Can dogs eat watermelon? Will it harm them, is it good for them, what about rind and juice? Let’s put those questions to task.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Summer is the best time of year to eat watermelon. It’s lesser known name is Citrullus Lanatus. It’s a popular treat for kids of all ages and it’s best served freshly cut and chilled. Watermelon is also one of the messiest fruits to eat, especially at an outdoor picnic. It’s not uncommon for chunks of watermelon to hit the ground at an outdoor picnic or other social event. Since many dogs are known as the backup vacuum cleaners and will eat up any food that hits the ground, you may find yourself worrying whether dogs can eat watermelon?
The truth is watermelon is a tasty treat for your dog and should be fine for your dog to eat in moderation. Watermelon is chock full of vitamins including vitamin C, B6, and vitamin A. It’s also high in potassium and doesn’t have a lot of calories. Your dog may especially enjoy a juicy slice of watermelon on a particular hot day because it has a high water content and is often served chilled.
If you really want to get creative and make a frozen treat your dog will love, mix several cups of seedless watermelon with just one cup of coconut water or coconut milk and about a quarter cup of honey, blend or puree in a blender and freeze in ice cube trays. You’ll have a delicious crunchy snack that you and your dog can share when things get too hot outdoors.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rind?
If you’re going to feed watermelon to your dog, it’s best to remove it from the watermelon rind. The reason for this is because although the rind isn’t toxic for your dog, chewing on a watermelon rind can cause some tummy issues in a lot of dogs. So, while your dog may love to chew on the rind, giving in to their wishes could create problems later if your dog becomes gassy.
How Much Watermelon Can Dogs Eat?
Watermelon is over 90% water which means it’s a super way to help your dog stay hydrated in the warm weather months. Although like with any kind of food, you want to use moderation, the only real limitation with the amount of watermelon your dog can eat is what they can tolerate. Letting your dog eat too much watermelon can cause diarrhea.
If you’re feeding your dog watermelon for the first time, start off with just one small piece a couple times a week. If your dog is able to tolerate this amount of watermelon without any signs of diarrhea, you can increase the amount of watermelon you feed your dog a little at a time. If you find that your dog begins to have diarrhea or is experiencing any other negative symptoms, stop feeding watermelon and consult your veterinarian for advice and treatment.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds?
Although there’s nothing inherent in watermelon seeds that are automatically harmful for dogs, they could potentially get stuck in the intestines and cause problems for your dog. This is truer for the hard black seeds than for the smaller white seeds found in watermelons. Before feeding watermelon to your dog, it’s best to remove as many if not all of the black seeds as you can.