When summer is in full swing and that means one thing – watermelon season! This delicious fruit is a great snack for humans, but can dogs eat watermelon? And if they can, is it safe?
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat watermelon. Watermelon (like blueberries) is a great source of hydration and is low in calories. It also contains important vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for dogs. However, you should always watch your dog closely when introducing new foods to ensure that they are not allergic or intolerant.
This is especially important for watermelon because it is a common allergen and can cause serious reactions in some dogs. If you notice any vomiting, diarrhea, hives, or upset stomach after feeding your dog this fruit – stop immediately!
Health Benefits Of Watermelon For Dogs
If you are looking for a healthy and nutritious way to supplement your dog’s diet, consider adding watermelon to their menu! Watermelon can provide many health benefits, including hydration, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Hydration: It’s in the name! Watermelon is 92% water, making it a great treat to help keep your pup hydrated.
Vitamins: Watermelon is also a good course of vitamins C and A. These support your dog’s immune system, bone growth, and vision.
Low Calorie: Watermelon is also low in calories and can help with weight management (check your dog’s calorie requirements here). Feeding it to them frozen can help them manage their weight while enjoying a tasty treat!
How Much Watermelon Can Dogs Eat?
It is recommended that you feed your dog no more than 1 cup of watermelon per day. This will help to prevent any digestive upset while keeping their diet balanced.
Watermelon is safe for dogs to eat, but the rind is iffy. While the rind is not poisonous to dogs, it is high in fiber and can cause an upset stomach if your dog eats too much of it. As with all things new – start slow and gradually increase how much watermelon rind your dog is eating until they are happily devouring it! As always, keep an eye on their reaction – if they seem to be having an allergic reaction or digestive upset stop right away!
Watermelon seeds can cause gastrointestinal blockages in dogs, so it is important to remove them before feeding your pup any watermelon.
How To Feed Watermelon to Dogs
After you’ve removed the rind and seeds, there are a bunch of ways that you can feed watermelon to your dog!
Fresh: Dogs love watermelon just like we do, freshly cut and dripping with juice! Feel free to give your dog a big slice of watermelon, or cut up into cubes.
Pureed: You can make a puree out of fresh cut chunks by blending them together in blender or food processor until smooth consistency is reached. This is great as a kibble topper or to fill a KONG or a West Paw Topple!
Frozen: You can either freeze the pureed watermelon (like in these watermelon dog treats) into a block, or simply freeze big slices of seedless watermelon! Just avoid freezing bite-sized cubes, which can pose a choking hazard.