Watermelon is a healthy and delicious fruit for dogs. It contains essential nutrients, like vitamins B6, A, C, antioxidants, amino acids, fiber, lycopene, and potassium.
Just like any dog treat, serve it to your pooch in moderation to maintain a balanced diet. This article will help you to know how much watermelon is good for Fido and what parts of the fruit you should keep away from him.
Should dogs eat watermelon?
If you are looking for a nutritious healthy treat for your pooch, consider feeding watermelon to your dog. Packed with nutrients, the watermelon offers many health benefits for dogs:
Watermelon keeps your dog hydrated.
Watermelon contains 92% water. It is a great summer treat not only for us but also for our pups. Feeding this fruity treat to your dog, especially on a hot day, will help him cool down and stay hydrated.
Watermelon helps with weight management.
Watermelon is free from cholesterol and fats, and it is low in calories and sodium. Since the fruit consists mostly of water, it makes your dog feel full easily.
Watermelon promotes good metabolism function.
Watermelon has high fiber content, which encourages peristaltic motion, which is the movement of food along the digestive tract. This enhances colon health, alleviates constipation, and supports regular bowel movement.
Watermelon prevents the increase in blood sugar.
Watermelon contains fructose or fruit sugar. However, thanks to watermelon’s high fiber content, it prevents blood sugar spikes. That is because the fiber slowly releases sugar into the bloodstream.
Watermelon aids in maintaining and enhancing eyesight.
Watermelon contains vitamin A, which is essential for keeping your dog’s eyesight sharp and clear. It also prevents the development of ocular diseases such as cataracts, night blindness, and macular degeneration.
Watermelon shields the body against diseases.
Antioxidants such as lycopene are found in watermelons. Antioxidants help strengthen the immune system and get rid of free radicals that induce cell damage. Antioxidants also aid in preventing health problems such as cancer and neurological disorders.
Can dogs have watermelon?
Generally, watermelon is safe for dogs. However, some pooches suffer from food allergies, which keep them from enjoying certain human foods.
Be careful when feeding your dog watermelon for the first time. Only give him small quantities of the fruit. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction, which include:
- Red and inflamed skin
- Itchiness
- Hives
- Vomiting
- Ear infection
- Skin infection
- Constant licking of the skin
- Diarrhea
If he shows any of these symptoms, bring him to the vet immediately.
How much watermelon can a dog eat?
In general, the recommended serving size for dogs is 1 cup of diced and deseeded watermelon. This juicy fruit is considered a treat. Thus, it should only comprise a small portion of their diet.
It is always a good idea to consult the vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet. The vet will be able to provide the appropriate amount of watermelon suitable for your dog. Stick to what the vet recommends for your dog.
Do not overfeed him with watermelon as it might lead to gastrointestinal upset.
Can dogs eat watermelon seed?
Always opt for seedless watermelon. Do not feed your dog watermelon seeds. While these do not contain toxins, they are choking hazards and may cause stomach obstruction.
Large dogs can digest the seeds without problems as they have larger intestines. As for smaller dogs, passing the seeds can be problematic, making them more at risk of impaction.
Swallowing one or two seeds is less likely to result in anything dangerous. However, frequent ingestion of seeds overtime will put your dog at risk of bowel obstruction. Observe your dog if he is showing these signs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach bloat
- Abdominal pain
- Lack of appetite
- Sticky gums due to dehydration
If he has any of the signs above, he may be suffering from intestinal obstruction. Take him to the vet to get him checked out. Your dog may need to undergo surgery to remove the seeds that are blocking his intestines.
Can dogs eat watermelon skin?
Can dogs eat watermelon rinds? No, rinds have a rough texture and are difficult to digest. Watermelon skin and rind can cause intestinal blockage much like watermelon seeds. Make sure to properly dispose of them to keep your dog safe from these health hazards.
Can dogs have watermelon juice?
Pure sugar-free watermelon juice is safe for dogs. With that said, always remember to limit his consumption. Avoid giving your dog store-bought watermelon juice or any watermelon-flavored drinks.
It is common for these to have high levels of sugar content, artificial preservatives, and additives. They can trigger the development of many health issues, including diabetes and obesity.
How to prepare a watermelon safely for your dog
You will need to put in a little bit of extra effort when preparing watermelon for your pooch. To guide you through, we listed down simple steps that you can follow:
Pick a fresh and ripe watermelon.
Wash the outside skin.
Split the watermelon into two halves and cut the flesh into cubes.
Remove the watermelon seeds and give the flesh to your dog in moderation.
Homemade Watermelon Dog Treats
Here is a mouth-watering frozen watermelon dog treat that will set your pup’s tail wagging on a hot summer day:
Watermelon Pupsicle
Ingredients
Procedures
- Place the seedless watermelon in the blender and blend until pureed.
- Chop the parsley on a chopping board.
- Place mold on a baking tray.
- Insert a small piece of parsley into the bottom and add a thin layer of plain Greek yogurt.
- Freeze for one hour.
- Fill the remaining mold with watermelon puree.
- Freeze for at least four hours or overnight and serve it to your pooch.
