Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? (2024)

Can dogs eat watermelon? It's a delicious picnic staple, sure, but is watermelon safe for dogs? If you enjoy this juicy treat but have stopped short of sharing it with your pooch, for fear that it might not be good for them, your instincts were partially correct. Watermelon can actually be a healthy dog treat — if it's fed to them correctly.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? (1)The fleshy pink fruit of a watermelon is loaded with healthy nutrients that are as beneficial for humans as they are for our canine companions.

Watermelon is rich in potassium and vitamin C, and it's also a great source of vitamins A and B6, according to Dogtime. It also contains fiber, which can aid healthy digestion. This fruit contains no cholesterol and almost no sodium or fat. While watermelon does contain sugar, it is mostly made up of water, and should not cause any unhealthy spikes in blood sugar. Because it's 92% water, it makes it both a sweet treat and a creative way to help your dog stay cool and hydrated during the summer..

Is Watermelon Safe for Dogs?

The flesh of a watermelon is a safe and nutritious treat for dogs, but the other parts of the fruit aren't all right for your pooch to eat. According to the American Kennel Club, if dogs swallow watermelon seeds, the seeds can cause an intestinal blockage — which is not only painful for your dog but could become serious enough to require surgery to correct.

While a seed or two is unlikely to cause health problems for large dogs, it doesn't take many of them to cause a blockage in small dogs.

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.

How to Feed Your Dog Watermelon (& What to Avoid)

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? (2)So how should you share this treat with your canine companion? Here are a few guidelines to follow when feeding watermelon to your dog:

  • Only give your dog seedless watermelon or pieces of watermelon from which you've removed all of the seeds.
  • Scoop out the fruit with a melon baller or cut it into small bites, being careful to remove any part of the rind.
  • Only give your dog real watermelon. Artificially flavored watermelon treats or candy might contain other ingredients, added sugars or artificial sweeteners that could harm your pup.

Treats of any kind should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake, according to recommendations from Preventive Vet. Whatever the size of your dog, follow this rule when determining how much watermelon you should feed them, keeping in mind that one cup of diced watermelon contains 45.6 calories. And keep in mind that while your dog might be looking up at you with those big puppy-dog eyes, dogs are perfectly content eating their same dog food day-in and day-out. So, while you may be tempted to give-in on occasion, your dog is better off getting their nutrients from their every day pet food. And before feeding your dog any human food, make sure to double-check with your veterinarian to make sure that it is okay. While watermelon can be a healthy treat for many dogs, it's best to confirm that it won't negatively effect your dog's unique digestive system.

So the next time you're at a picnic, you can rest easy sharing a few bites of seedless watermelon with your dog. As long as it's given safely and in moderation, watermelon as a dog treat is hard to beat.

Jean Marie Bauhaus

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? (2024)

FAQs

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? ›

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.

Can my dog eat watermelon rind? ›

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.

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 is world's healthiest fruit? ›

Our Top 5 Healthiest Fruits and Their Remarkable Benefits
  • Healthy Fruit #1. Blueberries: The Antioxidant-Rich Superstars. ...
  • Healthy Fruit #2. Avocado: The Nutrient-Dense Marvel. ...
  • Healthy Fruit #3. Citrus Fruits: The Immune-Boosting Energizers. ...
  • Healthy Fruit #4. Pomegranate: The Anticancer Guardian. ...
  • Healthy Fruit #5.

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.

Is peanut butter good for dogs? ›

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.

Are strawberries good for dogs? ›

When fed in moderation, strawberries can be a healthy, low-calorie, sweet treat for your dog. They're full of antioxidants, high in fiber and vitamin C. By giving your dog strawberries, you may also help them stay healthy in more ways than one.

Is pineapple good for dogs? ›

The short answer is yes, dogs can eat pineapple. Pineapple is just one of the many "human foods" that dogs can eat. Raw pineapple is packed with nutrients that benefit both you and your canine companion. Frozen pieces of pineapple are also a delicious way to beat the heat.

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.

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.

Is cantaloupe good for dogs? ›

Yes, cantaloupe is good for most healthy dogs. If your pup loves the taste of cantaloupe, you'll be happy to know that it contains many nutrients. Cantaloupe is low in calories and high in fiber, which helps with digestion. It has no fat and no cholesterol, and it's 90% water, so it's a great hydrating fruit.

What meat should dogs not eat? ›

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.

Can dogs eat popcorn? ›

Dogs can eat popcorn as long as it's plain and air-popped popcorn, and only eaten in moderation. However, any added seasonings we love to slather on top which can be bad for dogs, and you shouldn't feed them this type of popcorn.

What vegetables are poisonous to dogs? ›

Fruits and vegetables poisonous to dogs

onions, leeks, chives and garlic. grapes and raisins. tomato leaves, stems or unripe young tomatoes. green potatoes, potato leaves and stems.

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.”

Is watermelon a superfood for dogs? ›

Watermelon can be a safe and hydrating treat for dogs in moderation. It's low in calories, contains vitamins and antioxidants, and can aid digestion due to its fiber content. However, remove seeds and the rind before serving, and be cautious of the sugar content.

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