Yes, dogs can eat cantaloupe in moderation. Fresh cantaloupe contains 90% water and fiber. Hence, cantaloupe will keep your dog hydrated and aid in proper digestion. It is also filled with various other vitamins and minerals. Introduce cantaloupe to your dog slowly after consulting your vet!
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What is Cantaloupe?
Cantaloupe, also known as rockmelon in Australia and New Zealand, sweet melon in South Africa, or spanspek in South Africa, is a melon that is a variant of the muskmelon species from the Cucurbitaceae family.
After the fruit was imported from Armenia, the term cantaloupe was derived in the 18th century via French cantaloup from Italian Cantalupo, a papal county seat near Rome. In 1739, it was first referenced in English literature. Cantaloupe is said to have originated somewhere between South Asia and Africa. It was later brought to Europe, and in the United States, it became a commercial crop around 1890.
Is Cantaloupe Safe for Dogs?
Yes, cantaloupe is safe for dogs in moderation. However, it is best to avoid cantaloupe rinds as they are difficult to chew and digest. They may choke your dog and rupture his esophagus or the intestinal tract. It is also crucial to look after your dog if it licks the rind at any point in time. The rind may even contain harmful bacteria and may cause stomach upset.
Why Is Cantaloupe Good for Dogs?
Cantaloupe is good for dogs as it is packed with various nutrients and is low in calories. Feeding cantaloupe following the 10% rule will keep your dog healthy. The nutrients in cantaloupe which aids your dog are:
Water: Water is essential to keep your dog hydrated throughout his lifetime. It is vital to provide adequate water to your dog. The best way is to keep a bowl of water in the same place. Your dog will slurp the water when he feels thirsty or tired. Cantaloupe popsicles during training sessions can do wonders for your dog!
Dietary fiber: Fiber is an excellent source of nutrients for a dog’s digestive system. The healthy bacteria usually found in your dog’s colon digest fiber into fatty acids. This fatty acid then aids in the recovery of the colon by preventing the expansion of any harmful bacteria.
Vitamin A: It is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps in a dog’s eyesight, cellular differentiation, immunological responses, reproduction, and bone development.
Vitamin B6: Although Vitamin B6 for dogs can help with several things, one of the most important is supporting amino acid metabolism. It may also aid in the maintenance of good bladder health.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C serves as a powerful antioxidant. It can help prevent inflammation and cognitive aging by scavenging potentially damaging free radicals in the body. Although dogs’ livers can generate vitamin C on their own, supplementation may provide health advantages in some situations.
Folate: Folate ensures fast cell development during puppyhood, adulthood, and pregnancy, regulates homocysteine levels in the blood, and employs amino acids to construct new proteins. Vitamin B9 or folate has a role in regular blood production, immunological function, cell division, and tissue development.
Niacin: Supplementing dogs with niacin has been recommended as a therapy for hypercholesterolemia, and it has been demonstrated to lower VLDL production in obese dogs.
Potassium: Potassium helps electrical charges in the heart, nerves, and muscles work properly. If your dog lacks this critical mineral, you may notice that they are constantly fatigued, which is not normal, or that they have no desire to eat.
Magnesium: At the cellular level, magnesium is involved in energy generation. Magnesium is required to allow the passage of energy whenever your pet moves a muscle, has a heartbeat, or has thought.
Manganese: Manganese is required to produce energy, metabolize protein and carbs, and form fatty acids in dogs. Manganese is a component of many enzymes and aids in the health and preservation of bone and cartilage in joints.
Why is Cantaloupe Bad for Dogs?
Although cantaloupe is good for dogs to eat, this superfood has a few downsides that must be kept in mind.
Pro tip: Cantaloupe is not recommended for diabetic dogs.
Fiber: High fiber levels induce digestive issues and prevent normal nutritional absorption. Dogs, unlike humans, are carnivores, meaning they prefer meat to plant-based foods to meet their dietary demands.
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Gastrointestinal issues
Gas
Dehydration
Acidity
Sugar: Too much sweet is not recommended for dogs. Consequences of sugar consumption are:
Obesity
Diabetes
Weight gain
Heart issues
Hyperactivity
Cavity issues
Periodontal disease
Hip dysplasia
How Much Cantaloupe to Feed Your Dog?
You should not provide your dog cantaloupe every day. Instead, you may offer it as a treat during training sessions once a week. A few slices of chilled cantaloupe during hot summer will be perfect for your active dog!
If your dog is diabetic, it is best not to offer cantaloupe at all, as it is high in sugar.
How to Serve Cantaloupe to Your Dog?
Here are a few cantaloupe serving ideas:
Cut the cantaloupe removing the rind, and offer 1 or 2 slices.
Freeze the cantaloupe slices in the freezer and serve them on hot summer days.
What If My Dog Ate Cantaloupe?
If your dog accidentally ate fresh cantaloupe slices once in a blue moon, it won’t harm your dog much. You can provide him with water to ease his uneasiness. However, if your dog eats cantaloupe along with the rind, it is best to consult a vet, as the rind can cause severe harm.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can eat fresh, bite-sized cantaloupe in moderation. They are packed with healthy nutrients which can aid in a dog’s overall health. Cantaloupe rind, however, can be dangerous for dogs as it may cause a choking hazard and gastrointestinal issues. The best way to introduce your dog to cantaloupe is by consulting your vet. Ensure a healthy and happy life for your dog!
