Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Watermelon is a delicious and healthy snack for humans, but is it healthy for your dog as well? Yes! It’s a great treat for dogs, especially as a refreshing treat on a hot day.
This delicious fruit is packed with many healthy nutrients, like Vitamins A, B6, and C, and potassium which helps your pup’s body maintain healthy muscles and nerve function. Watermelon also contains healthy dietary fiber, which helps with digestion. It is mostly made up of water (92%), making it a very hydrating snack as well.
What to watch out for
When giving your dog watermelon, make sure to remove the seeds and the rind (skin); both can cause an obstruction in the intestines, especially in smaller dogs. While larger dogs are able to chew the rind, it’s best to avoid giving it to them because the rind is indigestible. As always, monitor your dog when giving watermelon because there’s always a risk of a stomach upset when giving your dog new foods.
How to give your dog watermelon
Give your dog watermelon as a snack. Hang on to the rind while your dog takes chunks from it or cube it and serve them pieces. If your dog is teething, put the cubes into the freezer for a bit for a soothing treat. Avoid giving too much watermelon. All things, even healthy, should be given in moderation.
More dog-friendly fruits
Watermelon isn’t the only fruit dogs can chow down on! However, fruits are generally higher in sugars and should be limited in overweight pets. Other healthy fruits for dogs include:
- Apples
- Apricots
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupes
- Cranberries
- Mango
- Orange
- Pear
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
Reminder: before giving your pet any of these fruits, make sure to wash the fruit, remove rinds, inedible skins, pits, and seeds.
Non dog-friendly fruits
Some fruits can be poisonous to dogs because of their skin, contents, or more. Avoid giving your pet the following fruits:
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Lemons
- Limes
- Grapefruit
- Persimmons
