Can dogs eat watermelon? Sure, watermelon is delicious at picnics, but can dogs eat it? For fear your pooch might not benefit from this juicy treat, you haven’t yet shared it with them. Dogs can actually benefit from watermelon if it is given to them correctly.
There are a few things you should know before you give this tasty treat to your dog. 92 percent of the fruit is water, making them especially refreshing on hot days, and they contain plenty of vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial for your dog’s health.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
It’s one of the most beneficial fruits for humans as well as our canine companions since it’s filled with nutrients beneficial for both. Watermelons are also very good for our bodies since they contain a number of vitamins and minerals.
As Dog time reports, watermelon is an excellent source of potassium, vitamin C, and vitamins A and B6 as well. Furthermore, it contains fiber, which can aid in a healthy digestion process. There is no cholesterol or fat in this fruit, and there is almost no sodium or sugar in it either.
Sugar is present in watermelon, but it is mainly made up of water, so it shouldn’t cause any spikes in blood sugar levels. During the summer, it is a great way to help your dog stay cool and hydrated as it is 92% water.
Is Watermelon Safe for Dogs?
Despite its healthy properties, you shouldn’t give your dog any parts of the watermelon other than its flesh. In accordance with the American Kennel Club, if dogs swallow watermelon seeds, they can suffer from a variety of illnesses
Small dogs are likely to suffer bowel blockages if too many seeds are present, whereas large dogs are unlikely to be affected by a few seeds.
Small dogs can suffer from bowel blockages if there are too many seeds in their environment stomach due to excessive consumption, even if a few seeds won’t cause any major problems for large dogs.
When Is Watermelon Bad For Dogs?
It is not recommended for dogs to consume a large amount of watermelon. Watermelon can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs along with tummy aches and diarrhea.
New foods can upset a dog’s stomach, especially when they’re unknown to them. When you first introduce watermelon to your dog, it is best to give it in moderation and see how they respond.
If you are unsure of how much your dog needs, contact your veterinarian or nutritionist.
You should also refrain from giving your dog the hard, green, outer skin of the watermelon as ingesting that can cause gastrointestinal distress that can trigger vomiting or diarrhea in your dog.
Some Parts Of The Fruit Are Dangerous
It is possible for dogs to be harmed by the seeds. The consumption of even one or two seeds can cause a blockage in the digestive tract; however,
if many seeds are consumed, the digestive tract as a whole can be blocked. When it comes to smaller dogs, blockages are more likely to occur, while in large dogs, the seeds may pass through without any issue.
You should also avoid eating the rinds. Watermelon’s light green insides may be nibbled by dogs safely, but this part of the fruit is tough to chew. The rind may be swallowed by dogs without being fully chewed, causing intestinal blockage.
It is also very difficult to digest the skin of watermelon, which can lead to further blockages. The risk is higher for smaller dogs.
A dog’s intestinal blockage could result in vomiting, constipation, lethargy, and abdominal pain if he eats the seeds or rind of a watermelon. Check with your veterinarian immediately if your dog consumes seeds or rind.
Within 24 hours of giving your dog the rind or seeds, you should watch for signs of intestinal blockage.
Natural Watermelon Only
Dogs should probably not consume sweet products containing watermelon or artificially flavored with watermelon. The problem is that they are typically full of sugar, chemicals, or other substances that can cause your dog to get sick.
It is possible to develop diabetes or obesity from too much sugar in the short- and long-term. You should only give your dog plain watermelon, prepared yourself, instead of using artificial sweeteners like xylitol. By doing so, you’ll know exactly what it contains.
How to Feed Your Dog Watermelon
Canine companions should receive this treat in the following way: Dogs should be given watermelon in the following manner:
Watermelon pieces with seeds removed or seeded watermelon should not be given to your dog. Remove the rind from the fruit and scoop it out with a melon baller or cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Using a melon baller or cutting the fruit into small pieces, be sure not to remove any of the rind, added sugars, artificial sweeteners, or artificial colors that may be harmful to your dog.
Preventive Vet recommends treating your dog no more than 10% of his daily calories.
When feeding watermelon to your dog, follow this rule: a cup of diced watermelon contains 45.6 calories, regardless of your dog’s size. If your dog stares up at you, realize it’s also thinking about you, despite having big puppy eyes.
There is nothing wrong with dogs eating the same dog food every day. The best food for your dog is the one they get every day, even if you’re tempted to give in on occasion.
Make sure to consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog any human food. In spite of the fact that watermelon is considered a healthy treat for many dogs, it is best to confirm that it will not negatively affect the digestive system of your dog.
Your dog can now enjoy a few bites of seedless watermelon at your next picnic thanks to seedless watermelon. It’s hard to beat watermelon as a dog treat, as long as it’s given safely and moderately.
How Is Watermelon Good For Dogs?
Besides potassium and vitamin A, B6, and C, watermelon is full of beneficial nutrients for dogs. In addition to being high in fiber, it is also good for digestion.
Despite watermelon’s sugar content, fiber prevents sugar from being released too quickly into the bloodstream thanks to the fruit’s fiber content. As an antioxidant, lycopene may be helpful in preventing cancer.
Compared to store-bought treats, watermelon has fewer calories, sodium, fat, and cholesterol than most other fruits and vegetables. It is an especially refreshing treat on a hot day because it is made of 92 percent water.
How Should You Feed Your Dog Watermelon?
If your dog must eat watermelon, or any other human food, you should consult a veterinarian or nutritionist. For dogs with certain dietary needs or medical conditions, watermelon might not be a good choice.
Before giving your dog watermelon, make sure any seeds or rind have been removed from it with the approval of your veterinarian or nutritionist. By cutting up watermelon into small, chewable cubes, you can provide dogs with a tasty, easy treat.
If your dog can chew frozen food without breaking his teeth, you can also freeze watermelon as a cool summer treat.
Make a fruit salad or smoothie for your dog with watermelon and other healthy ingredients, such as blueberries. Follow your veterinarian’s safety tips. Thank you