Are Watermelons Good for Dogs? Nutrition Facts & Feeding Tips
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View 1 More +As the weather gets warmer and your dog starts to pant, you may be looking for a refreshing treat that will cool you both down. If you’re snacking on a juicy watermelon, your dog might be begging for a piece.
It’s okay to give them one. Watermelon is safe for dogs to eat, as long as they only indulge in the fleshy part of the fruit in moderate amounts. In fact, it can actually be a healthy snack for your pup if you prepare it properly.
Why Do Dogs Love Watermelon?
Your pooch is probably eager to gobble watermelon for the same reasons you are. It’s sweet, juicy, and refreshing, especially during the summer. While dogs don’t always gravitate towards eating things that are good for them, in this case, watermelon is actually a healthy choice.
Thanks to its high moisture, fiber content, and density of nutrients, watermelon is considered a superfood—for both humans and dogs. It’s a source of beta-carotene, which your dog can turn into vitamin A, although not as effectively as you. The most abundant carotenoid in watermelon is known as lycopene, which is an antioxidant that has been proven to limit the proliferation of cancerous cells in dogs. This is a groundbreaking discovery because according to the AVMA one in every four dogs will develop neoplasia (uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells or tissues in the body) at some stage in their life.
As you may already know watermelon is also great to help rehydrate your dog. Watermelon is composed of about 92% water. However it is important to remember that it also contains a decent amount of sugar, so it is important to feed it only in moderation.
All of this means that watermelon makes a delicious and nutritious snack for your dog and can be a great snack on a hot summer day. However, it’s important to take a few precautions when feeding this fruit to your furry friend.
How Much Watermelon Should I Serve My Dog?
As with all treats for your pet, watermelon is a snack that should be fed to your dog in moderation. Dog treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily calorie consumption, with the rest coming from a balanced diet of dog food.
You should also be careful not to share any of the rind or the seeds of the watermelon when you’re snacking with your pup. The rind is too tough for them to digest, which could cause gastrointestinal problems. The seeds are not mature enough for dogs to digest them either. If a dog consumes the rind or seeds, they could experience an intestinal blockage that may require surgery in some circumstances.
Here are some ideas and tips for allowing your dog to enjoy watermelon safely:
- Remove all seeds from the watermelon
- Cut the flesh into small pieces or use a melon baller, avoiding the rind
- After removing the seeds and rind, freeze the chunks of watermelon for a frozen treat (for both of you!)
- Feed your dog only fresh watermelon, not any artificially flavored watermelon products
- Blend and freeze the watermelon flesh into delicious pup-cicles
As long as you follow these guidelines, it’s safe, healthy, and enjoyable to share some watermelon with your panting pup! If you need advice on what to feed your dog, we suggest speaking to a vet.
If you have a question about your dog's health or behavior, why not Ask a Vet for free? Our veterinary team answers reader questions and provides trusted advice to help you better understand your dog.
Conclusion
Watermelon is safe for dogs to enjoy in moderation. The seeds and rinds will need to be removed, but if you take the necessary precautions, you’re welcome to share some of this juicy melon with your dog next time you’re on a picnic or looking for a refreshing snack.
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Featured Image Credit: Credit: stevepb, Pixabay
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Caroline lives with her partner and their three cats in the mountains of western North Carolina, where she spends her days hiking and, as a former barista, questing for the perfect cup of coffee to sip while she writes. A fantasy novelist, gamer, and avid HGTV viewer, she is equally at home working in the garden or behind a mouse and keyboard. With two calicos and a tortie occupying it, her house is at capacity for personality, but she’s always dreaming of her next kitten, and strongly believes that every cat is the best possible cat.
