When we want a refreshing, healthy treat, we often reach for various types of melon, including honeydew. But can dogs eat honeydew melon as well and is honeydew good for dogs to have? Fortunately, honeydew is loaded with vitamins and nutrients, so it’s safe for dogs to eat. In fact, you can freeze honeydew and give your dogs cool treats on hot summer days.
Of course, it isn’t a good idea to give your pet dog too much of it since canines don’t process fruit as well as humans, but honeydew and other types of melon (e.g. watermelon and cantaloupe) make for excellent dog treats.
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Health Benefits of Melon For Dogs
Honeydew, or Casaba Melon, is a healthy fruit that is not toxic to dogs. Honeydew actually offers a lot of health benefits for dogs. It is low in calories, so it is ideal for dogs that are overweight and on low-calorie diets. One cup of honeydew contains about 60 calories.
Furthermore, melon contains no bad cholesterol or fat, and it is loaded with nutrients that can help keep your dogs healthy. It is also rich in antioxidants, and is a hydrating food, with a water content of over 90 percent. Honeydew is high in dietary fiber, so feeding this treat to your dogs is going to help them feel fuller without having to eat as much. This is great for dogs that are overweight.
Just remember to limit the frequency and amount you share with your dog. Ultimately, dogs need protein, and substituting melon for your dog’s high-protein diet can be bad for your pet.
Feeding Honeydew Melon To Your Dogs
When feeding your dog honeydew or any kind of melon, make sure you only give them small, bite-sized pieces of the flesh. One of the best ways to give your pet honeydew is to only offer them a few pieces that have been scooped out with a melon baller. In the summer time, put some of these pieces in the freezer so you have refreshing, hydrating treats for your dog when it gets really hot outside.
Honeydew Melon Smoothie Recipe For Dogs
Simply mix plain yogurt, honeydew, bananas, and other fruits that are good for dogs. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze for fresh treats.
Don’t Feed Dogs Seeds
One thing you do need to watch out for is honeydew seeds (or any melon seeds for that matter). Most fruit seeds, including melon seeds, contain cyanide, and can cause cyanide poisoning. If this happens, your pet may need immediate veterinary treatment. Therefore, always make sure to remove all seeds before giving your dog this snack.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Honeydew Melon
Honeydew is a healthy treat that you can safely give to your dogs, but as with any other treats, it should only be given in moderation. Remember, treats should only make up about 10 percent of a dog’s daily diet, so if your puppy eats two cups of food per day, he should only have about two ounces of treats.