It’s sweet, it’s juicy, it’s hydrating, it’s packed with nutrients… and did we mention it’s juicy? It’s the humble watermelon! While watermelon has long been a beloved summer snack for us humans, can the same be said for our four-legged friends? Can dogs eat watermelon too?
The short answer is yes! Watermelon is a tasty, healthy treat for all kinds of canines – with a few precautions.
So, if you’re looking to shake up your dog’s snacking routine, learn why a bit of watermelon now and again might just make your doggo lose their rind.
Can dogs eat watermelon?
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon! Watermelon is a great snack that’s hydrating, and full of vitamins and nutrients. In fact, of all the fruits and vegetables that dogs can eat, watermelon is one of the best.
However, not all parts of a watermelon are good for your dog. Watermelon seeds and rind can cause a blockage in your pupper’s digestive tract. These are best removed before feeding your dog watermelon.
The odd seed here and there might not pose too much of a problem. But a whole watermelon’s worth is definitely too much. And when it comes to watermelon rind, your dog might swallow big chunks of it and cause a blockage in their digestive tract. This is because watermelon rind is very tough. Your doggo might not be able to chew it down to a digestible size, especially if they’re a small breed.
Is watermelon good for dogs?
Watermelon provides lots of good stuff: vitamins A and C, along with various B vitamins, potassium, and magnesium – all of which boost your dog’s health. And because watermelon is 92 percent water, it’s super hydrating.
Watermelon also contains a good dose of fibre. This valuable nutrient keeps your dog regular and prevents the sugars in watermelon from causing a dramatic blood spike. Watermelon is an equally good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may improve heart health and protect against some cancers. (Fun fact: lycopene is what gives pink and red fruits, like watermelons, their colour!)
Luckily, watermelon happens to be free from lots of bad stuff, including fat and cholesterol. It’s low in sodium and kilojoules, too, so it likely won’t be a problem for your doggo’s waistline.
Important things to know in the “can dogs eat watermelon?” discussion
Now that we’ve solved the mystery of “Can dogs eat watermelon?”, let’s dive in and find out what to know before giving it to your pupper. Watermelon is great and all, but it does come with a few caveats.
Too much of a good thing
Like anything in life, watermelon is best in moderation. Too much of it can cause gastrointestinal issues in your dog, like stomach ache, diarrhea, constipation, or other tummy problems. Not only is this upsetting for your doggo, but it also means you might have an icky clean-up job on your hands…
If you give your dog watermelon, keep your dog’s size in mind. Smaller breeds only need one or two cubes of watermelon, while bigger ones can handle up to three.
Ensure your dog enjoys a balanced diet
Dogs love snacks – that’s a fact. As a rule of thumb, though, any kind of treat – including watermelon – should only make up 10 percent of your dog’s diet. The remaining 90 percent of their diet should consist of nutritionally balanced dog meals. This ratio ensures they get the right mix of vitamins and minerals, and helps prevent long-term health issues, like obesity.
Watch out for a reaction
If your doggo accidentally eats some rind or a bunch of seeds, keep an eye out for signs of an intestinal blockage.
Your dog might seem unusually lethargic, or they may experience vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, or tummy pain. If you notice any of these, take your dog to your vet – stat. Left untreated, an intestinal blockage can lead to more severe complications.
It’s worth letting the rest of your family know about the risks involved with watermelon so they can watch out for a nasty reaction. The same goes if your four-legged friend is hanging out with your local Dog Sitter and snacking on watermelon while they’re at it.
Run it by your vet
If you’re still unsure if your dog should eat watermelon, you can check with your vet. They’ll provide advice on your dog’s dietary needs and whether you can safely add watermelon to their feeding routine. Some dogs may have medical conditions that mean they shouldn’t eat watermelon.
If your vet gives watermelon the thumbs up, they can also give you an idea of how much watermelon to feed your dog. The amount usually depends on your pupper’s size and nutritional requirements.
How to feed watermelon to your pupper
Watermelon is as versatile as it is delicious and nutritious. There are several ways to prepare watermelon for your doggo – and all of them are downright simple. Just make sure you’re using pure watermelon. Watermelon-flavoured foods or a watermelon product with additives might not agree with your dog’s tummy.
- Cube it! The easiest way to feed watermelon to your dog is to cut it into bite-sized cubes. This guarantees there are no sneaky seeds or bits of rind hiding in their sweet treat.
- Blend it! You could also make them a watermelon smoothie. To jazz it up a bit, get creative and add other fruits to the mix. Bananas, blueberries, peaches, and mangoes are all dog-friendly fruits!
- Freeze it! Take your dog’s favourite summer treat to a whole new level by freezing it. Frozen watermelon cubes are great on a hot day and will keep your dog nice and cool.
