Can dogs eat watermelon? Yes! It can be a healthy, hydrating, and refreshing snack for all dog breeds. There are many ways to feed this delicious treat to your dogs, from fresh, freezing, to dehydrating. However, it should be given as a treat in moderation.
Busy? Get Your Hands Paws On The Answers Quickly…
- Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rind?
- Can Dogs Eat The Seeds?
- Health Benefits And Nutrients In Watermelon For Dogs
- Risks
- Healthy Watermelon Recipes For Dogs
- FAQs
Not really, it is not toxic and does not contain anything known to cause hazardous reactions.
However, we strongly advise against dogs eating watermelon rind as it can quickly get stuck and cause blockages. They are also unable to digest the rind so it could also lead to an upset stomach.
The texture makes it difficult to chew, and if swallowed, could cause choking. When feeding your dog watermelon, we advise to give only watermelon flesh, cut into manageable chunks.
Not really, similar to rind the seeds are not toxic, but they can cause blockages.
If your dog eats a few by accident, I wouldn’t worry too much. However, we highly recommend removing the seeds before giving your dog watermelon to minimize any risk of intestinal damage. Due to the firmness, they are unable to break it down so the seeds could cause a blockage.
HEALTH BENEFITS AND NUTRIENTS IN WATERMELON FOR DOGS
Watermelon is 92% water, making it a great refreshing and hydrating treat for dogs. It is low in calories, salt, and fat as well as containing vitamins A, B6, and C, all of which are essential in a dog’s diet.
| Amount per cup (152g): | |
| Calories | 46 |
| Total Fat | 0.2g |
| Sodium | 1.5mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 11g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6g |
| Sugar | 9g |
| Protein | 0.9g |
Vitamin A – A vitamin A rich diet will help keep your dog’s coat shiny, muscles strong, and good night vision. Other foods rich in vitamin A include cod liver oil, beef liver, sweet potato, and carrots.
Vitamin B6 – This vitamin aids with controlling hormones specifically for thyroid-related issues. Sufficient B6 helps with heart health, weight regulation, and water regulation. Other foods with high B6 levels include eggs, fish, turkey, chicken, and wholegrain rice.
Vitamin C – Several studies have shown that dogs with a sufficient level of vitamin C are better at fighting disease and illnesses. Stress and exhaustion can cause a depletion in vitamin C. Other foods rich in vitamin C include broccoli, spinach, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.
Calories – This fruit is low in calories and a great refreshing snack for dogs. Watermelon has around 50 calories per cup. Dogs should not consume more than 10% of their calorie intake in treats. So if your dog’s daily calorie intake should be 250 calories, they can safely have 1/2 cup of watermelon as a healthy treat.
Sugar – Watermelon does have high sugar content, and although this is natural sugar (fructose) is it still recommended to eat in moderation.
If your dog does have diabetes or any other condition which could be affected by their sugar intake, make sure to consult a vet before feeding. Alternative low sugar treats, such as vegetables could be a great alternative.
Fiber – Fiber isn’t a necessity in a dog’s diet and isn’t something ‘wild’ dogs would have eaten. However, it can help with the gut, digestive system, and to keep consistent bowel movements.
Excess Consumption – Despite being a healthy treat, it should be looked at as a treat (less than 10% of their daily calorie intake). A dog should only be fed watermelon occasionally and in moderation, too much as it can cause stomach upset, including sickness and diarrhea.
Added Sweetener – Be sure to only feed your dog natural watermelon (unseeded is even better) as watermelon flavored food can contain excess sugar, sweeteners, and additives. Watermelon flavored sweets could also include xylitol which is highly toxic to dogs.
Xylitol is a sugar substitute; in humans, the consumption of xylitol does not cause the pancreas to release insulin. However, in dogs, it is confused for real sugar; the sudden release of insulin can cause seizures and even death.
HEALTHY WATERMELON RECIPES FOR DOGS
Yogurt and Watermelon Treats By Baking Mischief
Ingredients:
– 2 cups seedless watermelon
– 1 cup plain greek yogurt
– Ice cube tray
Directions:
1. In a blender puree the watermelon.
2. Line the ice paw/bone tray with the yogurt, fill with the watermelon puree.
3. Freeze overnight.
4. Serve as a tasty treat!
Coconut and Watermelon Frozen Treats by Gone to the Snow Dogs
Ingredients:
– 2 cups seedless watermelon
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1/4 cup honey
– Ice cube tray
Directions:
1. Combine the ingredients in a food processor and blend until combined.
2. Pour into the ice paw/bone tray.
3. Freeze overnight.
4. Serve as a tasty treat!
Watermelon Taffy by The Canine Chef Cookbook
Ingredients:
– 1 seedless watermelon
– Dehydrator
Directions:
1. Slice watermelon into strips (keep in mind they will shrink by half).
2. Place on saran wrapped dehydrator trays.
3. Dehydrate until it becomes the desired dryness.
4. Serve as a tasty treat!
What fruits can dogs eat?
A variety of fruits are considered safe for dogs, including apples, bananas, blueberries, mango, cantaloupe.
What fruit is bad for dogs?
Grapes, raisins, cranberries, and citrus fruits. Grapes and raisins can be particularly hazardous to dogs and can cause kidney failure.
Can dogs eat cucumbers?
Yes, in moderation.
Is peanut butter good for dogs?
Yes, peanut butter contains healthy fats and is high in protein. Make sure it doesn’t include xylitol or artificial sweeteners. We recommend peanut butter which is 100% made of peanuts.
Can dogs eat broccoli?
Yes, broccoli can be a healthy snack for dogs; it contains vitamin C and fiber. Other healthy vegetable alternatives include carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, and zucchini to name a few!
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Disclaimer: Each dog is different, and every circumstance is different. All efforts have been made to provide accurate information. However, it is not provided by a qualified Veterinarian, Veterinarian Surgeon, or Behaviorist. The information provided is purely educational. The information should not be used as an alternative or substitute for medical care. If you have any health or medical concerns, contact a qualified Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinarian immediately.
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