Watermelon is a very popular and very delicious summer treat! It increases hydration, improves heart health, and can even provide relief for our sore muscles. Watermelon is even thought to help prevent the development of cancer cells.
But, do these benefits only apply to humans or would they also apply to our canine companions? Can dogs eat watermelon? Can they eat the watermelon rind? Is it safe for them to eat the seeds from a watermelon? These are some of the often asked questions I want to answer here.
Can dogs eat watermelon?
Let’s take a deeper look at a watermelon and whether or not it is a safe summer treat for our four-legged friends to enjoy. Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? If you are wondering if you can feed your dog watermelon then the short answer is “yes.” But only in moderation.
However, you should have all of the facts before you offer up a slice to him.
Watermelon is full of vitamins and minerals but low in calories which makes it a fantastic treat for almost anyone to enjoy. It is also great for increasing hydration for both you and your pooch.
Watermelon can serve as a particularly beneficial treat during the summer months when running and playing outside causes him to lose more water than he may be taking in. However, it is important not to overdo it. Our dogs’ digestive systems cannot handle fruits the same way our digestive systems can.
Can dogs eat watermelon rind?
Can Dogs Eat The Watermelon Rind? The short answer here is “don’t bother.” However, the reason for this answer is worth examining.
Read More: Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
The rind of the watermelon will also not offer any amount of hydration which is one of the main perks of feeding watermelon to your pooch in the first place.
In fact, it is more likely that the rind will become a choking hazard, cause an internal obstruction along the digestive tract, or hurt the teeth and gums while being chewed.
Can dogs eat watermelon seeds?
Now we have looked into the watermelon itself and the watermelon rind; Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds? You may be wondering if the seeds of the watermelon are safe for your pooch to consume. The answer is “no.”
However, it is important to know the reason. The seeds and pits found in fruits are usually not good to consume. These pits and seeds often times contain levels of toxins such as cyanide which can cause intense health problems to the consumer.
Watermelon seeds have not shown to be as problematic when consumed as various other seeds, but they are still recommended to be removed before consumption by you or your pup.
By removing the seeds before eating watermelon, you avoid any potential risk of toxin poisoning or other hazards and you will also greatly reduce the risk of your dog choking while eating watermelon.
Can dogs eat watermelon skin?
While the red insides of the watermelon are greatly beneficial to both humans and dogs, the skin is not. Before you or your pooch eats watermelon, the skin should be removed. Neither you nor your dog will benefit from consuming the watermelon skin as it does not offer any nutritional perks.
See Also: Can Dogs Eat Oranges
Can Dogs Eat Seedless Watermelon?
So, after gathering all of the above information about whether or not the various parts of the watermelon are safe for our dogs to consume, we can now figure out what exactly should be offered to them. Here the question arises, can dogs eat seedless watermelon?
If you intend on sharing pieces of watermelon with your canine companion then it is best to purchase a seedless watermelon. The next step to be taken is to cut it up into slices or bite-sized pieces. The bite-sized pieces would be better for your pooch especially if he or she is trying it for the first time.
Benefits of watermelon for dogs
Fruits are good for dogs. Also, watermelon is a typical low-calorie food. This is a great snack for dogs that need to lose weight. It does not contain much sugar compared to other fruits. There are many other features that make it a good food for our dogs:
Filled with water: 90% of the structure is very wet because it is water.
Citrulline: An essential amino acid in protein production.
Has digestive and diuretic properties.
Full of antioxidants
Rich in vitamins A and C.
Rich in minerals such as calcium and iron.
Low calorie.
How do I give watermelon to my dog?
If you have decided to give this fruit to your dog, here are some tips:
Remove the shell (there is a lot of fiber in it and it can feel bad).
If you have seeds, remove them.
Do not cut too large pieces.
If the food feels bad, introduce it slowly.
It should not exceed 10-15% of the total diet.
You can prepare delicious watermelon ice cream for the summer.
Bottom Line
And the last verdict for “can dogs eat watermelon” is they contain vitamins and minerals that help improve your dog’s immune system. These vitamins and minerals include magnesium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and potassium. But remember, offer small pieces to your pooch at a time. Observe his behavior.
Does he eat it and enjoy it or completely avoid it? You will want to take note of any diarrhea, vomiting, or other changes that occur after the watermelon is consumed.
If he experiences a negative reaction for example diarrhea then consider cutting back on the quantity next time or is likely best to avoid this treat.
