It also contains B6, which helps keep their coat strong and shiny. It’s an especially nice treat for your pup on a hot day; due to the high water content, feeding your dog watermelon can help keep them hydrated and happy. It also has no fat or cholesterol, so it’s pretty much guilt-free. What dogs can’t eat is the rind and seeds of a watermelon. An average 15-to 20-pound watermelon will yield 90 six-ounce wedges and 11 cups of cubes. Yes. It’s a condition known as Hollow Heart and is caused by fluctuations in temperature during the growing season. Everybody loves watermelon, even dogs. You can carve watermelon rinds in the same manner as pumpkins. Even better, since it’s tasty and healthy for dogs and humans alike, it’s a great snack to share. Is watermelon a good fruit for dogs? Learn more about other fruits and vegetables that dogs can and cannot eat here. It’s also a source of lycopene, which is an antioxidant that may help prevent cancer. Your puppy's lifelong health and happiness begins with you. Cutting them up into small, chewable cubes is the simplest way to prepare watermelon for dogs and makes for a nice, easy treat. Though dogs may safely nibble at the light green insides of the fruit, this part of the watermelon is firm and difficult to chew. Morgan Swofford for LittleThings You should be on the lookout for signs of intestinal blockage for at least 24 hours after your dog eats the rind or seeds. For starters, the tough texture can lead to choking and may cause an upset belly. Unlike many dog snacks, watermelons are high in Vitamin C and have plenty of crispy and nutritious rinds to help them maintain their strength and agility. Watermelons should not be fed as the primary source of fiber in your dog’s diet. Dogs may swallow the rind without completely chewing it, which can result in intestinal blockage. Firstly, it is packed full of nutrients, like Vitamins A, B6, and C. Secondly, it’s a great fruit to aid with hydration because it mostly consists of water. Ever notice that some watermelons have internal cracks in the flesh? It contains 92% water, which hydrates your dog in scorching heat in the summer season. Just make sure to extract the seeds present in watermelon, so that they don’t get stuck in your puppy’s throat. If the watermelon is something that your dog likes a lot, you could consider rewarding it for the good deeds and thus integrates this fruit as favorable reinforcement. Benefits of watermelon for dogs. What About Artificial Watermelon Flavors? Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Can And Cannot Eat, https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. Watermelon is safe for dogs. Answer a few simple questions and find the right dog for you, Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side, Browse the AKC Marketplace to find the right puppy for you, Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration, Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. Watermelon can have some great health benefits for your dog if you're cautious about giving it to them. Watermelon is safe and non-toxic for your puppy. And it’s surely not by avoiding an entirely healthful food (for dogs and humans) like watermelon. And even though your dog will think it's a treat, watermelon has amazing health benefits for your pet. The short answer is yes, dogs can eat watermelon. There are many, iy_2021; im_05; id_10; ih_10; imh_09; i_epoch:1620666576596, py_2021; pm_05; pd_03; ph_09; pmh_04; p_epoch:1620057889754, link-block-publisher; link-block-publisher_link-block-publisher; bodystr, pn_tstr:Mon May 03 09:04:49 PST 2021; pn_epoch:1620057889754. Beta-carotene plenty in watermelon is converted to Vitamin A in the liver giving your dog sharp and powerful eyesight. Watermelon for dogs is a healthier treat in hots, and many stores brought dogs treats, which made up of watermelon. That way you know what’s in it. Can dogs eat watermelons with these artificial flavors? monitoring_string = "c1299fe10ba49eb54f197dd4f735fcdc". One quarter of a seedless watermelon (3 cups worth). It is best to give your dog watermelon in moderation, especially if they haven’t eaten it before, and see how they react. Do you have any recipes for watermelon dog treats? Seedless melons were developed 50 years ago. Precautions When Feeding Your Dog Watermelon Watermelon is full of beneficial nutrients that are healthy for dogs, including potassium and vitamins A, B6, and C. It’s also high in fiber, which is good for digestion. The Pros and Cons of Feeding Your Pup Watermelon It is safe to say that watermelon is good for your puppy, but everything has its pros and cons. Watermelon has a lot to offer to improve our pet’s health, so there is no reason that you exclude this fruit from its diet. The answer is yes, dogs can eat watermelon, but only the fruit part! Learn more about other fruits and vegetables that dogs can and cannot eat here. Many dogs have different dietary needs, and some have medical conditions that might make watermelon a bad choice. One quarter of a watermelon will fill two ice cube trays, making 28 individual treats. Watermelon has Vitamin A, which is good for your dog’s eyes, cells, and overall immune health. When Watermelon Can Be Harmful To Dogs. Get it right from the start. Although watermelon contains sugar, the fibre content in the fruit insulates the sugar and prevents it from being released into the bloodstream too quickly. It comes from the botanical family Cucurbitaceae and is related to cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash. Once you have the okay from your vet or nutritionist, make sure you remove any seeds or rind from the watermelon before giving it to your dog. There has been a debate as to how safe watermelon is for dogs. Dogs should not consume more than 10% of their calorie intake in treats. Ingredients. Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rind or Seeds? Artificial sweeteners such as xylitol can even be toxic to dogs, so stick to plain watermelon that you prepare, yourself. Follow any safety tips your vet gives you for feeding your dog safely. Watermelons consist of nutrients that are healthy for you and your dogs, it has potassium and vitamins A, B6, and C. It’s also high in fiber, which is good for digestion. Some large dogs may be able to pass the seeds without problems, but smaller dogs are especially at risk for a blockage. Although the watermelon rind is safe for humans, I think it might be a bit much for dogs. Watermelon is perfectly OK for dogs to eat. The main difference between sweet products with watermelon flavors and actual watermelon is that they contain tremendous amounts of sugar, unlike the summer-friendly, water-filled watermelon. According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, the fruit has only about 50 calories a cup and 92 percent water, so it’s great for hydration on a hot day. But you may see white seed coats, where the seed did not mature. Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Watermelon can sometimes cause diarrhea or other digestive problems if your dog gets too much of it. The skin of the watermelon is also very difficult to digest and can cause further blockage. Personally, I think dogs eating watermelon rinds is a bit risky. But is it safe for them to eat? This e-book provides valuable information on how good and sound nutrition habits will set your puppy on the right path. This fruit has plenty of vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial for your dog’s health, and they’re made of 92 percent water, so they can be especially refreshing on a hot day. Watermelon also contains an antioxidant called lycopene, which is thought to prevent cancer. The fruit has anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants that help to reduce tooth decay in your dog. To reduce the risk of seeds causing stomach trouble later in the day, play it safe and grab a seedless watermelon. Because watermelon is mostly water, it can also be a great source of hydration for dogs, particularly on a warm summer day. You can also freeze watermelon to make an extra refreshing summer treat, but make sure your dog’s teeth are healthy enough to chew frozen food without being damaged. Watermelon is low in calories, low in sodium, fat-free, and cholesterol-free, which makes it a healthier choice than many store-bought treats. The reason that watermelon is a wonderful summer treat for dogs is due to its inherent sweetness and nutritional value. Can you say hydrating?! 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. Although watermelon contains sugar, the fiber content in the fruit insulates the sugar and prevents it from being released into the bloodstream too quickly. Watermelon is low in calories, low in sodium, fat free, and cholesterol free, which makes it a healthier choice than many store-bought treats. Watermelon For Dogs Serving Suggestions Although it may be fun to punch a hole in a watermelon and let your pup slurp it up like some kind of brain-eating zombie, this probably isn’t the best idea. It’s important to know how to serve it to your dog safely so they don’t get sick. Can dogs eat watermelon? As always, you must ask your vet before sharing human foods, including watermelon, with your pooch. Being made of about 92 percent water, this fruit can be a good source of hydration and an especially refreshing treat on a hot day. However, they shouldn't eat the seeds and the rind itself. This does not make watermelon bad for dogs, but even healthy dogs should limit the consumption of fruits to once-a-day. Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? ALL of these organisms are natural residents of the body and their presence there is SYMBIOTIC (mutually beneficial!). Seeds could cause an intestinal blockage, so make sure you remove them. There are many patterns, from dinosaurs and sharks to Spiderman, and designs are … Before you feed your dog watermelon or any other human food, you should ask your veterinarian or nutritionist about how much you should feed your dog, if any, and how often. Some dogs get an upset stomach when they try a new food that they aren’t used to. Again, smaller dogs are more at risk. The fruit itself is a health-food powerhouse, low in calories and packed with nutrients—vitamins A, B6, and C, and potassium. The short answer is yes, you and your dog can enjoy watermelon together as a healthy snack. When they proliferate, as they very often do in mis-fed dogs, it’s because they were INVITED. They contain no black, mature seeds. Watermelon is a staple of beach trips and BBQs, but it may not necessarily be the first plant-based snack people think to give their dogs.As it turns out, it’s actually the perfect summer treat. Watermelon has multiple benefits when given occasionally and carefully to dogs. The fleshy pink fruit of a watermelon is loaded with healthy nutrients that are as beneficial for humans as they are for our canine companions. If your dog does eat the seeds or rind of a watermelon and you see the signs of an intestinal blockage, including vomiting, constipation, lethargy, and abdominal pain, get to your veterinarian right away to avoid serious complications. You can use more or less depending on how many treats you want to end up with. The seeds can pose a problem for dogs. © The American Kennel Club, Inc. 2021. Watermelon is full of beneficial nutrients that are healthy for dogs, including potassium and vitamins A, B6, and C. It’s also high in fiber, which is good for digestion. Too much sugar can lead to gastrointestinal upset in the short term and diabetes or obesity in the long term. Asides from these two, your pet can eat the fruity, fleshy and watery part of the fruit. AKC actively advocates for responsible dog ownership and is dedicated to advancing dog sports. Also, fruits and vegetables should not make up more than 20% of a dog’s diet. Watermelon for dogs. The rinds are also not safe to eat. In conclusion, watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe are all nutritious options for most dog at snack time. Dogs can eat watermelons with no side-effects as long as you give them in moderation and remove some parts of the watermelon, such as seeds. In fact, most dogs love watermelon because of its sweet flavor. The rind can cause gastrointestinal trouble, and the seeds could lead to an intestinal blockage. Here are some fun facts from the NWPB: Other fruits and veggies, such as carrots and apples, can be a healthy treat for dogs. They are usually full of sugar, chemicals, or other substances that can make your dog sick. But before you feed your dog this tasty treat, there are some things you should know. No doubt, many a dog has eaten many a watermelon seed and felt no ill effects at all. The most important thing to note is that they can digest (and even benefit from) the red and light green fruit contained inside the watermelon rind. It’s also probably not a good idea to allow a dog to chew on the rind, because it can cause gastrointestinal upset. There are some rules you can follow, like only giving your dog the flesh of the fruit. To begin, watermelon can be safe for dogs in moderation when prepared correctly. Beta-carotene in watermelons may help improve eye health.. Considering how many beneficial vitamins and minerals are contained in watermelon, it’s safe to say that yes, watermelon can be good for dogs. Health Benefits of Watermelon for Dogs. Watermelon is fat-free, cholesterol-free, and sodium-free. Stop feeding your dog melons if … Let us know in the comments below! Watermelon Seeds and Dogs. Calories - This fruit is low in calories and a great refreshing snack for dogs. The meat of the fruit is safe for dogs but don't let them eat the seeds and the rind. It's also high in fiber, which can aid healthy digestion. In fact, it also has a few nutrients that most dogs can benefit from. The Vitamin A (beta-carotene) found in … Have you ever fed your dog watermelon? Hollow Heart melons are safe to eat, and they are actually sweeter in spots, because sugars tend to concentrate along the cracks. Well, this is a different set of questions that require a new aspect of the review. Do not feed melons to diabetic dogs, obese dogs or overweight dogs because melons have a relatively high sugar content. Watermelon is a fantastic summer treat for dogs as well as humans, and it’s an essential component of any picnic basket when you’re enjoying a day in the park or at the beach. This may be due to the seeds which can cause a blockage in their intestine and the rind; the outer part of the fruit which can lead to gastrointestinal trouble. However, too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, and the rinds and seeds of watermelons can cause serious health problems. Why is watermelon so good for dogs? However, it also contains sugar, which is not healthy for dogs. Dogs who eat too much watermelon will probably get a tummy ache along with some diarrhea or other signs of gastrointestinal upset. Watermelon, like any other fruit, is meant to be a treat and not a staple of a dog’s diet. Watermelon has around 50 calories per cup. If you’re feeling extra creative, you can mix watermelon with other safe and healthy ingredients like blueberries to make a fruit salad or smoothie for your dog. Watermelon clears heat and promotes urination. Some believe that it is not safe. One or two seeds might not make much of a difference, but many seeds can end up causing a blockage in the digestive tract. Sweet products that contain watermelon or anything that is artificially watermelon flavored are probably not a good idea for dogs. Watermelon makes a good healthy snack for your pet dog because it contains some of the vitamins and minerals dogs need. Here’s what you should know about feeding watermelon to dogs. 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 suggestion of watermelon consumption for dogs Experts suggest that in your dog’s diet, only 10% of calorie intake should come from treats or snacks. These benefits include: Boosts the Dog’s Eyesight. From planting to harvest, it takes a watermelon three months to grow. Although watermelon is low in calories they do add up, and introducing your dog to any new food can cause stomach issues. The answer is yes, with a couple of precautions. Watermelon is a favorite summer treat for us humans, but can dogs eat watermelon? The essential nutrient, Vitamin C, also known as Ascorbic acid, aids dogs in fighting degenerative … Not only would this allow your dog to overindulge, but it’d also make quite a mess too. It contains 92% of water and can be good for hydration and refreshing fruit. All rights reserved. Watermelon is rich in potassium and vitamin C, and it's also a great source of vitamins A and B6, according to Dogtime. A serving of watermelon contains just 80 calories and is 92% water. Dogs with sensitive stomachs or a history of pancreatitis may need to avoid melons completely to prevent further episodes from occurring. You can ask your veterinarian or nutritionist about the appropriate amount for your individual dog. You can carve watermelon rinds in the same manner as pumpkins. H owever, you’ll also need to make sure that you trim away that rind and pluck out any seeds, or your poor dog will suffer some intestinal consequences. Nevertheless, many authorities, the American Kennel Club among them, caution against them doing so in case those seeds cause an obstruction. Not only is watermelon safe for dogs, it is a nutritious snack option for them. Watermelon is low in calories, sodium, and is cholesterol-free, which make it a healthy choice for your dogs. Watermelon is full of beneficial nutrients that are healthy for dogs, including potassium and vitamins A, B6, and C. It’s also high in fibre, which is good for digestion. You can feel free to give your pooch a nice cool slice so they can enjoy it right along with you. Watermelon should not make up a large part of a dog’s diet. Additionally, watermelon contains antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins that are beneficial to your dog’s health and wellbeing.