NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be okay for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors, such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet.
Watermelon is a healthy and refreshing treat for humans, but can dogs eat it, too?
If you’ve shared a piece of watermelon or your pup has snuck a piece, there’s no need to worry. As long as your dog does not have diabetes and is not sensitive to sugar, they should be completely fine.
Is Watermelon Good for Dogs?
Both red and yellow watermelon are safe and healthy fruits for most puppies and adult dogs to eat. However, dogs that have diabetes or sugar sensitivities as well as dogs that are obese should not be given the fruit.
Watermelon is low in calories and contains no fat or cholesterol. And since 92% of a watermelon is actually water, it’s helpful for hydration—especially on hot summer days.
Keep in mind though, that due to the small amount of watermelon your dog should eat as a snack, they cannot depend on watermelon alone for hydration.
There are also several great vitamins and minerals in watermelons:
Vitamin A
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin C
Potassium
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rinds?
Be sure that your dog does not eat watermelon rind. It’s not safe for them to consume, as it can become a serious choking hazard or create an intestinal blockage. If your dog has swallowed a watermelon rind, visit your veterinarian immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds?
Before feeding any watermelon to your dog, remove the rind and seeds. These black seeds contain cyanide, although it’s unlikely that a dog would be able to eat enough of them to be poisoned. The seeds can also be a potential choking hazard.
Despite the name, seedless watermelons will sometimes still have thin, white seeds. And although those probably won’t pose choking hazards, they could upset your dog’s stomach. So it’s safest to remove those as well.
If your dog has eaten some of the seeds, contact your veterinarian.
How Much Watermelon Can a Dog Eat?
Even healthy treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s overall diet. And the other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.
To help make the portions a little easier, below are some general guidelines for safe watermelon treat sizes based on your dog’s weight. Each “slice” should only be about 1 inch x 1 inch x ¼-inch thick:
Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs
Examples: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds
Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs
Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds
Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees
If your dog ate some extra watermelon when you weren’t looking and you’re worried that they ate too much, keep an eye out for the following symptoms of an upset stomach:
Decreased appetite or loss of appetite
Fatigue
Acting depressed
Looking uncomfortable
Gulping or licking their lips, the air, or objects
If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian right away.
Worsening symptoms include:
If you notice any of these more serious symptoms, call your vet and take your dog to the vet immediately.
How to Safely Feed Your Dog Watermelon
When feeding watermelon to your pup, make sure to wash off the watermelon, remove the rind, and remove the seeds. Once you’ve prepared the watermelon, there are multiple fun ways to safely feed it to your dog.
Remove the seeds, mash or blend a little watermelon, then pour it over your dog’s food, or put it in a KONG toy to freeze and serve later.
Make your pup a fruit smoothie by blending up watermelon with some other dog-safe fruits like bananas, strawberries, and blueberries. Then combine that fruit mixture with plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt. Refrigerate the mixture so you can put a little on top of your dog’s food later. Or you can put it in their KONG toy to freeze for a very refreshing treat.
Try these recipes for a dog-safe watermelon sorbet or a watermelon mocktail for dogs
Featured image: iStock.com/Sviatlana Barchan
FAQs
Good news: Your pooch can eat watermelon. However, this does come with precautions, according to the American Kennel Club. First, the watermelon must be seedless or you should remove the seeds before giving it to your pet. The seeds could lead to an intestinal blockage, so be sure that you pick a seedless watermelon.
How much watermelon can I give my dog? ›
Like all treats, watermelon should make up only 10% of your dog's diet to avoid obesity or diabetes. One cup of diced watermelon is enough for a large dog. Small dogs will be fine with a couple of small pieces.
Do dogs fully digest watermelon? ›
The answer is yes, with a couple of precautions. First, seeds could cause an intestinal blockage, so make sure you remove them. It's also a good idea to remove the rind because it can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Are there any fruits that dogs can't eat? ›
Grapes (and raisins) are very toxic to dogs, though research still hasn't confirmed why. Even one grape or raisin can be fatal or can cause sudden kidney failure in dogs. Tomatoes. A ripened tomato is probably OK, but green parts of the tomato plant have solanine, which is toxic to dogs.
What fruit is good for dogs? ›
Apricots: Apricots' fleshy fruit can be a tasty treat for dogs. They are high in potassium and contain beta-carotene, which can help fight cancer. Make certain that the pit, stem, and leaves are all removed. Blueberries: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and a good source of fiber and Vitamin C.
Why do dogs love watermelon? ›
Dogs eat watermelon because they like the texture and the hydration, but this juicy fruit also adds additional vitamins and minerals into their diet. The most important thing to note is that they can digest (and even benefit from) the red and light green fruit contained inside the watermelon rind.
Why did my dog throw up after eating watermelon? ›
It's also unwise to give your dog the rind — the hard green outer skin of a watermelon — as ingesting it can cause gastrointestinal distress that triggers vomiting or diarrhea. While the fruit of the watermelon is a healthy snack in small quantities, eating too much of it could also give your dog an upset stomach.
Can dogs eat cucumbers? ›
Can Dogs Have Cucumbers? Cucumbers are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, and offer a low-calorie, crunchy snack that many dogs love. Cucumbers only contain about 8 calories per one-half cup of slices, compared to the 40 calories in a single medium dog biscuit. Cucumbers are also very low in sodium and fat-free.
Is pineapple good for dogs? ›
Pineapple is also full of minerals, including manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium, iron, and small amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. This makes it a nutrient-dense snack for humans and dogs alike, and these nutrients play an important role in your dog's immune system and digestive health.
Can dogs eat cantaloupe? ›
Yes, dogs can eat melon or cantaloupe but only in moderation. This fruit is not toxic to dogs, but it is high in sugar so owners should be mindful of how much they add to their dog's menu. It is always a good idea to consult your vet before offering your dog any human foods, including melons.
Feeding your dog fatty foods, like hot dogs, bacon, ribs, or fried chicken, can upset your dog's stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea. It can also lead to pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas. Some breeds, like Miniature Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers, may be more prone to pancreatitis.
Are eggs good for dogs? ›
Eggs are not only a perfectly safe food source for dogs – they offer much in the way of nutritional benefits. Aside from being rich in protein, eggs are also a great source of linoleic acid, Vitamin B2 and B12 and water-soluble Vitamin A – all of which are wonderful for your dog's skin and coat.
Can dogs eat cheese? ›
In most cases, yes, dogs can eat cheese. When given in moderation, it can make a great high reward training treat (particularly when there's lots of distractions). Most dogs adore the taste of it too! It's important to remember that some cheeses have added ingredients, which need to be avoided.
Can dogs eat peanut butter? ›
Whether speaking to new or seasoned pet parents, veterinarians are often asked 'can dogs eat peanut butter? ' The good news is that regular peanut butter is safe to give your dog as a treat. Just make sure to avoid peanut butter with Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in lower or sugar-free products.
Is too much watermelon bad for dogs? ›
Like any treat, watermelon should be given to your dog in moderation. If your dog eats too much watermelon, it can cause diarrhea, constipation, or an upset stomach. It can even contribute to obesity and diabetes in the long term if eaten too often and at high volumes, according to Trupanion.
Will watermelon keep my dog hydrated? ›
Watermelon isn't just about taste; it's a treasure trove of hydration and nutrients. This fruit is packed with vitamins A, B6, and C, which support healthy skin, coat, and immune system. Its high water content helps keep dogs hydrated, making it an excellent snack for hot days.
Is watermelon good for dogs to lose weight? ›
“It's got a lot of antioxidants and other beneficial substances in there,” says Dr. Tate. “It's also fairly low in calories (about 46 calories a cup) and has a lot of fiber, so if you have a dog that's trying to lose some weight, it's a good go-to treat.”
How much is too much watermelon? ›
This may cause a spike in your blood sugar levels ( 16 ). If you want to stay on the safe side of sugar intake, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends eating about 2 cups of fruit per day for those on a standard 2,000-calorie diet, which translates to roughly 300 grams in the case of watermelon ( 17 ).
