Can dogs eat watermelon? The complete guide

Can dogs eat watermelon? Is watermelon good for dogs? These are 2 questions that many dog owners have asked, and we luckily have a definitive answer.

In this blog post, we will explore the question of whether or not dogs can eat watermelon, and provide a definitive answer. We will also discuss some of the health benefits that watermelon provides for dogs and what par you should never feed them.

So, if you are wondering whether or not you can give your pup a slice of watermelon on a hot day, read on!

Can dogs eat watermelon?

As summer is rapidly approaching more and more dog owners start to ask the same question: Can dogs eat watermelon? Yes, they can and it even has a lot of nutrients and a high water percentage that will benefit your puppy. The good news is that, whether fresh or frozen, this delicious, sweet, and juicy treat is safe for dogs to consume.

Watermelon is a popular fruit in the United States, particularly during the summer when it is one of the most common snacks. It’s a delicious, juicy fruit with 92 percent water (making it the king of fruits with high water content) and a nutrient density that few fruits can match.

It’s low in calories, packed with nutrients, and all-in-all a refreshing snack, making it a healthy addition to your dog’s diet when consumed in moderation.

But be aware! You should always remove any seeds and the rind before feeding watermelon to your dog.

Benefits of watermelon for dogs

Watermelon is high in potassium and vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as fiber. It’s also high in fiber, which is beneficial for digestion, making it a healthy snack for your puppy.

Fresh or frozen watermelon, on top of being a delicious summer treat, has several nutritional advantages for dogs:

• It has a high vitamin A, B1, B5, B6, and C content
• It’s loaded with minerals as well, including potassium and magnesium
• It has a high anti-oxidant and carotenoid content, including beta-carotene and lycopene
• It’s loaded with fibers that help digestion
• It’s low in calories, so watermelons won’t make your dog obese
• Its high water content is refreshing for your puppy and can help with hydration on hot days

Can dogs eat the whole watermelon?

Can dogs eat watermelon as a whole or are there parts that you’ll need to look out for? While watermelon flesh and the light green part of the rind are fine, you should look out for seeds and the rind.

Watermelon seeds can be a choking hazard for dogs and can also cause digestive issues if swallowed. Of course, a few seeds won’t cause too much harm, so don’t start panicking if your dog ate some, that you didn’t see. The best way to give your dog watermelon is to cut it into small pieces, removing any seeds or rinds. You can also puree watermelon flesh and freeze it in ice cube trays for a healthy summer treat.

The rind is another part of the watermelon that your dog shouldn’t eat. While the light green area of the rind is edible, the rind itself is too hard for them. Their digestive system isn’t able to break it down properly, and it can cause intestinal obstruction in much the same way as the seeds can.

You can’t go wrong if you remove the rind and the seeds of watermelon before feeding it to your dog. Or even better if you cut watermelon flesh up into smaller pieces and remove the seeds. This way your dog can eat watermelon safely.

Can dogs eat seedless watermelon?

Because the seeds are not yet ripe or in large quantities in seedless watermelons, they cannot get stuck in the digestive tract. Even if your dog loves watermelon, you’ll want to be cautious of the seed content in the fruit. If you have a seedless watermelon, you can give your dog larger chunks without worrying about the seeds.

Just remember to remove the rind before feeding it to your pup, as it is hard for them to digest. This way you won’t have to worry if your dog can eat watermelon or not.

How often can dogs eat watermelon?

Just like with any other food, offer watermelon to your dog in moderation. Too much of anything can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea.

A good rule of thumb is to offer no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories from treats, including watermelon.

• For a small dog, that would be about half a cup of watermelon per day.
• For a medium-sized dog, one cup per day would be the maximum.
• And for large dogs, two cups per day would be the maximum.

Your dog may become ill from too much watermelon, which can cause stomach aches, constipation, or diarrhea. A smaller dog should have far less as a snack than a larger one does.

Of course, you should always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog’s diet.

Watch out for sugar

While watermelon is a healthy treat for your dog, it is important to remember that it does contain sugar. And like all things sweet, too much sugar can be bad for your pup. Can dogs eat watermelon regardless of the sugar content?

Luckily watermelons have a fairly low sugar content compared to other fruits, so it’s a safe option, but you’ll still have to look out for it and know how much is too much.

Watermelon also contains a high amount of fiber, which serves as insulation for the sugar and allows it to enter the circulation slower than that in fruits. If your dog has diabetes, you should avoid providing watermelon until your veterinarian instructs you on serving sizes and your dog’s diet requirements.

Only feed your dog natural watermelon

Artificial watermelon-flavored treats are not recommended for dogs. They’re frequently loaded with sugar, chemicals, or other substances that can make your dog sick.

Sugars can cause gastrointestinal distress in the short term and diabetes or obesity over time. Artificially sweetened products, such as xylitol, can be harmful to dogs, so stick to plain watermelon that you make yourself. You’ll know what’s in it like this way.

So can dogs eat watermelon?

Yes, dogs can eat watermelon! Just make sure to remove the seeds and rind before feeding watermelon to your pup. And as with anything else, offer it in moderation. Too much of any one thing can lead to stomach upset and diarrhea in your dog.

If you have any concerns about feeding watermelon (or any other food) to your dog, always consult with your veterinarian first. They will be able to give you tailored advice for your pup’s specific needs.

Have a fun and safe summer! And enjoy some watermelon with your furry friend. :)” 

Can dogs eat watermelon? FAQ