Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Fruit, Rinds and Seeds

Watermelon is enjoyed by many humans as a healthy, low-calorie snack. The refreshing treat can also be enjoyed by pets, but can dogs eat watermelon? Although it can be a nice treat and provide your pup with some vitamins and nutrients, there are some factors you should consider before feeding canines watermelon.

Nutritional Benefits of Watermelon

In general, can dogs eat watermelon? Sure, it can be a healthy snack for dogs. It contains water, fiber, vitamins and minerals. It can help hydrate your dog on a hot day or when they are sick. Additionally, it contains antioxidants that help protect our bodies from serious diseases like cancer.

The fiber and water will help your dog with digestion and hydration on a long, hot day. Watermelon acts as an effective rehydrator for canines at the height of summer heat. Plus, the micronutrients will strengthen your pup’s immune system when fighting bacteria and viruses. This low-calorie wonder fruit is safe for dogs to eat. Here is a whole list of goodies in watermelons:

• vitamin A;
• vitamin B1, B5, B6;
• vitamin C;
• amino acids;
• potassium;
• fiber;
• antioxidants;
• lycopene;
• beta-carotene;
• magnesium.

What Parts of Watermelon to Avoid?

Can dogs eat watermelon whole? Of course not! There are two things you’ll want to free the juicy fruit from before serving it to your pup.

Watermelon Rind

If a dog eats a watermelon without supervision, they can choke on the rind. It can get stuck in the throat, making it impossible for the dog to breathe. If this happens, the dog can die if not helped immediately. Pieces of watermelon rind can also block the intestines and prevent the digestive system from working properly.

If your pooch happens to get intestinal obstruction, take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Watermelon pieces may also get stuck in the esophagus and cause a blockage. It’s best to stop dogs from eating watermelon rinds completely.

Watermelon Seeds

You might be surprised to know that there have been dogs documented to choke on watermelon seeds. The best way to keep your pup safe is to simply remove them before serving the watermelon up. The soft, juicy flesh is perfect for puppies. Just don’t go overboard. You don’t want to deal with diarrhea or vomiting! Otherwise, your dog with appreciate the refreshment during the summer months.

Remember! If your pet has food allergies, you must always consult your veterinarian before offering it any new snacks. Despite the numerous benefits of watermelon to dogs, they might not be good for dogs with illnesses.

How to Feed Doggo Watermelon?

Watermelon can be a nutritious and delicious treat for dogs. It can also be potentially dangerous. Here’s how to safely share watermelon with your dog:

• Cut the watermelon into small, bite-sized chunks so that it can fit in your dog’s mouth.
• Feed him one chunk at a time, so you can monitor his chewing and swallowing, and see when he is ready for more food.
• Keep observing your pup while he eats the watermelon; if you notice any signs of distress (such as drooling excessively or trying to vomit), stop feeding him immediately.
• If your dog eats watermelon and then becomes lethargic, he may be experiencing an intestinal blockage or other digestive upset. Offer small amounts of water as needed and take him to the vet if this happens.

Top Watermelon Snacks for Dogs

You can also treat your dog to some delicious watermelon treats. Can dogs eat watermelon that is frozen? The answer is yes! You can freeze the watermelon and give them a chewable treat that can be good for their teeth and gums.

Some delicious watermelon treats that can be prepared for dogs include watermelon popsicles (or „pupsicles” if you prefer!), watermelon jerky, and watermelon canapés. On a really warm day, you could even make your mongrel a watermelon cocktail, full of hydrating properties. Just skip the sugar (honey is better instead). All of these recipes are simple to make and can be enjoyed by both you and your furry friend.

Quick Dog Recipe: Watermelon Popsicles

Here’s a doggie recipe for watermelon popsicles that include Greek yogurt, seedless watermelon, and honey. This will make a great dog treat!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of seedless watermelon, cut into small pieces;
• 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt;
• 1 tablespoon of honey.

Instructions:

Combine the watermelon, yogurt, and honey in a blender, and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, and freeze for several hours. Let your pup enjoy the canine dessert, which is hydrating and packed with vitamins! Tails up if you agree!

Tip to Go

Don’t add sugar or artificial sweeteners to your dog’s treats. Sugar is just empty calories, an excess of which leads to obesity in dogs (although sugar isn’t as harmful as it may seem, which is why the natural fructose in watermelon is OK).
Some sweeteners, such as xylitol, have also been proven to be harmful to dogs. Apart from that, if your pooch has a lactose intolerance, use lactose-free yogurt.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Time to Recap

Let’s conclude. Can dogs eat watermelons? What about watermelon rinds and seeds? Watermelons are a great fruit to feed your dog and should be incorporated into their diet. They are packed with nutritional benefits, including lycopene, beta-carotene, vitamin C, and potassium. The rind should not be eaten by your pup, although some dogs would probably gobble it down.

Feeding watermelon to dogs can be done in a variety of ways. Keep your dog cool this summer by giving them some delicious watermelon! Share with us if your dogs loves watermelon too.

Lucas Taylor

Lucas Taylor is a veterinary assistant, freelance journalist and single dad who lives in the suburbs with his three pups: Ruby, Nala, and Woody. He has one cat named Pepper. When he’s not writing articles or working at the vet clinic, Lucas loves cooking French cuisine for himself and friends at home. One of Lucas’ favorite things to do is paddleboard with his son Noah and their canine companions. Pepper is the homebody of the bunch – she loves chilling on the couch.