to exploring whether watermelon is a viable option for dogs with pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis is a common inflammatory disease of the pancreas causing abdominal pain and nausea. It can range in severity from mild to life-threatening and is usually caused by poor diet or a genetic predisposition. To help alleviate the symptoms of pancreatitis, vets may suggest dietary modifications to help support the pancreas.
It makes sense that pet owners want to know if watermelon is a good option for their dog with pancreatitis. The good news is that watermelon is a safe and healthy option for dogs in general, and for those with pancreatitis in particular. Let’s take a look at the nutritional value of watermelon, from the standpoint of a dog
How Much Watermelon Can I Feed to my Dog?
Your dog is safe around watermelon, but as with any treat, we should only give it occasionally. Undoubtedly, consuming too much watermelon can result in GI distress, even vomiting and diarrhea.
I’d advise paying attention to how many calories your dog needs to avoid complications when giving this treat. Treats should only account for about 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, according to Preventive Vet. There are about 46 calories in 1 cup of watermelon.
So, ideally, you can determine how many calories your dog requires and then set calorie limits on the treats. As an illustration, a 22-pound adult neutered dog requires roughly 650 calories per day. For this dog, you should keep daily treat calories to about 65, which is equivalent to about a cup and a half of watermelon.
Safety Concerns and Risks Associated with Watermelon
There are a few precautions we must take when feeding the watermelon fruit to your dog, even though it is completely safe for them.
First, avoid giving your dog the watermelon rind. You can either hold onto the rind or cut it off. If your dog consumes the rind, it may irritate their digestive tract and cause vomiting or diarrhea. Or even worse, the rind might become lodged in the digestive system and cause a blockage. An intestinal blockage can require emergency surgical treatment.
Secondly, it is better to opt for seedless watermelon. If your dog consumes an excessive amount of watermelon seeds, this can also cause intestinal discomfort and, in some cases, blockage.
Finally, watermelon may need to be avoided by dogs with certain medical conditions. It is best to refrain from feeding people food to your dog if he suffers from food allergies until you have precisely identified the foods that cause his allergies. Although allergies are unlikely to be triggered by watermelon, it is best to be safe Additionally, exercise caution when giving treats, such as watermelon, to dogs who have pancreatitis and underlying intestinal disease. These ailments may greatly increase your dog’s sensitivity to certain foods.
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.
FAQ
Is watermelon good for dogs stomach?
The answer is yes, with a couple of precautions. First, avoid eating seeds as they may result in an intestinal blockage. Additionally, it’s a good idea to remove the rind because it may upset your stomach.
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.
What is the best food to feed a dog with pancreatitis?
For pancreatic patients, both prepared and store-bought diets frequently contain rice as an ingredient. For those with pancreatitis, boiled chicken, low-fat beef, egg whites, yogurt, barley, and cooked vegetables are also regarded as safe foods.
Can you eat watermelon with pancreatitis?
Just like you would eat, stick to healthy snacks and stay away from fatty, processed treats. Try watermelon, apples, carrots, and small pieces of cooked chicken. Feed higher protein with moderate carbohydrates to lose weight. Stay away from processed foods and kibble.