Can dogs eat watermelon? Yes, They certainly can!
If you’re curious to know if dogs can eat watermelon, how often they can eat, and how much they can eat it, the good thing is that this juicy, sweet, yummy melon, fresh or frozen, is safe for dogs to eat. Low in carbs and high in nutrients, it’s a nutritious and wonderful addition to your dog’s diet but moderation is the key, and with a few safety measures like removing the seeds and rind.
Nutritional Profile of watermelons
Watermelons the nature’s richest treat is no doubt full of plenty of nutrients and essential vitamins providing many health benefits to your doggy fellow.
Let’s take a closer look at their nutritional profile
Water content
Among all the fruits watermelon is the richest in having the highest water content. It comprises more than 90% water content the rest is a bulky part.
It helps to keep your dog hydrated in the summer. So it’s also a great option for dogs who are reluctant to drink water.
Antioxidants
Watermelon has a high profile of necessary antioxidants.
They are immune system boosters. Repair cells that have been damaged by different factors on the bodies of our dogs. Consider them the oxidation troops, on the lookout for injured cells and rescuing them from the disintegration that wreaks havoc on our dogs’ bodies as they get older.
Lycopene
Lycopene is a chemical compound found in watermelons. It imparts beautiful red color to watermelon pulp. It prevents cancer and also improves the vision of dogs. Research has shown lycopene helps in slowing down the rate of cancerous cells in canines.
It also helps in making the bones and teeth of dogs stronger.
Vitamins
Having a rich blend of vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin B5, and a lot more others watermelon makes the healthiest treat for your dogs.
Vitamin C is an immune system booster, and also promotes the coat and fur development of your canine.
Vitamin A promotes eye development and also helps in morphogenesis, immune system functioning, and has an effect on the overall health of your pet.
Minerals
Minerals like calcium, potassium, copper, and zero cholesterol of watermelon help to provide many benefits to your dog. All these minerals are quite helpful in the healthy growth of puppies and for normal bodily metabolism in elderly dogs.
Citrulline
Citrulline, an important plant chemical is present in watermelon. It helps the body to get rid of all the unnecessary components thus lowering the risk of many diseases in your pet.
Research has shown that dogs with a lower plasma citrulline concentration fall prey to Parvoviral Enteritis. Healthy dogs having a high concentration of plasma citrulline don’t get Parvoviral Enteritis.
“Dogs can eat watermelon as it is high in vitamins and minerals, low in carbs, and zero in cholesterol a healthy treat for your dog”
When watermelons are bad for dogs
Watermelon should not be a significant part of a dog’s diet. Dogs who consume an excessive amount of watermelon will most likely experience an abdominal sharp pain, as well as diarrhea or even other signs of digestive problems.
When they try a different food that they’re not used to, some dogs experience belly upset. Give your dog watermelon in moderation of course, especially if they’ve never had it before, and observe how they respond.
You can consult your vet or a dietician to determine the right amount for your dog.
Can dogs eat every part of watermelon?
Not every part of watermelons is safe for dogs to consume. Some parts like mature brown seeds and rind are not recommended for dogs as they may have trouble (this trouble reminds one of the awesome movie Dog Gone Trouble, Check it out on weekend) digesting them due to their hard texture.
Can dogs eat watermelon rind?
The part of the watermelon that is harmful to that is to your dog is the rind. Your dog can bite on the light green part of the rind, but the rind itself is too hard for them. Their digestive system is incapable of breaking it down efficiently, and it can lead to intestinal blockage.
It is better to remove the rind from the watermelon before feeding to dogs. If your dog accidentally eats rind and falls ll then consult a vet immediately.
Can dogs eat watermelon seeds?
Watermelon seeds are not thought good for dogs. Watermelon seeds (fully grown ones) are toxic to dogs.
A couple of seeds inadvertently eaten will most likely not cause damage, but when you let your dog chow down on a watermelon slice, they may consume too many seeds. If this is the situation, the hard seeds may become stuck in the dog’s digestive tract, resulting in intestinal infection and blockage.
This is true for small dogs, whose intestines are much smaller than those of larger dogs. Taking out the seeds and giving your dog tiny pieces is the ideal way for him to enjoy this juicy fruit.
Can dogs eat hollow heart watermelon?
Some watermelons have internal cracks in the pulp. It’s a condition called Hollow Heart, and it’s caused by temperature variations during the growth period.
Hollow Heart melons are safe to eat, and they are tastier in locations around the cracks as sugar deposits around the cracks give it a more sweet taste.
Some watermelons may become soft in transporting from one spot to other. If their taste is not changed they are healthy for dogs to consume.
Can dogs eat seedless watermelon?
Watermelon with no seeds is the best option for your dog. Seedless fruits have been developed by parthenocarpy for different benefits. The seeds in parthenocarpic watermelon are not mature enough or in sufficient quantity to disturb the digestive tract. They are soft and can easily be eaten.
You should still be aware of the fruit’s seed content, but it’s a far better alternative if your dog enjoys watermelon.
Prefer natural watermelons
Watermelon-flavored sweets or anything synthetic flavored with watermelon is generally not a great idea for dogs. They are typically high in sugar, chemicals, or other ingredients that can render your dog ill.
Excess sugar consumption can cause digestive upset in the near run and diabetes or overweight in the long run. Sweeteners like xylitol are dangerous to dogs, so offer to simple melon that you prepare yourself.
Can puppies eat watermelon?
Watermelon is safe to consume for puppies but don’t offer them n large amounts and also don’t forget to remove the seeds from the watermelons.
Also, remove the rind as puppies can’t eat the rind. Cut the watermelon into small slices.
How to feed watermelon to your dog?
Before feeding your dog watermelon, remember to remove any seeds or rind.
The best way to prepare watermelon for dogs is to cut it into small, cubes, which makes a simple and easily chewable treat.
Frozen watermelon chunks are also good for dogs to eat.
A smart way of introducing watermelon in dogs diet
A smart way of introducing watermelon in your dog’s diet is to remove rind and seeds from watermelon, cut it into very small cubes and sprinkle it over his meal.
If you feel your dog s interested in eating it then you can shift him to plain watermelon cubes.
Final Thoughts
Watermelon is a very delicious nature’s treat. Your dog can eat watermelon but don’t forget to remove the rind and the seeds first as they may cause gastrointestinal blockage.
Delicious Watermelon Recipes For Your Dog
Watermelon Summer Ice cream
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Watermelon Slices | 1 Cup |
| Plain Yogurt | 1 Cup |
Steps
- Take watermelon slices in a cup and ensure there is no rind or seeds included.
- Put the chunks in the freezer until they freeze.
- Take plain yogurt without additives in a bowl and put frozen watermelon chunks in it.
- Put the mixture in the freezer for about 20 minutes.
- Take out the bowl and offer a delicious watermelon recipe to your furry fellow.
Cocomelon Slush
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Coconut Milk | 1 Cup |
| Watermelon | 1 Cup |
Steps
- Take a bowl and put a cup of coconut milk in it
- Take one cup of finely rinded watermelon with seeds removed.
- Put the watermelon slices in the bowl a mi well.
- Put the mixture in the freezer for about 25 minutes unless semisolid.
- Take out the slush and offer it to your lovely pet.
Watermelon and Banana Pupsicles
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Banana | 1 |
| Coconut Milk | 1/2 Cup |
| Watermelon | 1 Cup |
Steps
- Take one cup of sliced watermelon with rind and seeds removed and put it in a blender.
- Peel the banana and put it into a blender.
- Add some coconut milk and puree.
- Take out the mixture in ice cube trays or paw-shaped molds.
- Freeze the mixture until solid.
- Offer lovely paw-shaped pupsicles to your dog.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much watermelon can I give my dog?
The better serving size of watermelons is between 55 and 75 grams. In other words, a cup of sliced and peeled watermelon chunks would be the best and adequate treat for your dog.
Why do dogs love watermelon?
Watermelons are fresh and juicy fruits. Dogs love the refreshing feel and aroma of watermelons. Moreover, it is high in water content and keeps your pet hydrated. The red color and delicious taste of watermelons make them doggie’s favorite treat.
What if my dog overeats watermelon?
It is better to serve watermelon in moderation to your dog. But if your dog overeats watermelon he may fall prey to diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. In such a case consult a vet immediately.
Can diabetic dogs eat watermelon?
Diabetic Dogs can eat watermelon but you should not give them even a single chunk as it is high in sugar. Make sure to consult a vet and know the safely feedable amount for your dog.
Why watermelon rind is not good for dogs?
Your dog might bite the light green part of the rind and even may he will eat it too. But it is better to remove the rind from watermelon before offering it to the dog as it is hard to digest by dogs and causes many gastric problems including intestinal blockage.
Can I give my dog watermelon every day?
Yes, you can give watermelon to your dog every day but don’t overfeed him. Also, don’t forget to remove the rind and the seeds from it before feeding as they may cause gastric problems in your dog.
What happens if my dog eats watermelon?
Watermelon is a safe fruit to consume by dogs. If your dog loves to eat watermelon offer him watermelon. Remove seeds and the rind and cut the watermelon into small cubes. If your dog accidentally consumes watermelon from the table with rind and seeds check for any adverse symptoms and consult a vet at once.
Why Is it necessary to remove seeds from watermelon?
Mature seeds in watermelon can cause choking hazards and they also get entangled in dog intestines, Their intestines are relatively small and eating seeds may block them. It is advisable to remove seeds before feeding watermelon to your dog.
Is seedless watermelon a better choice for dogs?
Seeds can cause intestinal blockage in dogs. Seedless watermelon is easy to digest and safe to consume for dogs. Prefer natural melon don’t offer canned seedless watermelon to your dog as it may contain preservatives.
Can puppies eat watermelon?
Yes, puppies can eat watermelon. But don’t forget to remove the rind and the seeds from it. Also, cut it into very small cubes for offering to puppies.
What if my dog ate watermelon and fell ill?
If your dog ate watermelon and fell ill he may have accidentally consumed the rind or seeds along with watermelon flesh. You should seek vet guidance at once.
Can pregnant dogs eat watermelon?
Yes, pregnant dogs can eat watermelon. It contains many essential nutrients and vitamins. It is also high in fiber and zeroes in cholesterol. It is safe to consume by pregnant dogs.
