Can dogs eat watermelon? The short answer is yes, if you feed it to them correctly.
That said, before you start cutting up cubes of watermelon to give to your dog, there are some things you should be aware of.
Can Dogs Have Watermelon?
Not only is watermelon generally safe for your dogs, but having a few slices can be an excellent treat for them.
Watermelon is mostly composed of water — which makes up about 92% of its contents. This makes it a good treat to help your dogs stay hydrated, especially on hot summer days.
Packed with Vitamins A, B6, and C which support various bodily functionalities, watermelons help in supporting the growth, development, and repair of tissues.
Moreover, iron and potassium present in watermelons are linked to regulating fluid balance and nerve signals in canines.
Watermelons also have plenty of calcium, which is well-renowned to promote stronger teeth and bones.
All these can make watermelons a great addition to your dog’s diet.
Possible Health Issues to Consider
It’s important to mention that dogs can’t digest watermelon seeds. They should be removed from the watermelon before giving it to your dog, as an excess of seeds might cause indigestion and severe blockage in your dog’s digestive tract.
Watermelon rind is also difficult for the dogs to digest. If you let your dog consume large pieces of rind, there is a risk of its intestines becoming severely blocked.
In addition to being difficult to digest, chewing on the watermelon rind is also challenging for the dogs. Threatening cases of choking can occur, especially if your dog is small.
How to Give Watermelon to a Dog
We’ve come across three tried and true watermelon recipes to give to your dog.
Caution: Before trying out any of the following recipes, make sure the watermelon is free of seeds and rind.
1. Dehydrated Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into strips of roughly a quarter of an inch in length. Spread these strips out evenly in a dehydrator, and dehydrate them for about 8 hours at 135°F (58°C). Having done that, remove the watermelon strips from the dehydrator and allow them to cool. You’re now all set to occasionally serve a watermelon strip to your dog!
2. Frozen Watermelon: Scoop out the pink part of a watermelon and put it in a blender. Pour the smoothly blended watermelon into bone molds and freeze them for a few hours. You can now serve a frozen watermelon bone to your dog once in a while.
3. Raw Watermelon: Slice the watermelon into pieces of about two inches in thickness, and serve an occasional slice to your dog.
Is it Safe for Dogs to Eat Watermelon?
Watermelons have loads of nutrients and nourishment to offer, which can be beneficial for your dog’s health. They’re high in water content and prove to be remarkably refreshing on a hot day.
However, as the saying goes, “too much of anything can be a bad thing.” Eating watermelon in excess can deprive your dog of other required nutrients that aren’t present in the delicious fruit.
Furthermore, the rinds and seeds of watermelon could cause serious health hazards, which are not only potentially medically complex but also painful to the dog.
Can Dogs Have Too Much Watermelon?
If it may be possible your dog ate too much watermelon, watch carefully for any symptoms of stomach issues.
Symptoms could include fatigue, reduced appetite, apparent discomfort, vomiting and/or diarrhea, decreased water consumption, and/or increased licking of lips, objects, or the air.
Contact your veterinarian if you observe these symptoms.
Learn more helpful tips for mastering dog care at The Dog’s Avenue.
Editor’s Note
This article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not to be used as a replacement for veterinary advice. Factors like a dog’s age, health, and diet can impact the safety of a food, activity, or product for the dog.
You should regularly consult with your dog’s veterinarian to learn how you can provide the best care for your dog. Always ask your dog’s veterinarian before giving your dog a new food or trying out a new activity or product.
