There are lots of things you love and you feel like sharing with your beloved pet. However, when it comes to dogs, their digestive systems are different. Things that may seem alright and healthy for us could be harmful for them. At this point, you probably ask yourself – can eat dogs watermelon? Watermelon is one of the sweetest and coolest fruits out there and nothing beats it on a hot summer day. But then, can your dog have a bite too?
Nutritional facts of watermelon for dogs
Watermelon may bring in a bunch of health benefits for people. Luckily, it has a few good aspects when it comes to dogs as well. One of its main pluses is the fact that it has rich amounts of water. In fact, over 90% of a watermelon is nothing but water. From other points of view, it keeps your dog hydrated, but it will also help with the digestion.
Some say your dog will urinate more after eating watermelon. It is perfectly normal – it happens in people as well. This is because of the high amounts of water.
The fruit is not just about water and hydration though. In fact, it has a few nutrients that your dog could benefit from. For instance, it is rich in a few vitamins – A, B6 and C. It is also rich in potassium. Furthermore, watermelon has fibers, which prevents the high concentration of sugar from being too harmful for your dog.
Last, but not least, it is worth mentioning the antioxidants in this fruit too. They can decrease inflammation and boost the digestive system.
Harmful effects of watermelon in dogs
So, can dogs eat watermelon? The answer is yet. But then, nothing is perfect, so heavy amounts of watermelon may also bring in some negative effects. Watermelon can be given as a treat and this is pretty much it. Too much of it will imply a heavy amount of water in the dog’s system, leading to tummy ache, as well as diarrhea. Other gastrointestinal issues may also arise.
If your dog is not used to watermelon, it might be useful to start with a tiny amount. If your pet has a sensitive stomach, a new food could cause problems, so observe reactions over the next 24 hours.
Some parts of watermelon can also be dangerous. A couple of seeds will not harm your dog, but too many seeds could block the digestive tract. Smaller dogs are exposed to this risk in particular.
Rinds are not too safe either. While dogs can eat much on the light part on the inside, the rind is usually difficult to chew. Swallowing large pieces without chewing them might cause an intestinal blockage. Moreover, even if your dog chews it, the rind is usually difficult to digest. Again, a smaller dog is more likely to experience problems than a large dog.
Symptoms of blockages include vomiting, lethargy and constipation. Take your dog to a vet right away if you notice such signs, as complications could be harmful.
How to feed your dog watermelon
It might be a good idea to ask your vet upfront, before feeding your dog any watermelon. A vet could make a good recommendation regarding the ideal serving, which depends on your dog’s size, breed and age. Dogs have different needs and different breeds come with different requirements. In other words, watermelon may not always be the best idea. Generally speaking, it must be given as a treat only.
Make sure there are no seeds or rind in the watermelon. Then, you can cut it into small cubes – bite size. They should be easy to chew. This is the easiest way to feed your dog watermelon.
Hot days require special measures. You can keep the watermelon in the fridge to come up with a cool treat. Some people also recommend freezing small cubes. However, not all dogs can take frozen foods without experiencing side effects. Plus, your dog’s teeth must be in perfect condition to avoid damage.
Feeling creative about it? There are other fruits that could be healthy for dogs, so you could come up with a fruit salad. For example, throw in some blueberries and mix everything up. Treat your dog with a fruit salad or perhaps a smoothie.
Frequently asked questions
So, can dogs eat watermelon? Absolutely. But then, there will obviously be a few question marks in the process. Here are the most common issues.
How much watermelon can a dog eat?
A few cubes are usually more than enough for a small dog. They must be bite size. If you have a large dog, you can double or triple up the serving size. Always check with a veterinarian upfront. If this is the first time you feed your dog watermelon, you should start with a small serving size and observe reactions over the next 24 hours. You can then increase the serving size gradually until you reach the vet’s recommendation.
Is watermelon safe for dogs to eat?
Watermelon is safe for dogs. In fact, it also has a few nutrients that most dogs can benefit from. Stick to the recommended serving size and make sure you give your dog watermelon as a treat only – it should never be part of its diet. The seeds and rind are not really healthy for your dog though.
What fruits are bad for dogs?
Grapes and raisins are bad for dogs. The same rule applies to avocados, nuts and unripe tomatoes. Seeds, pips and stones are contraindicated too.
Final words
Bottom line, can dogs eat watermelon? Absolutely. It makes a good treat on a hot summer day. It also has a few nutrients that your dog can benefit from, not to mention keeping your furry friend hydrated. It is important to know that watermelon should never become part of your dog’s diet. While it makes a good treat, it can be harmful in heavy amounts, so stick to small servings and discuss your options with your vet first.
