Watermelon is one of those quintessential fruits to enjoy on a hot summer afternoon on your porch. Luckily, dogs can also eat watermelon as a treat and it’s perfectly safe for them in moderation. One of the lowest-calorie fruits, watermelon is comprised of 92% water. It is also rich in nutrients including potassium, magnesium, lycopene, cucurbitacin E, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Unlike many other fruits and vegetables, watermelon is a treat that most dogs will love from the start. However, you should make sure your dog does not eat watermelon rinds or seeds as they can pose risks to your dogs’ health.
To help you learn more, we’ve created a guide on watermelon for dogs. From health benefits to toxicity, explore the reasons why watermelon is good for dogs!
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Can Dogs Have Watermelon?
Watermelon is very healthy for dogs and puppies. It’s not the slightest bit toxic to them and can be quite thirst-quenching. You can even make frozen watermelon treats for your dog. Of course, just like anything else, you must give this treat to your dog in moderation. Too much of anything is never a good thing. But, you can regularly incorporate watermelon into your dog’s diet by giving it to them in small amounts.
Health Benefits of Watermelon For Dogs
As long as you don’t go overboard, there are several health benefits of dogs eating watermelon in moderation. First of all, watermelon is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, lycopene, magnesium, and cucurbitacin E. These nutrients can help keep your dogs’ immune systems remain healthy. In addition, the antioxidants in watermelon can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Given its high water content, watermelons are also a great treat to help ensure that your dog stays well-hydrated, especially during the summer months. In addition, this makes watermelon a perfect snack for obese dogs that are on a restrictive calorie diet because the high water content and fiber will keep them satiated for longer periods.
Watermelon is also one of the lowest-calorie fruits. The added fiber to your dogs’ diets will also help maintain a healthy digestive system. One cup of watermelon contains 46 calories, 170mg potassium, 1g protein, 35mg iron, 10mg calcium, 40 mcg vitamin A, 5 mg vitamin B6, and 5 mcg vitamin C.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rind or Seeds?
Unfortunately, there are two parts of the watermelon that you should never give to your dogs. Although they can safely chew on the light green part of the rind, dogs aren’t able to digest the actual watermelon rinds themselves and it can lead to intestinal blockage.
Watermelon seeds are also tough for your dog to digest and too many seeds can build up in their intestines and lead to the same issues. You likely don’t need to worry if your dog has eaten a few seeds but be cautious and discuss with your veterinarian if they’ve eaten a lot.
To avoid these issues, we recommend giving your dog seedless watermelon cut into small pieces to avoid any choking hazards and with the rinds already removed.
How Much Watermelon Can My Dog Eat?
Watermelon, in moderation, is a healthy treat for dogs. It’s loaded with nutrients and light on calories making it a great addition to your dogs’ diets when given with other foods that are also healthy for them. To start, give your dog a couple of one-inch thick wedges.
Larger dogs may have more if they want it. If you notice that your dogs are having digestion issues, such as diarrhea, after eating watermelon, you should stop giving it to them or reduce the amount you are serving.
As a rule of thumb, you should give most things to your dogs in moderation since they should be receiving the vast majority of their calories and nutrients from dog food. These blends are created specifically for dogs and are designed to provide all the nutrients that your dogs need to maintain healthy and active lifestyles. However, not all dog foods are equal and we’ve created a guide to help you review the various options available here.
How Should I Serve Watermelon to My Dogs?
There are various ways to give your dogs watermelon. The easiest way is in small chunks to your dogs without the rind or seeds. If your dog likes to eat ice, you can also serve the watermelon cubes frozen to help them cool off on an especially hot day. Dogs also seem to enjoy eating dehydrated watermelon (without the seeds and rind) since it creates a chewy texture and is a bit sweeter since all the water has been removed.
If you want to get more creative, you can puree watermelon and freeze it in ice trays or also create a type of dog-friendly ice cream by adding pureed watermelon and other fruits together like papaya, honeydew melon, peaches, or mangos with greek yogurt or peanut butter.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Watermelon
If your dogs like watermelon and has no problem digesting it, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t give it to them once in a while as a treat. Watermelon can be a great part of a healthy, well-balanced diet for your dogs. Talk to your veterinarian if you have concerns about the best and healthiest foods to help your dogs remain healthy and happy for many years to come.