A few things are as refreshing as a bite of watermelon on a hot, sunny day. But, can dogs eat watermelon? As a watermelon and dog lover, it is tempting to give your dog a bite of a cool melon without giving it a thought.
If you are unsure about feeding your dog with watermelon, we advise you to do it. Let us explore all you need to know about dogs and watermelon.
Dogs and Watermelon
Do you know that watermelon contains 92% water? It is a hydrating fruit that can quench the thirst of your canine friend. Also, watermelons have an array of nutrients that your dog needs for its overall health.
If you think that your dog can only enjoy a meal with meat, you are wrong. Dogs are omnivorous. They enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. Can you give dogs watermelon? Yes. Having a watermelon as part of your dog’s meal is a good option.
When you opt to feed watermelons to your dog, you have to know the right measure. Giving excess watermelons to your dog can cause diarrhea, stomachache, and other gastrointestinal upsets.
Experts advise that vegetables and fruits should only make up to 25% of your dog’s diet. Such a measure will provide the recommended 10% calorie intake from treats and snacks to your dog.
Sometimes, dogs react to new food. If you introduce watermelons to your furry friend, give it a small amount to see its reaction. Also, reach out to your veterinarian for advice on the right amount of watermelons to give to your dog. Lastly, if you identify an abnormal reaction on your dog after feeding it with watermelons, take it to a vet or call an emergency animal clinic.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
The answer to this question is yes. Your dog will enjoy different servings of watermelons. So, you do not have to stick to feeding it with the raw version. If you want your canine friend to enjoy watermelons more, you can opt for the following servings:
Fresh Chunks
If you do not have time to make watermelon treats, slice the fruit, remove the rind and seeds, and cut it into chunks. Your dog will enjoy it as raw as it appears.
Frozen Treats
You can freeze watermelons to preserve them and to make them icy. If you opt to feed your dog with frozen watermelons, ensure that its dental system is strong enough to crush the frozen chunks of fruit.
Adding coconut milk to watermelons makes it tastier. You should combine two watermelon cups with one coconut milk cup and freeze it using ice cube trays.
You can also opt to use yogurt instead of coconut milk. However, the yogurt should be plain, low-fat, or non-fat. Also, the yogurt you use should not contain sugar or additives. Remember, not all dogs can tolerate dairy products. So, apply caution on the quantity of yogurt you give to your dog.
Smoothies
If you have blueberries and other dog-safe ingredients, you can add them to watermelon and prepare a smoothie for your dog. Alternatively, you can make a fruit salad for your dog.
Watermelon Jerky
To make a watermelon jerky, cut a watermelon into pieces after removing the seeds and rind. Then, place the pieces in a dehydrator and make chewy treats. The watermelon will be less dehydrating but delicious to your dog.
The Benefits of Watermelon to Dogs
Is watermelon good for dogs? The answer to this question is yes, watermelon is not a filler for your dog food. It is a necessity. A watermelon has nutrients that complement the ones in the main course of your dog food.
Regarding the nutrients, watermelon contains vitamin A for healthy eyesight and immunity. The fruit also contains vitamin C, which reduces cognitive aging and inflammation. Lastly, watermelon contains vitamin B6 for a healthy immune response, hormonal regulation, and glucose generation.
Watermelon also contains potassium. The mineral is an electrolyte that maintains the fluid balance of a dog. It transmits nerve impulses, maintains osmotic balance, and transmits muscle contractions, among other functions.
Watermelon is also high in fiber content. The fiber improves the digestive system of your dog. The fiber also insulates the sugar in watermelons to prevent a quick release of sugar in the bloodstream.
You can also feed your dog with watermelons to prevent cancer. The fruit contains lycopene, which is a cancer-fighting antioxidant.
Watermelons are low in calories and sodium. They are also free of fat and cholesterol. So, it is an ideal alternative to several store-bought treats.
How to Feed a Dog Watermelon
Before you chop that watermelon for your dog, the first step is to consult a veterinarian. The expert will advise you on the amount of watermelon to give your dog and how often you should do it. Remember, your dog could be having a dietary need or a medical condition that will make watermelon a wrong choice.
After getting a nod from your veterinary, remove the seeds from the watermelon. Afterward, cut the fruit into small, chewable pieces. Serve it to your dog in the right measure to avoid any detrimental overfeeding effect. Can dogs eat watermelon rind? No. So, remove it too.
Your dog will enjoy fresh watermelon chunks. If you have ample time, you can try out watermelon recipes to make the fruit tastier for your dog.
Which is the best watermelon for dogs? Always give natural watermelons to your canine friend. Giving artificially flavored watermelons candy or treats is harmful to your dog.
One cup of watermelons has 54.6 calories. If that makes less than 10% of your dog’s calorie intake, it is enough for your dog. Never allow the poppy eyes of your dog to tempt you to give a larger serving of watermelon.
Interesting Facts About Watermelon
- A 15 to 20 pounds (6.75 to 9 kilograms) watermelon can produce 90 6-ounce (170.1-gram) watermelon wedges and 11 cups of watermelon cubes.
- The internal cracks (hollow heart) found inside a watermelon come from seasonal temperature fluctuations during the growth of the fruit. Watermelon with a hollow core is safe to eat. It is also sweeter than an internally solid one because sugars concentrate more on the internal cracks.
- After planting watermelons, you have to wait for three months before they mature.
- Seedless watermelons have existed for over 50 years. They contain white immature seed coats instead of the standard black mature seeds.
- Scientifically, call a watermelon Citrullus Lanatus.
- The botanical family of a watermelon is Cucurbitaceae. Pumpkin, cucumbers, and squash also belong to that family.
When is Watermelon Safe for Dogs?
Can dogs eat watermelon seeds? Can dogs eat watermelon skin? We answer no to both questions. Watermelons without seeds, rind, and skin are safe for dogs. If your dog ingests one or two seeds, there is no cause for alarm.
However, the ingestion of several seeds can block the digestive tract. Smaller dogs are more vulnerable to this digestive condition than big dogs.
It is also unsafe for your dogs to eat the rind and skin of a watermelon. Both are hard to chew. In addition, a dog that swallows a large piece of peel or skin can experience an intestinal blockage. Also, small dogs are more at risk of swallowing the rind and skin of a watermelon than big dogs.
If your dog eats watermelon and shows symptoms of intestinal blockage, contact your veterinarian immediately. The symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and constipation. Any delay in getting medical help for your dog can complicate the health condition.
If you suspect that your dog has eaten the seeds, rind, and skin of watermelon, put it under 24-hour surveillance to watch out for the intestinal blockage signs.
Can Puppies Eat Watermelon?
Do you know that dogs begin to wean their puppies after 3 to 4 weeks? At this time, puppies start teething. Also, they begin to develop proper eyesight. Watermelons are for dogs of all ages.
So, you can introduce watermelons to your puppies when they are around four weeks old. If you are unsure whether to feed your puppies with watermelons, consult your veterinarian for advice.
Conclusion
So, are dogs allowed to eat watermelon? Yes. You have now heard it. Never let your canine friend drool when you are enjoying a juicy wedge of watermelon. You can give raw watermelon to your dog or try one of the recipes that make it saucier. Remember, do not overfeed your dog with the fruit. Also, give your dog the flesh of the fruit only. Read our article and find out if dogs can eat oranges.
More importantly, ask your veterinarian whether your dog can eat watermelon. You will get the right advice to ensure that your dog will get the best out of the fruit.