Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? – Is watermelon bad for dogs?
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Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Your family is enjoying a picnic on a hot summer afternoon by the lake, and your dog is begging to be part of the family and share in the spread. She is especially interested in your watermelon. Can you share it with her safely?
Yes! If you want to share a piece or two of watermelon with your little friend, don’t hesitate to do so. Dogs can safely eat watermelon fruit—but they should avoid the seeds and the rind, which might cause gastrointestinal problems.
How is Watermelon Healthy for Dogs?
Aside from being packed with vitamins, watermelon is low in sodium, low in calories, cholesterol-free, and fat-free, which makes it one of the healthiest fruits.
The fruit consists of 92% water, which makes it an excellent hydration source. The reddish-pink fruit of watermelon is rich in healthy nutrients and vitamins that are as beneficial for our fluffy friends as they are for humans.
Watermelon, an excellent source of potassium, boasts high levels of vitamins A, B6, and C. It is also fiber-rich, which can stimulate faster and healthier digestion. Although sugar levels in the fruit are high, watermelon will not cause spikes in blood pressure or blood sugar. Because of watermelon’s high level of fiber, dogs metabolize the glucose slowly.
What Parts of the Watermelon Are Safe for My Pup?
Watermelon may be safe for your canine friend, but you still need to be supercautious, because some parts are dangerous. Before you serve your dog a treat, it is essential to know which watermelon parts are safe for your pet and which you should avoid.
Before you treat your furry friend with a piece of watermelon, be sure to remove any rind and seeds.
The seeds, for example, may pose a problem for puppies. One or two seeds might not make a difference, but 10, 20, or more may block the digestive tract.
Please also avoid rinds. While dogs may find the firm green part of the fruit tasteful, the watermelon’s skin is difficult to chew and hard to digest. If your dog happens to swallow the rind completely, he may contract abdominal cramps—or, in a worst-case scenario, form additional intestinal blockages. Rinds particularly cause problems in smaller dogs.
If your puppy does eat the rind or the seeds of watermelon and starts vomiting or showing signs of abdominal distress, take her to the veterinarian immediately to avoid more severe complications.
How Should I feed the Watermelon to My Dog?
After removing the rind and seeds, you can serve the melon to your dog in several tasty ways. Since the fruit is so high is water content, it makes the perfect dessert for a hot summer day. You can also freeze a few watermelon pieces before serving to make the dessert even more refreshing and tasty for your doggy. Some people prefer to cut watermelon up into small cubes, while others mix watermelon with other fruits, such as blueberries or raspberries, to make a smoothie or fruit salad for your canine friend.
Watermelon Recipes for Treating Your Dog Right
Compared to other fruits, watermelon is one of the healthiest options for doggies. If you need inspiration about how to prepare a delicious and healthy treat for your dog this summer, here are a few ideas that your pet will love.
Frozen watermelon yogurt
All you need is Greek yogurt and watermelon to prepare this delicious dog treat. Place a bit of yogurt into ice molds, and then fill the containers with watermelon juice. Place the molds in the freezer for about 4-5 hours.
Watermelon slushies
The watermelon slushie dessert requires seedless watermelon and coconut milk. Mix the ingredients in a blender for 1-2 minutes, then pour into a bowl. Freeze the bowl for 2-3 hours before serving.
Watermelon and banana slices
Another simple recipe requires just two ingredients – watermelon and banana. Blend the ingredients, pour them into ice molds, and then freeze the mixture for about 4 hours. Dogs love a delicious fruit combination; watermelon and banana won’t disappoint.
In summary, the fleshy fruit of the watermelon, either in its pure form or mixed with other fruits, is safe for your fluffy friend. If your pet has trouble digesting watermelon, consult with a veterinarian, and together determine the right portion.
