Watermelons are juicy, sweet, and perfect for beating the heat in the summer.
We all know how healthy watermelon is for us, but does it hold the same benefits for your dog? Is it safe for them to eat? And how much watermelon can you feed them exactly? Read on to find out!
Table of Contents
Is Watermelon Healthy For Dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Every Day?
How Much Watermelon Can I Give My Dog?
What Age Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds?
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon And Strawberries?
Can Dogs Have Yellow Watermelon?
Can Dogs Have Frozen Watermelon?
Can Dogs Have Watermelon In Their Water?
Can Watermelon Give Dogs Diarrhea?
Are Watermelon Dog Treats Safe?
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Yes, dogs can indeed eat watermelon. They are packed with nutrients and can be a great addition to your dog's diet. However, before you feed your dog watermelons, you should keep a couple of precautions in mind.
Is Watermelon Healthy For Dogs?
First, figure out why watermelon is considered safe for dogs. This is because of the many nutritional benefits it offers when consumed. Watermelon itself is approximately 92% water, and the remaining is carbs.
This lower carb level is unlikely to negatively affect your dog's blood sugar levels. The high water content also makes it a very hydrating snack, especially during summer days.
Besides this, watermelons are also filled with antioxidants, potassium, vitamin C, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin A.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Everyday?
Remember how we talked about necessary precautions when feeding your dog watermelon?
One very important precaution is to avoid making it a part of your dog's daily diet; this means you should not feed your dog watermelon every day. Instead, give him fresh watermelon, on rare occasions, as a treat.
Why so? Watermelons may have plenty of nutrients in their makeup, but this does not mean it alone can fulfill all your dog's dietary and nutritional needs.
Watermelons are mainly composed of water and carbs, and your dog also needs appropriate portions of protein and fat for healthy living. This is why you should avoid making watermelon a daily addition to your dog's diet.
How Much Watermelon Can I Give My Dog?
Even if you are not feeding your dog watermelon daily, you still need to take care of the portions you give him. A dog's digestive tract functions quite differently from humans, so they cannot digest certain foods as easily as we do.
- The best approach would be to make sure it only makes up 10% of his diet for the day.
- For small dogs, a few small pieces would be enough.
- For a larger dog, you can give him one cup of diced watermelon.
- Any more may cause digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation.
What Age Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Watermelon is considered one of the few fruits young puppies and adult dogs can eat alike. Usually, puppies can start eating fresh fruits once they are six weeks old. This includes both red and yellow watermelon.
Small pieces of watermelon can be healthy treats for small puppies; however, the proportions will be slightly different than that of a grown dog.
You should make sure watermelon doesn't make up more than 5% of their total dietary intake for the day. If you are still worried about your pup’s tolerance for watermelon at such a young age, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rind?
Whenever you feed your dog watermelon, always make sure to remove the rinds.
This is the tough green outer layer of the watermelon that fades to a pale white inside. The only part safe for your puppy is the fleshy reds.
Why is it not safe for your dog? Watermelon rinds are not toxic, but, they are very difficult to chew and digest because of their tough and firm material.
Eating the rind of watermelon may cause indigestion, gastrointestinal stress, vomiting, and diarrhea. Sometimes tough rinds can even be a choking hazard for dogs. This is why they should be avoided altogether.
Can Dog Eat Watermelon Seed?
Like watermelon rinds, watermelon seeds are also unsafe for your dogs.
Before you feed your dog watermelon, always be sure to remove the seeds. You may think of offering them seedless watermelons instead, but they are also unsafe.
Seedless watermelons also contain thin white seeds that aren't safe for your pups.
The seeds themselves are not toxic, so eating a few won't do much harm, but if your dog continues to eat them from a watermelon slice, it may become a health hazard.
Seeds are not safe for your dogs as they can lead to intestinal blockage in dogs. This is more unsafe for smaller dogs than larger ones but should be avoided for all to keep your dog safe and healthy.
Can Dog Eat Bitter Melon?
Yes, dogs can eat bitter melon. Bitter melon, also known as the bitter gourd, is safe for dogs to consume. In particular, you can feed your dog the flesh, skin, and leaves of bitter melon. However, you should keep an eye out for the color of its seeds.
If the seeds turn red, avoid feeding them to your dog, as they contain toxins. Feeding the red seeds to your dog can lead to abdominal issues, diarrhea, and fever.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon And Strawberries?
Yes, strawberries, along with watermelons, are both fruits that are safe for your dog to consume.
We have already discussed the many health benefits of watermelon. Strawberries also have their fair share of benefits. They are a rich source of fiber, antioxidants, and Vitamin C.
However, strawberries should only be served as an occasional treat. They tend to have sugar, so always give them in moderation, or else your pup may end up with an upset stomach.
You should also avoid canned strawberries, only offer him fresh strawberries.
Here Is A Yummy Strawberry Watermelon Dog Treat Recipe For Your Pup.
Can Dogs Have Yellow Watermelon?
Yes, yellow watermelon is completely safe for your dog to consume. They tend to have a very similar makeup to red watermelons and even provide the same nutritional benefits.
The only difference is that red watermelons contain a chemical called lycopene that gives them their red color.
Yellow watermelon lacks lycopene and instead carries beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is safe for dogs to consume.
Can Dogs Have Frozen Watermelon?
Yes, you can serve your dog watermelon after freezing. On a hot summer day, you and your pup both can enjoy a rich frozen watermelon together to cool down.
The only thing you need to keep track of is that the portions are small enough for your dog to easily consume without becoming a choking hazard. You also need to remove the seeds and rinds of the watermelon for safe consumption.
Here is a yummy watermelon Popsicle recipe for your dog.
Can Dogs Have Watermelon In Their Water?
Yes, you can infuse watermelon into your pet's water for consumption! In fact, watermelon is one of the most popular choices for flavored drinking water among dogs. However, make sure you use fresh watermelons for their drinking water.
You should avoid adding additional sugar or flavorings to the water, as these can be toxic for your dog. You can also drop a few pieces of frozen watermelon into your dog's drinking bowl on a hot summer day!
Can Watermelon Give Dogs Diarrhea?
Like all things, you should feed watermelon to your dog in moderation. Giving them too much watermelon may lead to diarrhea, constipation, and an upset stomach. This is because of the high water content of watermelon.
If your dog isn't accustomed to fresh fruit and you introduce watermelon into his diet, your pup may also suffer from diarrhea.
- To avoid this, you should always give watermelon in moderation, make sure it makes no more than 10% of his total dietary intake,
- Always start introducing your dog to watermelon through small cuts.
If your dog shows signs of diarrhea or an upset stomach frequently, he may also be allergic to watermelon. If you notice such effects, consult with a veterinarian.
Why Do Dogs Love Watermelon?
Most dogs will thoroughly enjoy being treated to watermelon. This is because dogs seem to like the texture of this fruit.
Moreover, the fruit contains high water content, which makes it refreshing to eat, especially during hot summer days. The fresh sweetness of the watermelon also makes them a yummy treat for your dog.
Are Watermelon Dog Treats Safe?
