Can dogs eat watermelon?
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon. In fact, watermelon has high levels of vitamins and minerals, so it can be added to the long list of dog superfoods!
However, there are some precautions that should be taken when offering watermelon to your dog.
Let’s have a look at the good stuff that’s in watermelon, as well as the potential hazards that can come along with it.
Table of Contents
Is watermelon good for dogs?
Yes, watermelon is good for dogs. By offering dogs watermelon, you can give them an extra boost of vitamins and minerals. Extra food supplements, such as watermelon, can be offered to your dog as a treat, but should not be a replacement for food.
A dog’s usual diet should give them enough goodness to function correctly. If you are unsure of what food to give to your dog, speak with your veterinary surgeon.
Let’s have a look at what nutrients watermelon can offer your dog.
- Vitamin C
With a multitude of goodness that can benefit a dog’s body, Vitamin C helps to reduce inflammation, as well as improve energy levels and support the immune system.
Not only that, Vitamin C acts as a natural antioxidant. Antioxidants help to protect the cells in our dogs’ bodies from damage.
By offering our dogs plenty of natural antioxidants, you can reduce the chance of them contracting certain diseases and can even reduce the chances of cancer.
- Potassium
Watermelon offers high levels of potassium. This is an important mineral that helps to support muscle, heart, and nerve function.
- Vitamin A
Watermelon provides plenty of this essential vitamin. Vitamin A is required for our dogs’ bodies to function correctly. Vitamin A must be acquired from a dog’s diet, as they cannot synthesize this in the same way as they can with vitamin C.
- Vitamin B6
A dog’s body needs Vitamin B6 to carry out a variety of functions, including supporting the nervous system, and the brain, and even helping to produce serotonin – the happy hormone!
Is watermelon bad for dogs?
No, watermelon is not bad for dogs. However, always offer watermelon in moderation and as part of a wider, more varied diet.
Can dogs eat watermelon rind?
No, dog’s shouldn’t eat watermelon rind. Whilst watermelon rind is unlikely to make your dog ill due to toxicity, it’s probably best that you steer clear of feeding it to your dog.
Watermelon rind is the fibrous, chunky and tough outer skin of the watermelon, with its purpose being to protect the fruit.
If ingested in large amounts, watermelon rind could cause a gastrointestinal blockage. It is likely that your dog would need surgery to remove and clear such a blockage.
Watermelon rind could also become a choking hazard. If you think that your dog is choking, seek veterinary attention immediately.
Can dogs eat watermelon seeds?
No, dogs should not ingest watermelon seeds. Similar to the rind, a large amount of watermelon seeds could cause an intestinal blockage. Seeds should always be removed from the flesh before offering watermelon to your dog.
Alternatively, seedless watermelon can be purchased, but ensure to still remove the rind.
How much watermelon can dogs eat?
There is no set amount of watermelon that dogs should or shouldn’t be eating. As a general rule, they should only be offered a small handful of watermelon per day.
Keep the 10% rule in mind when offering any additional foods to your dog – 90% of their intake should be from a well-balanced, good quality dog food, and no more than 10% of their food should come from treats and other foods.
Suggested reading: How many treats can my dog have per day?
Always introduce new foods slowly to a dog’s diet. A sudden surge of eating abnormal foods can cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Can puppies eat watermelon?
Yes, puppies can eat watermelon. Similar to children, it can be really beneficial whilst a puppy is young to introduce them to new foods and experiences. This will make for a less fussy and well-socialized dog.
The extra vitamins and minerals found in watermelon can significantly help puppies with growth and overall health. One aspect to bear in mind however, is to monitor your puppy for an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Swelling around the eyes
- Swelling around the throat
- Dyspneoa (difficultly breathing)
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
If you notice any of these symptoms or think that your puppy is having an allergic reaction, contact your veterinary practice immediately.
How to serve watermelon to dogs
There are a variety of different ways that you can serve watermelon to your dog. You could even pair it with other ‘superfoods’, such as honey, papaya and carrots to make a supercharged, super fueled, nutritious meal for your canine companion.
Watermelon Smoothie
After you have removed all the seeds and the rind from the watermelon, place in a blender with a splash of water.
Extra ingredients such as blueberries, banana, and even dog friendly herbs such as cilantro and basil can be added for an extra boost of goodness!
Fresh watermelon
Not feeling so creative? Simply remove the seeds and rind from the watermelon and serve in bite-sized chunks.
The sound of your dog’s teeth crunching through the watermelon flesh is super satisfying – believe me!
Frozen watermelon
Perfect on a scorcher of a summer’s day, frozen watermelon is sure to be enjoyed by your pooch.
However, only offer small amounts of frozen watermelon, as the difference in temperature can send their body into shock.
Offer frozen watermelon over a set period of time and it may be beneficial to allow it to thaw for a couple of minutes before giving it to your dog to avoid a choking hazard.
Can dogs eat watermelon flavored foods?
No, dogs should not eat watermelon-flavored foods. It is likely that foods that have been flavored with synthetic watermelon contain high levels of sugar and potentially toxic ingredients.
It is best to avoid watermelon-flavored products altogether. Only offer your dog fresh, organic watermelon that you have purchased yourself.
Can dogs eat watermelon – final thoughts
It turns out that watermelon is quite the delicious snack for both us and our dogs! Watermelon can provide our dogs with a variety of vitamins and minerals to help them grow and thrive.
Ensure to prepare watermelon by removing the rind and seeds from the flesh. You can offer watermelon to your dog in a variety of different ways – but perhaps fresh is always best!
If you are worried about your dog after they have eaten watermelon, always seek veterinary advice.
