Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon would be the simplest answer.
But,
Nothing is that simple, and an overdose of anything is not right.
Dogs shall not be fed with Watermelons as a full meal.
Instead, it should be only used as a treat.
Being a dog lover, you might be worried about the seeds in watermelon and wondering have many questions in your mind.
Your most Frequently Asked Questions on the query: Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds? Is it safe to feed dogs watermelon?
No, your dog shouldn’t be eating watermelon seeds. You would usually buy a watermelon that’s completely ripe, and that would have mature seeds that are difficult for your dogs to have.
Watermelons are not good in excess. The next question answers exactly how much.
According to AKC, founded in 1884, is a recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs.
How much watermelon can a dog have/eat?
If you are giving a small portion of watermelon to your dogs, then that won’t make much of a difference.
An overdose can cause issues that you should avoid.
What happens if my dog eats watermelon seeds?
As said earlier, eating a lot of watermelon seeds can cause the intestines to block and further problems. The best way is to remove the seeds of the watermelon before you feed it to your dog.
You’d find two types of seeds in a watermelon:
- Black Seeds – Can dogs eat watermelon with black seeds?
Preferably Not, these are the ones that are mature seeds and should be avoided. - White Seeds – Can dogs eat watermelon with white seeds?
Yes, they can! White seeds are not mature and are easier to digest than black seeds. Even though these white seeds in watermelon are edible, you shall have a limited dosage.
Another option is a seedless watermelon.
Can Dogs Eat Seedless Watermelon?
Yes, definitely your dogs can Eat Seedless Watermelon. In fact, it’s one of the best choices and a hassle-free task where instead you have to remove the watermelon seeds before you feed your dog.
Can dogs eat Watermelon Rind/Skin/Peel? Can you give your dog watermelon rinds?
No, dogs can’t have watermelon rind as it is hard and fairly difficult to digest. You should try to avoid giving it to your sogs as it’s difficult for a dog’s digestive system.
Scientifically Viewed: Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Before we call out food good or bad based on some already set traditions or some specific experiences, we need to check:
- How much nutrients that particular food contains, and
- Does your dog even require it? If YES, then,
- How much is it good for your dog(depending upon its weight)?
Fruit Facts: What Nutrients are Contained in Watermelon? (per 100 g)
Source: USDA
Looking at the following Watermelon nutrition table, we notice that watermelon is rich in Sugars, Carbs, Vitamin C. Fiber, Protein, and Magnesium contain a considerate part.
|
||
| Total Fat | 0.2 g | |
| Saturated fat | 0 g | |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | |
| Sodium | 1 mg | |
| Potassium | 112 mg | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8 g | |
| Dietary fiber | 0.4 g | |
| Sugar | 6 g | |
| Protein | 0.6 g | |
| Vitamin C | 13% | Calcium | 0% |
| Iron | 1% | Vitamin D | 0% |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0% | Cobalamin | 0% |
| Magnesium | 2% |
Dogs Nutritional Requirements
View/Download the complete table
Nutritionally, the dog’s requirements don’t match with watermelon’s nutrients. However, a treat would be enough to cover the magnesium and protein requirements.
Being juicy and rich in sugars, the dog will remain active, hydrated, and healthy.
How to Feed a Dog Watermelon
The following are 4 methods you can feed your dog and your dog will love it.
Just like any treat, given to your dog in addition to their regular, balanced diet, watermelon should be fed in moderation. Here are some safe ways to feed your dog watermelon:
- In chunks: Slice up the watermelon and remove the rinds and seeds.
- Frozen chunks: Those chunks can now be frozen too and your dog will love it in the summers.
- Puree: Take the leftover water in watermelon or squeeze those chunks making sure there are no seeds before your pour it in an ice cube tray.
Upcoming are more watermelon recipes that would take a bit more time but would be equally rewarding but before that let’s weight the pros and cons to decide Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? or Not?
Why Your Dog Should Not Eat Watermelon?
Like every food, there come issues along with its benefits. Knowing the danger is good so you decide carefully whether your dog shall have it?
Following are the three reasons why your dog shall not have a watermelon:
- Blockage
Humans are okay with swallowing seeds, and dogs too if they are only a few. Swallowing too many seeds can cause blockages in the intestines. Hence, seeds should be avoided at any cost and shouldn’t be risked. - Upset Tummy
Eating a lot of watermelon can cause diarrhea in humans and similar effects are observed in dogs. - Diabetes
As they are high in sugars and fiber as shown in the nutritional table above, dogs can be diabetic too, if your dog is diabetic and if you are wondering Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Then, the answer would probably be NO. Before you add any new food to your dog’s diet, consider taking an opinion from the dog’s vet.
Health Benefits: Why Your Dog Should Eat Watermelon?
Watermelon being mostly water comes with many benefits along with its amazing taste:
- Hydrating. A dog’s thirst would be satisfied because of a watermelon’s 92% liquid and acts as a meal too.
- Immune System Booster. Watermelons contain a lot of antioxidants that keep the immune system in check by repairing cells and fighting free radicals.
- Improves Gut Health. Even though fiber is in small portions, still the fiber and water combination makes it excellent to improve your dog’s bowel movement and stool form.
- Skin and Coat Enhancer. We all love dogs that are shining and have silky smooth coats. Being rich in vitamin A and C watermelons contribute to enhancing your dog’s appearance. If you want your dog to have a nice coat and if you are wondering Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Then, you should probably go for it.
Watermelon Recipes for Dogs
1. Watermelon and Banana Pup-sicles
A cool treat in summer will make your dog’s day. All you need are just 2 ingredients that are blended together.
Ingredients:
- 3 cubed cups of Watermelon;
- 1 Peeled Banana.
Instructions:
- Add watermelon and banana to a blender and make a puree.
- Pour this puree into these cute ice molds and freeze until solid.
- Remove them from the molds and feed them to your dogs or store them in the freezer for later use.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon popsicles?
->Yes
Buy these cute popsicle molds NOW!
2. Watermelon Slushies for Dogs
Ingredients:
Instructions:
- Add them into a blender and 2-3 blends should be enough.
- You can add ice cubes too, but frozen watermelons should be enough.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Slushies?
->Yes
3. Another Recipe
Some Fun Facts about Watermelon:
- Watermelon’s scientific name is Citrullus Lanatus.
- A watermelon grows within 3 months from planting to harvesting it.
- Seedless watermelons, introduced around 50 years ago, have some white seeds with no traces of black, mature seeds.
- They are native to Africa.
- A watermelon is 92% water.
- Watermelon is actually a vegetable, and the general perception worldwide is it’s a fruit which is why we also have placed it in the fruits category along with vegetables.
I hope this guide helped you know about can dogs eat watermelon or not.
The Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? guide contained all the scientific information along with answers to your frequently asked questions and with some really nice recipes and fun facts, pros and cons of about can dogs eat watermelon.
