Yes, dogs can eat watermelon in moderation. Watermelon is a delicious, healthy, and hydrating fruit that can be served as a refreshing treat. However, remove the seeds and rind to ensure a safe serving.
Table of Contents
What is a Watermelon?
Watermelon is a large, luscious, edible fruit derived from a flowering plant of the Cucurbitaceae family, related to cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash. The scientific name of watermelon is Citrullus Lanatus.
This fruit comprises the below nutrients which earns them the status of a superfood.
92 percent water
Low in fat, sodium, and calories
Vitamin A, B6, and C
Lycopene
Antioxidants
Potassium
Amino acids
The nutrients in 100 grams of raw watermelon are:
Calories
30
Water
91%
Protein
0.6 g
Carbohydrates
7.6 g
Sugar
6.2 g
Fiber
0.4 g
Fat
0.2 g
Are Watermelons Safe for Dogs?
Yes, dogs can safely consume watermelon in moderate quantities. On the other hand, you should not feed your pup with some parts of watermelon; they include:
Watermelon seeds
Watermelon rind
As these parts are pretty fatal to dogs, ensure to dispose of them before serving your dogs. Also, avoid feeding watermelons to your diabetic dogs.
Why is Watermelon Good for Dogs?
Besides being an excellent thirst quencher on a scorching summer day, Watermelons are nutrient-packed with low calories. As a result, these fruits impact your canine’s health positively, which are summarized below:
Potassium:
It helps in the proper functioning of your dog’s kidneysAids in maintaining cardiac and digestive healthIt strengthens your pet’s bones. It regulates the fluid levels, and promotes muscle development.
Vitamin B6:
Supports red blood cells generation, immune response. Nervous system function, andHormone regulation.
Vitamin A:
Boosts your pup’s immune systemPromotes bone development and the reproductive system.Enhances eyesight, prevents night blindness and cataract in dogs.Supports proper function and quality of skin, coat, muscles, and nerves.
Vitamin C:
This powerful antioxidant targets and destroys free-radical molecules that can damage new cells. Anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic
Vitamin E:
Enriches the skin and coat and prevents skin irritation and ear infections.
Antioxidants:
Boost your pups’ immune systemRepairs damaged cells due to environmental stress.
Moisture:
Promotes hydration and excellent thirst quencher.
Lycopene:
Prevents or slows down cancerous growth.Supports vision in dogs.
In addition, the fiber in watermelon encases its sugar content and prevents its quick release into the bloodstream. Hence, consumption of this fruit doesn’t shoot up your canine companion’s sugar levels.
Why is Watermelon Bad for Dogs?
Watermelons have to be served with precaution to ensure your dogs don’t face any life-threatening conditions or ill effects despite its numerous health benefits. Hence, some of these scenarios are:
Watermelon seeds:
Consuming too many seeds of this fruit can cause potential intestinal blockage. Although most large dogs can pass these seeds without any issue, it can be hazardous, especially for small dogs.
Watermelon rind:
The rind of the watermelon is pretty tough and challenging to chew. Hence, your dog may swallow these rinds without munching on them properly, which results in intestinal blockage.
Symptoms of intestinal blockage in dogs:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Decreased appetite
Lethargy
Difficulty in breathing
Constipation
Stomach bloat
Monitor your canine for at least 24 hours
Natural watermelons only
Avoid feeding any artificially flavored watermelon treats or candies, as they may contain sugars or artificial sweeteners like xylitol which are toxic to dogs. Too much sugar can result in a gastrointestinal upset momentarily. In the long run, it may lead to diabetes or obesity.
Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs:
Vomiting
Excessive drooling
Seizures
Coma
Brain hemorrhage
Liver failure
Drowsiness
Loss of consciousness or slow to respond
Since xylitol toxicity can also lead to death, it is considered a medical emergency. Hence, if you suspect your pet of consuming any food containing xylitol, it is best to reach out to your vet immediately. Additionally, in some cases, a dog may not exhibit any symptoms of xylitol toxicity until the consumed food is digested.
How much Watermelon to Feed Your Dog?
As too much watermelon is unsuitable for your canine’s tummy, ensure to feed them a few pieces of it once a week occasionally, with the seeds and the rind removed. Additionally, this also prevents obesity and diabetes in the long run. Further, your smaller dog should have them less when compared to a larger dog. However, it is best to offer watermelons to your diabetic dog only upon your vet’s advice about serving sizes and your dog’s dietary requirements.
How to Serve Watermelon for Dogs?
There are some safe ways to feed watermelons to your pup. They are given as below:
In pieces: Slice the fresh watermelon into smaller pieces and remove the rinds and seeds to serve.
Frozen Chunks: Freeze the sliced watermelon and then serve it to your dog.
Puree: Puree fresh watermelons and freeze before serving.
Watermelon ice cream: Mix frozen watermelon chunks with plain, unflavored yogurt. You can add this mixture to your dog’s regular food bowl or stuff it into a rubber toy.
Dehydrated watermelon: Dehydrate the fruit and serve it as a chewy treat for your canine companion.
What if my Dog Ate Watermelon?
When watermelons are consumed excessively, it can cause a tummy upset, constipation, or diarrhea. Although these symptoms are not a concern, ensure to keep your dogs hydrated with the water availability.
If diarrhea becomes severe and your pup shows signs of dehydration, or any other concerning symptoms, get in touch with your vet right away.
Moreover, if your pup is starting to eat watermelon just now, ensure to feed them in smaller quantities and monitor for any symptoms of gastrointestinal upset.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat seedless watermelon?
Yes, dogs can eat seedless watermelon. Since these fruits don’t contain mature seeds, they don’t clog the digestive tract.
Conclusion
Your pup can enjoy eating watermelons as an occasional treat as long as the seeds and rind of the fruit are removed. Watermelons are low-calorie fruits packed with nutrients, so go ahead and cut up some watermelon slices for yourself and your best buddy!
