Yes, dogs can eat watermelon. Be sure to remove watermelon seeds as they could cause an intestinal blockage, so make sure you remove them while feeding your dog. It is also likely not a good idea to allow a dog to chew on the rind as it can cause gastrointestinal upset. Since watermelon is made up of 92% of water, the sweet fruit is good for keeping pets hydrated and preventing heat stroke.
This fruit has lots of vitamins and nutrients that are beneficial for your dog’s health, and they are made of 92 percent of water, so they can be especially refreshing on a hot summer day.
However, too much of any good thing can be a bad thing too, and the rinds and seeds of watermelons can cause serious health problems. It is necessary to know how to serve it to your dog safely so they don’t get sick.
As always, you must ask your vet before sharing human foods, including watermelon, with your pooch. Here is what you should definitely know about feeding watermelon to dogs.
How Is Watermelon Good For Dogs?
The fruit itself is a health-food powerhouse, low in calories and packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C and B6, and potassium.
According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, the fruit has only about fifty calories a cup and 92% of water, so it is great for hydration on a hot sunny day. It also has no fat or cholesterol, so it is pretty much guilt-free.
Here are some amazing facts from the NWPB:
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An average 15 to 20 pound watermelon will yield 90 six-Oz wedges and 11 cups of cubes.
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Ever notice that some watermelons have internal cracks in the flesh of it? It is a condition called as Hollow Heart and is caused by fluctuations in temperature during the growing season. Hollow Heart melons are safe to consume, and they are actually sweeter in those spots because sugars tend to concentrate along the cracks.
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From planting to harvest, it takes a watermelon total three months to grow.
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Seedless melons were harvested 50 years ago. They contain no black, mature seeds. But you can see white seed coats, where the seed did not mature.
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Citrullus Lanatus is the scientific name for watermelon.
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It comes from the botanical family Cucurbitaceae and is related to cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash.
You can carve watermelon rinds in the same manner as pumpkins. There are many patterns, from dinosaurs and sharks to Spiderman, and designs are limited only by your imagination.
Other fruits and veggies, such as carrots and apples, can be a healthy treat for dogs
Although watermelon contains sugar, the fiber content in the fruit insulates the sugar and prevents it from being released into the bloodstream too quickly. It’s also a source of lycopene, which is an antioxidant that may help prevent cancer.
Watermelon is low in calories, low in sodium, fat free, and cholesterol free, which makes it a healthier choice than many other store-bought treats. Being made of about 92 percent water, this fruit can be a very good source of hydration and an especially refreshing treat on a hot day.
When Is Watermelon Bad For Dogs?
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Watermelon should not make up a huge part of a dog’s diet. Dogs who eat too much watermelon will most likely get a tummy ache along with some diarrhea or other signs of gastrointestinal upset.
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Some dogs get an upset stomach when they try a new food that they haven’t ate before. It is best to give your dog watermelon moderately, especially if they haven’t eaten it before, and see how they react.
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You can ask your veterinarian or nutritionist about the appropriate amount for your individual dog according to your dog’s physique.
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Some Parts of the Fruit Are Dangerous. The seeds can cause a problem for dogs. One or two seeds might not make much of a difference, but too much seeds can end up causing a blockage in the digestive tract. Some large dogs may be able to pass the seeds without any problem, but smaller dogs are especially at risk for a blockage.
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The rinds are also not safe to eat. Though dogs may safely nibble at the light green insides of the fruit this part of the watermelon is stiff and difficult to chew. Dogs might directly swallow the rind without completely chewing it, which can result in intestinal blockage.
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The skin of the watermelon is also very hard to digest and can cause further blockage. Again, smaller dogs are more at risk.
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If your dog does eat the seeds or rind of a watermelon and you see the signs of an intestinal blockage, including lethargy, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain, get to your veterinarian right away to avoid serious complications.
You should be on the lookout for signs of intestinal blockage for at least 24 hours after your dog eats the rind or seeds.
Natural Watermelon Only!
Sweet products that contain watermelon or anything that is artificially watermelon flavored are not really a good idea for dogs. They are usually full of sugar, chemicals, colors, or other substances that can make your dog sick.
Too much sugar can lead to gastrointestinal upset in the short term, and diabetes or obesity in the long term. Artificial sweeteners such as xylitol can even be dangerous to dogs, so stick to plain watermelon that you prepare, yourself. That way you know what are you feeding.
What are some healthy ways to offer watermelon to my dog?
By the chunk: Cut the watermelon into small chunks, remove the seeds and rind then offer the fresh fruit to your dog.
Frozen: Freeze chunks (seeds and rind removed) for a cold treat on a summery day.
Pureed: Puree the fruit (seeds and rind removed) and put it into ice cube trays to freeze and offer as a snack.
Doggie Ice Cream: Pure watermelon and some other dog-safe fruits like blueberries, bananas, or pineapple along with yogurt or peanut butter and freeze in ice cube trays for a novel treat. Or try serving them as a smoothie!
Dehydrated: Dehydrate the fruit (minus seeds and rind) for a chewy treat. This will eliminate the hydrating properties of the fruit, but your dog will still enjoy it.
How Should You Feed Your Dog Watermelon?
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Before you feed your dog watermelon or any other human food, you should consult your veterinarian or nutritionist about the amount you should feed your dog, if any and how often. Many dogs have various dietary needs, and some have medical conditions that might make watermelon a bad choice.
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Once you have the approval from your vet or nutritionist, make sure you remove any seeds or rind from the watermelon before feeding it to your dog. Cutting them up into small, chewable cubes is the easiest way to prepare watermelon for dogs and makes for a nice, yummy treat.
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You can also freeze watermelon to make an extra refreshing summer treat, but make sure your dog’s teeth are healthy enough to chew frozen food without being harmed.
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If you are feeling extra creative, you can also mix watermelon with other safe and healthy ingredients like blueberries to make a fruit salad or smoothie for your dog.
Treats of any kind should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake, according to recommendations from Preventive Vet. Whatever the size of your dog, follow this rule when determining how much watermelon you should feed them, keeping in mind that one cup of diced watermelon contains 45.7 calories. And keep in mind that while your dog might be looking up at you with those big puppy-dog eyes, dogs are perfectly content eating their same dog food day-in and day-out. So, while you may be tempted to give-in on occasion, your dog is better off getting their nutrients from their everyday pet food. And before feeding your dog any human food, make sure to double-check with your veterinarian to make sure that it is okay. While watermelon can be a healthy treat for many dogs, it’s best to confirm that it won’t negatively affect your dog’s unique digestive system.
So the next time you’re at a picnic, you can rest easy sharing a few bites of seedless watermelon with your dog. As long as it’s given safely and in moderation, watermelon as a dog treat is hard to beat.
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:
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Apples
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Apricots
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Bananas
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Blueberries
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Cantaloupes
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Cranberries
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Mango
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Orange
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Pear
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Pineapple
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Raspberries
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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:
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Cherries
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Grapes
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Raisins
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Lemons
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Limes
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Grapefruit
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Persimmons
Frequently Asked Questions 
What about the sugar in watermelon?
Watermelon has sugar, but the high amount of fiber acts as insulation for the sugar, letting it release into the bloodstream slower than the sugar in fruits. However, if your dog has diabetes, watermelon shouldn’t be offered until your vet has advised you about serving sizes and your dog’s diet needs.
How much watermelon can a dog eat?
Just like most safe human foods to share with a dog, watermelon should be given sparingly as it contains seeds that can cause a blockage and a rind that may result in gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea. Just one cup of diced, seedless watermelon can benefit your dog, and: Maintain immune system health.
Do dogs love watermelon?
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon. Be sure to remove the majority of seeds, which can cause intestinal discomfort or even blockage if too many are ingested. Since watermelon is made of 92 percent water, the sweet fruit is great for keeping pets hydrated and preventing heat stroke.
Can dogs eat pineapple?
Yes, you can give your dog small pineapple chunks. But as with most human foods, there are some precautions to consider. To be safe, small dogs should eat pineapple in small quantities as compared to a large dog that can tolerate larger amounts. … They should only be 10% of your dog’s daily diet.
Is peanut butter good for dogs?
Most peanut butter is safe for dogs to eat, and in moderation peanut butter can be an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, vitamins B and E, and niacin.
Can dogs eat cheese?
Yes, dogs can eat cheese. While some dogs can eat cheese, and most dogs love it, many dogs can be intolerant of cheese. Even for dogs that are able to tolerate cheese, it is probably best fed in moderation
Can dogs eat popcorn?
Plain, air-popped popcorn is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings is not safe for your dog on a regular basis, although eating a few dropped pieces here and there probably won’t hurt him. … Learn more about human foods dogs can and can’t eat
Conclusion:
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon. Be sure to remove watermelon seeds. Since watermelon is made up of 92% of water, the sweet fruit is good for keeping pets hydrated and preventing heat stroke.
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