Watermelon is a warm season snacking favorite. The delicious red fruit contains over 90 percent water and provides an excellent way to stay refreshed. But can dogs have watermelon, too? Today we will explore if this fruit is canine friendly and if consuming it benefits our four-legged friends.
Can Dogs Have Watermelon?
You might already be aware that there are a number of fruits that dogs can and cannot eat. Where does watermelon fall on the list? Can dogs also have watermelon on a hot summer day? The answer is sure to make you smile. The American Kennel Club (AKC) fully gives watermelon the green light.
However, there are two important precautions to take before giving your dog the fruit. Remove all seeds from the watermelon before feeding it to your dog. Seeds could cause blockage of intestines if your dog swallows them.
Furthermore, be sure not to feed your dog the watermelon rind. Chewing on it could lead to an upset stomach for your pup and a mess for you to clean up.
Is Watermelon Good for Dogs?
Can dogs have watermelon all the time? More good news here. The AKC dubs watermelon “a health-food powerhouse.” The fruit earns goodness points for being full of nutrients and low calorie. Watermelon contains vitamins A, C, and B6. It is also packed with potassium.
Watermelon really is a fault-free fruit. It contains only about 50 calories per cup. This makes the fat-free, cholesterol-free snack a perfect treat for both humans and dogs. Now you and your pup can both be rewarded with a big bowl of watermelon after a long walk without any guilt.
What About Sugar?
Many pet owners are aware that sugar intake should be limited for dogs. Since fruit tends to be high in sugar, most safe fruit should be fed to dogs in small servings so that your dog doesn’t eat too much sugar in a day.
However, the high fiber to sugar ratio of watermelon helps keep dogs safe. Dogtime explains that the fiber insulates the sugar content, which prevents it from entering the dog’s bloodstream too quickly.
Be aware that while watermelon can be enjoyed by dogs, it is not intended to make up a large amount of the dog’s overall diet. Dogtime warms that too much watermelon consumption could cause some tummy troubles for your pup. Remember all things in moderation, no matter how refreshing they are.
And be sure to avoid feeding your dog any artificially sweetened watermelon products. It’s best to steer safe by keeping it natural.
How to Feed Dogs Watermelon
Country Living also rates watermelon as an excellent fruit for dogs. The publication praises the sweet snack for keeping pups well hydrated. You can freeze the melon into chewable pieces before feeding it to your dog to give the treat an extra crunch.
To further keep dogs safe, Country Living also provides a quick guide to what common foods dogs can and cannot enjoy. Watermelon joins a long list of safe fruits, including bananas, apples, oranges, tomatoes, pineapple, strawberries, and blueberries. Danger fruits include grapes. Grapes are strictly human food with no exceptions for dogs.
And in case you were wondering where other melons stand, Country Living also ranks cantaloupe as a safe fruit for dogs. Just be sure to remove the rind!
Overall, watermelon is an excellent choice for dogs. Next time you are enjoying your favorite summer treat, don’t forget to share with your four-legged friend. For more information about what fruits dogs can eat, check out can dogs eat apples.
