Can Dogs Eat Watermelon - Healthy Pet Alliance (2024)

Yes, dogs can eat watermelon with one major precaution – make sure to remove the seeds and rind. Watermelon is a nutritious treat for dogs packed with potassium and Vitamin C. Watermelon is safe for all breed sizes and does not pose a choking hazard once the seeds are removed.

Please note that before introducing any new food into your dog's diet, you should consult your veterinarian.

Table of Contents

Is watermelon good for dogs?

The pink flesh inside watermelon is rich in potassium and Vitamins A, B6, and C. Watermelon is also 92% water, so it's particularly hydrating, making for a great snack on a hot day.

Watermelon contains large amounts of lycopene, a plant compound that is very healthy for dogs. According to the National Library of Medicine, lycopene is proven to slow the growth of cancer.

Make sure to remove the seeds and rinds from the watermelon before feeding your dog. While the seeds and rind are not toxic, they can cause digestive issues for your dog
Keep in mind, as with all snacks, watermelon is best in moderation. All fruits and vegetables should only make up about 20% of your dog's caloric intake

Health benefits of watermelon for dogs

Excellent source of antioxidants that helps repair cell damage from environmental stressors
Contains lycopene proven to help slow the growth of cancer and support vision in dogs (this is what makes watermelon red!)
High water content is good for hydration
High in Vitamin C for immune system support
High fiber content to support digestion
Vitamin A promotes eye health and quality of skin, coat, muscles, and nerves
Vitamin B6 helps build proteins, regulate hormones, support neurotransmitters, and regulate fluid balance in your dog
Low in calories, easy to not overindulge

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Can watermelon be bad for dogs?

Although the pink flesh of a watermelon is safe for dogs, the rind and seeds can cause digestive issues. So take care to remove both the rind and seeds when preparing a snack for your pet. Some dogs may respond to fruits differently so always check with your veterinarian before introducing a new snack.

Health risks of watermelon

Watermelon rind can cause intestinal blockage. This can be very painful and require surgery to correct
Watermelon seeds can cause gastrointestinal distressthat triggers vomiting or diarrhea.
Watermelon is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities, but too much of it can give your dog an upset stomach. Make sure to limit fruits and vegetables to about 20% of your dog’s daily caloric intake
Allergen Warning: most dogs are not allergic to watermelon, but 10% of dogs show intolerance or allergens to new foods. Watch your dog for stomach issues, itchiness, ear inflammation, or hives. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, stop offering the food and talk to your vet immediately.Continue reading to learn more about allergic reaction and food poisoning symptoms.

Are all melons safe for dogs?

Most popular melons are safe for dogs. Just remember to remove the seeds and rind before feeding your pet melon and check the feeding guide to make sure that you are feeding your dog the correct amount.

Melons that are safe for dogs include:

Cantelope
Honey Due
Melon

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How to feed watermelon to your dog

While watermelon is safe for most dogs, it should be offered in moderation. Consult the feeding chart below to find the amount of watermelon that is appropriate for the size of your dog and continue reading for recommended methods of feeding your dog watermelon.

How much watermelon should I feed my dog?

If you're feeding watermelon to your dog as a treat, remember that treats should only account for 10% of your dog's caloric intake. Dogs can eat watermelon every day, up to the following amounts:

Dog Size

Feeding Guide (Max Allowed)

Small Dogs

0.25 Cup(s) of Watermelon perDay

Medium Dogs

How to safely feed your dog watermelon

First, make sure to remove the rind and seeds!

Sliced up into chunks and fed directly to your dog
Frozen chunks for a cool treat on hot summer days
Pureed and frozen in an ice cube tray
As a daily treat for your pup

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What to do if your dog ate watermelon

If your dog ate the pink flesh of the watermelon, don’t panic. Watermelon is not toxic for dogs in moderation.

However, if your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms listed below he or she might be having a bad reaction and you should consult a veterinarian immediately.

What to do if your dog ate watermelon rind

If you notice that your dog eats a large part of the watermelon rind, then it is recommended that you give your veterinarian a call. They will be able to provide you with the best advice and will let you know if you should bring your dog into the office for observation or an exam.

What to do if your dog ate watermelon seeds

Your dog will be reluctant to chew or crunch on the seeds as they will be tough so they’ll swallow them whole. This can lead to risk of choking in small dogs, but if your pet does manage to swallow them down, the seeds will sit in their digestive tract and fail to break down.

Watermelon seeds are not toxic for dogs, so one or two seeds will not have any significant impact on your dog. However, there is a small chance that they cause intestinal blockage, so if your dog consumes several seeds you should give your veterinarian a call.

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Symptoms of an allergic reaction:

Itchiness
Hives
Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
Red, inflamed skin
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Sneezing
Itchy ears
Chronicear infections
Itchy, runny eyes
Constant licking

Symptoms of poisoning:

Watermelon is not poisonous for dogs, but if your dog experiences any of the following symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately:

Vomiting or diarrhea can occur within hours of consuming a poisonous substance. Vomit and feces may contain pieces of the substance.
Lethargy and weakness
Loss of appetite
Dehydration
Limited urination or no urination
Bad breath
Tremors and seizures
Coma

FAQs

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon - Healthy Pet Alliance? ›

Yes, dogs can eat watermelon with one major precaution – make sure to remove the seeds and rind. Watermelon is a nutritious treat for dogs packed with potassium and Vitamin C.

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Is it safe for dogs to eat watermelon? ›

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.

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Is watermelon OK for dogs with kidney disease? ›

Blueberries and strawberries are perfect options, as they both contain antioxidants to battle toxins that may further damage the kidneys, and fibre to aid gentle digestion. Watermelon can also be a juicy treat for a dog with kidney disease, as it's deliciously hydrating but low in phosphorus.

Can watermelon help constipation in a dog? ›

The high water and fiber content in watermelon can help aid digestion in dogs, promoting healthy bowel movements and preventing constipation. It's a gentle and natural way to keep your dog's digestive system running smoothly. Antioxidant Rich. Watermelon contains antioxidants such as lycopene and beta-carotene.

Can dogs eat watermelon cantaloupe and honeydew? ›

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.

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How many pieces of watermelon can a dog eat? ›

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.

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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.

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What are the side effects of watermelon 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.

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How much watermelon is too much for a dog? ›

Raw watermelon: Remove the seeds and rind and feed 2-3 pieces to small dogs and up to a cup of watermelon to larger dogs, according to Woodnutt. Frozen watermelon: Make sure the pieces are small enough to prevent choking, says Butzer.

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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.

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Can watermelon make dogs gassy? ›

Says Dr. Brister: “I always recommend moderation because eating watermelon can potentially cause an upset stomach in your dog.” She says this is more likely when watermelon is fed in large amounts to a dog that's not used to eating such types of foods. Watermelon can cause gas and bloating in people, as well as dogs.

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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 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.

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Are blueberries good for dogs? ›

Yes, blueberries are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They also contain antioxidants, fiber and vitamins C and K. These nutrients support the immune system and contribute to overall health. Adding blueberries to your dog's diet is a great way to help keep him happy and healthy.

Is banana good for dogs? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper.

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What fruit is good for dogs? ›

Blueberries – blueberries are high in antioxidants and low in calories. Kiwi – like bananas, kiwi fruit is a good source of Vitamin C and potassium. Strawberries – strawberries offer great benefits, like fiber and have a high-water content – just make sure you remove the stems before giving them to your dog.

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Is watermelon good for dogs to lose weight? ›

Watermelon is low in calories, making it a great treat for dogs, especially those on a weight management plan.

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Can dogs eat pineapple? ›

Yes. Raw pineapple, in small amounts, is an excellent snack for dogs. Canned pineapple, on the other hand, should be avoided. The syrup in canned fruits contains too much sugar for most dogs' digestive tracts to handle.

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