Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Whether it’s chilling it in the fridge or chopping it into wedges, watermelon is a great, refreshing treat for humans. However, can dogs eat watermelon?

Giving your dog fresh fruit and veggies is beneficial for their health.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon, and Is It Safe?

Watermelon is a safe and nutritious treat that dogs can enjoy. However, parts of the fruit may be dangerous for your dog to consume. Can dogs eat watermelon seeds? Mature watermelon seeds aren’t safe for dogs to eat. If you let your dog munch on a slice of watermelon, they can potentially consume too many seeds. The hard black seeds may not slide easily through your dog’s digestive system, causing an intestinal blockage. According to the American Kennel Club, if your dog swallows watermelon seeds, the seeds can cause an intestinal blockage. Although not painful, it could become severe enough to require surgery. While a seed or two may not cause that much harm to large dogs, it doesn’t take that many seeds to cause blockage to small dogs. Smaller dogs have smaller intestines than larger dogs, so they are more at risk of intestinal blockage.

Can dogs eat watermelon rind? It is also not wise to give your dog the rind, which is the outer hard green skin of the watermelon. The skin is very tough, so if your dog has issues with their gums or teeth, biting into the rind could cause them pain, a cracked tooth, or even loss of teeth. If your dog has ingested the watermelon rind, they are not necessarily in danger, but the rind makes it difficult for dogs to chew thoroughly before swallowing; larger pieces can cause gastrointestinal blockage or upset. Can dogs eat watermelon skin? The skin of the watermelon is hard to digest. If your dog ingests the outer green skin of the watermelon, it can cause gastrointestinal distress that triggers diarrhea or vomiting. Smaller dogs are more at risk for gastrointestinal upset.

If your dog ingests the seeds or rind, look for signs of intestinal blockage. If your dog suddenly has diarrhea, vomits, is constipated, has abdominal pain, or is lethargic, you should go to your veterinarian immediately to avoid severe complications and further damage.

Can dogs eat watermelon if they have diarrhea? While the fruit of the watermelon is a healthy snack for dogs to eat, overeating it can upset a dog’s stomach. Always introduce new foods in small amounts, including watermelon. Diarrhea is a sign that your dog has had too much watermelon, and if they get diarrhea every time you give your dog watermelon, this fruit may not be suitable for them. Carefully and thoroughly wash the watermelon before serving it to your dog. Additionally, you should remove all the seeds and the rind and feed your dog small chunks of watermelon. If you’re feeling creative, below are several ways you can feed watermelon to your dog.

Watermelon Facts

Citrullus Lanatus is the scientific name for watermelon. Watermelon comes from the botanical family Cucurbitaceae and is related to squash, cucumbers, and pumpkins. Seedless melons were developed 50 years ago and contained no mature black seeds but instead contained white seed coats where the seed did not mature. Have you ever noticed how some watermelons contain cracks within the flesh? This condition is known as the hollow heart and is caused by fluctuations in temperature during the growing season. Hollow heart melons are sweeter around the spots because the sugars are concentrated along the cracks. From planting to harvesting, it takes a watermelon three months to grow. An average 15 to 20-pound watermelon will yield about 90 six-ounce wedges and 11 cups of cubes.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Without Seeds?

Can dogs eat watermelon that doesn’t contain seeds? Feeding seedless watermelon is the best choice for your dog because it poses less risk. There aren’t many seeds in the fruit, and the seeds are not mature enough to cause intestinal blockage. However, be mindful of the seed content and remove some seeds if you think there are too many. Enjoy a slice with your dog and watch how your dog gobbles it up, asking for more.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon With Artificial Flavors?

Only feed fresh, unsweetened watermelon to your dog. Can dogs eat watermelon that is canned or packed in syrup? Don’t feed your dog watermelon that is canned or packed in syrup. The sugar content is too high and might contain added preservatives and sweeteners. Artificially flavored watermelon or sweet products that contain watermelon should be avoided at all costs. They are full of sugar, chemicals, and other substances that are harmful to your dog and can make them sick.

Furthermore, too much sugar can lead to gastrointestinal upset, obesity, or diabetes. Can dogs eat watermelon-flavored drinks? Artificial sweeteners like xylitol are toxic to dogs, so only feed your dog the actual fruit of the watermelon. That way, you know exactly what is in it. Can dogs eat watermelon-flavored sweets? Never feed your dog watermelon flavored sweets, lollipops, or drinks since these are heavily packed with sugar, additives, and sweeteners which can be dangerous to your dog’s health.

What Are the Health Benefits of Watermelon for My Dog?

So now we know that dogs can eat watermelon, but will they benefit from it? Dogs can digest and even benefit from eating watermelon. Watermelon has plenty of vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial to your dog’s health and are made of 92% water which is a great treat to give during the hot summer months. Watermelon is also low in calories, sodium and is fat-free, making them a great, healthy snack to feed to your dog. Watermelon is also rich in potassium, antioxidants, vitamins A, B6, and C and is packed with high fiber and lycopene. The Watermelon Promotions Board considers watermelon a superfood. Apart from being a superb choice for hydration during scorching days, the high nutritional value of watermelon is a perfect healthy choice for your dog.

Watermelon is a rich source of anti-inflammatory antioxidants like vitamin C and lycopene. Moreover, studies indicate that watermelon may help mitigate the damage caused by oxidative stress and inflammatory. The antioxidants in watermelon help repair damaged cells from free radicals and environmental stressors on your dog’s body. These antioxidants seek damaged cells and save them from decay. Lycopene is a phytochemical naturally found in red fruits and vegetables and gives watermelon its red color. Lycopene may be beneficial in preventing cancer and supporting dogs’ vision. Research has also found that lycopene may also slow down the rate of cancer growth. The potassium in watermelon promotes healthy kidney and heart function. It also regulates fluid levels, helps muscle development, and supports nutritional bone density. Another powerful antioxidant is vitamin C. Vitamin C boosts your dog’s immune system and reduces inflammation, allergens, and keeps sniffles at bay. The high fiber in watermelon helps move food through the intestinal tract to avoid constipation in dogs, and it helps resolve diarrhea and prevent blockages. Vitamin A is also present in watermelon and supports a dog’s proper function and quality of nerves, muscles, skin, and coat. Vitamin A also supports bone growth, vision, and reproduction. Vitamin B6 is a critical coenzyme for brain and body functions.

Moreover, Vitamin B6 regulates fluid balance, supports neurotransmitters, builds proteins, and regulates hormones in your dog’s body. Vitamin B6 also forms amino acids which support shiny coats and help reduce tooth decay. Just one cup of diced seedless watermelon can benefit your dog in many ways.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon With High Sugar Content?

Watermelon contains sugar; however, the fiber in watermelon acts as insulation for the sugar. The fiber wraps around the sugar and slows down its release. The sugar in watermelon is released slowly into the bloodstream, unlike other fruits. Can dogs eat watermelon if they have diabetes? However, if your dog has diabetes, you shouldn’t feed watermelon to your dog unless advised by your vet. Also, any snack or fruit should be fed in moderation so that your dog doesn’t consume too much natural sugar in one sitting.

How To Feed Your Dog Watermelon

Many dogs love the taste and texture of watermelon because of its sweet taste and the high water content that the fruit has. Also, many dogs love the additional hydration they get from eating watermelon. There is something about the soft texture that many dogs enjoy eating and playing with.

Can dogs eat watermelon that is frozen? Freezing the watermelon can add more texture to the fruit that your dog may love. There are so many ways you can incorporate watermelon into your dog’s diet.

Can dogs eat watermelon with other fruits? Experiment with the fruit and find out what your dog loves best. Like any other fruit or treat, watermelon should be fed in moderation. Below are safe and creative ways to feed watermelon to your dog.

In Chunks

Can dogs eat watermelon chunks? This is the easiest way to feed your dog watermelon. Slice up the watermelon into chunks and remove the seeds and rind.

Puree

Can dogs eat watermelon puree? Cut the watermelon into small pieces so it is easier to blend. After removing the seeds and rind, puree the watermelon fruit and freeze it in an ice cube tray.

Watermelon Ice Cream

Can dogs eat watermelon ice cream? Cut and freeze watermelon chunks after removing the seeds and rind, then blend the frozen watermelon chunks with plain unsweetened yogurt. Add the watermelon ice cream to your dog’s food bowl or stuff it into a rubber toy. Plain yogurt is safe for most dogs and is usually better tolerated than ice cream. The bacterial cultures in yogurt are also great for your dog’s intestinal health. Remember to read the label carefully to avoid any unsafe additives or ingredients.

Can dogs eat watermelon with artificial sweeteners? Do not feed your dog any yogurt that contains artificial sweeteners like xylitol, any added flavor, fruit, sugars, or natural sweeteners. Can dogs eat watermelon if they are lactose intolerant? If your dog suffers from lactose intolerance, consider other options like lactose-free, dairy-free yogurt, or dairy-based yogurt made from plant products.

Frozen Chunks

Can dogs eat watermelon in frozen chunks? Watermelon is a great treat your dog can enjoy on hot summer days and help cool down your dog. A frozen watermelon is an excellent option if your dog doesn’t have gum or enamel issues. Frozen watermelon has a hard, malleable texture, so it shouldn’t harm or break your dog’s teeth. After slicing the watermelon and removing the seeds and rind, cut them into small chunks, and spread the watermelon on a freezer-safe tray. The watermelon should be ready to eat within an hour or two. Frozen watermelon can provide your dog with a unique texture and flavor that many dogs enjoy.

Watermelon Jerky

Can dogs eat watermelon jerky? Try making watermelon jerky. It’s a great alternative to store-bought processed jerky. Slice the watermelon up into strips and remove the seeds and rind. Dehydrate the fruit until it has a leathery feel. Reward your dog and give them watermelon jerky.

How Much and How Often Should You Feed Your Dog Watermelon

Many dogs have different dietary needs, and some may have medical conditions that might make feeding watermelon a bad choice. Before you feed your dog watermelon, consult with your veterinarian and ask them, “can dogs eat watermelon?” Also, you should ask your vet how much and how often you can feed your dog watermelon. Once your veterinarian says it’s okay to feed your dog watermelon, make sure to remove all the seeds and rind from the watermelon before giving it to your dog.

Can dogs eat watermelon cubes? Cutting the watermelon up into small chewable cubes is the easiest way to prepare watermelon for your dog and is a perfect healthy treat they can enjoy.

Can dogs eat watermelon that is frozen? You can also freeze the watermelon for a refreshing treat during the summer months, but make sure that your dog’s teeth are healthy enough to chew on the frozen fruit. You can incorporate watermelon with other safe and healthy fruits like blueberries to make a delicious salad or smoothie for your dog if you feel creative.

Can dogs eat watermelon treats daily? According to the recommendations from the Preventative Vet, treats or snacks of any kind should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake to avoid diabetes and obesity. Fruits and vegetables should make no more than 25% of your dog’s diet. Whatever your dog’s size, you should follow this rule when determining how much watermelon you should feed your dog. Be mindful that smaller dogs should have fewer treats than larger dogs. Keep in mind that one cup of diced watermelon contains 45.6 calories. Can dogs eat watermelon regularly? Make sure not to overfeed watermelon to your dog even though your dog may be looking at you with those sweet big puppy eyes.

Can dogs eat watermelon if they have an upset tummy? It would be best to feed your dog watermelon in moderation since too much of anything can cause your dog to get an upset stomach and cause constipation and diarrhea.

Some dogs may not like the taste of watermelon or any fruit. So if your dog has never eaten watermelon, you should introduce the fruit slowly and allow your dog to investigate it with their nose and tongue. Never force your dog to eat watermelon if they don’t like the taste. Continuously monitor your dog when introducing watermelon or new foods and look for signs of discomfort, an upset stomach, diarrhea, or gas. Watermelon is also high in fiber, so if you feed your dog too much, they can get an upset stomach and get diarrhea.

Watermelon Nutritional Facts

Beyond being a tasty, nutritious snack, if you plan to share this delicious fruit with your dog, you will be excited to learn more about the nutritional value of a cup of seedless watermelon. One cup of seedless watermelon ensures that your dog gets plenty of antioxidants, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. A cup of seedless watermelon also provides your dog with 40 micrograms of vitamin A, five micrograms of vitamin B6, and five micrograms of vitamin C. And 35 milligrams of iron, 155 milligrams of potassium, 10 milligrams of calcium, 5% of fiber, 1 gram of protein, 5 grams of carbohydrates, and 5 grams of natural sugar that is insulated by the fiber. The fiber wraps around the sugar and releases it slowly into the bloodstream. According to the USDA, watermelon comprises 92% water, is loaded with vitamins and nutrients, and is an excellent source of fiber. Watermelon will also keep your dog hydrated on a hot day. However, your dog may need to go outside more often to relive itself because of the high water content. Watermelon contains natural sugar insulated by the fiber content allowing it to release slowly into the bloodstream, which means no sugar spikes.

Can dogs eat watermelon if they have health problems? However, dogs with diabetes or other health problems might not benefit from eating watermelon. Always consult with your vet before feeding your dog watermelon.