Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? (2024)

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Everybody loves watermelon, even dogs.But is it safe for them to eat?

The answer is yes, with a couple of precautions. First, seeds could cause an intestinal blockage, so make sure you remove them. It’s also a good idea to remove the rind because it can cause gastrointestinal upset.

What are the benefits of watermelon for dogs? The fruit itself is a health-food powerhouse, low in calories and packed with nutrients—vitamins A, B6, and C, and potassium. Plus, the fruit has only about 50 calories a cup and 92% water, so it’s great for hydration on a hot day. It also has no fat or cholesterol.

How to Feed a Dog Watermelon

Just like any treat, given to your dog in addition to their regular, balanced diet, watermelon should be fed in moderation.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? (1)

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Here are some safe ways to feed your dog watermelon:

  • In chunks: Slice up a watermelon and remove the rinds and seeds.
  • Frozen chunks: After removing the rinds and seeds, freeze the fruit in the freezer, then take it out on a hot summer day. The treat will help cool down your dog!
  • Puree: Puree the fresh fruit after removing seeds and, then freeze in an ice cube tray or silicon mold.
  • Watermelon “ice cream”: Blend frozen watermelon chunks with plain, unsweetened yogurt. Add on top of your dog’s food bowl or stuff into a rubber toy. Unless they suffer from lactose intolerance, plain yogurt is safe to eat for most dogs. It’s usually better tolerated than ice cream, and the bacterial cultures in yogurt are great for intestinal health. Just be sure to choose plain yogurt without any added flavors, fruit, sugars, natural sweeteners, or artificial sweeteners. Read the label carefully to be sure the product does not contain toxic xylitol. If your dog doesn’t handle yogurt well, consider other options like lactose-free, dairy-based yogurt, or dairy-free yogurt made from plant products. Always read the label to avoid any unsafe additives or ingredients.

Watermelon Facts

  • An average 15-to-20-pound watermelon will yield 90 six-ounce wedges and 11 cups of cubes.
  • Ever notice that some watermelons have internal cracks in the flesh? It’s a condition known as hollow heart and is caused by fluctuations in temperature during the growing season. Hollow heart melons are safe to eat. In fact, they are actually sweeter in spots because sugars tend to concentrate along the cracks.
  • From planting to harvest, watermelons take three months to grow.
  • Seedless melons were developed 50 years ago. They contain no black, mature seeds. But you may see white seed coats, where the seed did not mature.
  • Citrullus lanatus is the scientific name for watermelon.
  • Watermelons come from the botanical family Cucurbitaceae. They’rerelated to cucumbers, pumpkins, and squash.

Related article: Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?

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Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? (2024)

FAQs

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? ›

Not only can your dog eat watermelon safely, but it can make a refreshing, hydrating treat for them. This said, like many other fruits and vegetables, watermelon should only be given to your dog in moderation and shouldn't replace a healthy balanced diet.

How much watermelon can a dog eat? ›

Like all treats, watermelon should make up only 10% of your dog's diet to avoid obesity or diabetes. One cup of diced watermelon is enough for a large dog. Small dogs will be fine with a couple of small pieces.

Do dogs fully digest watermelon? ›

The answer is yes, with a couple of precautions. First, seeds could cause an intestinal blockage, so make sure you remove them. It's also a good idea to remove the rind because it can cause gastrointestinal upset.

Can dogs eat the white part of watermelon? ›

Hazards. While watermelon is a healthy snack, there are digestive issues and health hazards to be aware of. Mainly, avoid giving your dog certain parts of the watermelon. As mentioned, dogs should not eat the white and green watermelon rind because it poses a choking hazard and will cause intestinal blockage.

Why do dogs love watermelon? ›

Dogs eat watermelon because they like the texture and the hydration, but this juicy fruit also adds additional vitamins and minerals into their diet. The most important thing to note is that they can digest (and even benefit from) the red and light green fruit contained inside the watermelon rind.

Is watermelon a superfood for dogs? ›

Benefits of Watermelon for Dogs. Watermelon isn't just about taste; it's a treasure trove of hydration and nutrients. This fruit is packed with vitamins A, B6, and C, which support healthy skin, coat, and immune system. Its high water content helps keep dogs hydrated, making it an excellent snack for hot days.

Does watermelon have too much sugar for dogs? ›

Watermelon is also high in sugar, like many fruits, which means it should not be fed too regularly or it can contribute to the risk of obesity and diabetes. If you're in doubt about your dog chomping on watermelon, always ask for your vet's advice.

Why did my dog throw up after eating watermelon? ›

It's also unwise to give your dog the rind — the hard green outer skin of a watermelon — as ingesting it can cause gastrointestinal distress that triggers vomiting or diarrhea. While the fruit of the watermelon is a healthy snack in small quantities, eating too much of it could also give your dog an upset stomach.

What do I do if my dog ate watermelon? ›

Watermelon is a healthy and refreshing treat for humans, but can dogs eat it, too? If you've shared a piece of watermelon or your pup has snuck a piece, there's no need to worry. As long as your dog does not have diabetes and is not sensitive to sugar, they should be completely fine.

Is peanut butter good for dogs? ›

Whether speaking to new or seasoned pet parents, veterinarians are often asked 'can dogs eat peanut butter? ' The good news is that regular peanut butter is safe to give your dog as a treat. Just make sure to avoid peanut butter with Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in lower or sugar-free products.

Can dogs eat cheese? ›

In most cases, yes, dogs can eat cheese. When given in moderation, it can make a great high reward training treat (particularly when there's lots of distractions). Most dogs adore the taste of it too! It's important to remember that some cheeses have added ingredients, which need to be avoided.

Is pineapple good for dogs? ›

Pineapple is also full of minerals, including manganese, copper, potassium, magnesium, iron, and small amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. This makes it a nutrient-dense snack for humans and dogs alike, and these nutrients play an important role in your dog's immune system and digestive health.

Can dogs have bananas? ›

Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They're high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dog's main diet.

What are the side effects of watermelon for dogs? ›

Like any treat, watermelon should be given to your dog in moderation. If your dog eats too much watermelon, it can cause diarrhea, constipation, or an upset stomach. It can even contribute to obesity and diabetes in the long term if eaten too often and at high volumes, according to Trupanion.

How much watermelon is too much for a dog? ›

Raw watermelon: Remove the seeds and rind and feed 2-3 pieces to small dogs and up to a cup of watermelon to larger dogs, according to Woodnutt. Frozen watermelon: Make sure the pieces are small enough to prevent choking, says Butzer.

Does watermelon make dogs pee a lot? ›

Watermelons are also almost made up of water. Dogs may urinate more after eating watermelon because of its natural diuretic properties. This shouldn't be a problem, though. Dogs get more hydration from eating the watermelon compared to how much they pee from it.

Is watermelon good for dogs to lose weight? ›

Low Calorie. Watermelon is low in calories, making it a great treat for dogs, especially those on a weight management plan.

Is watermelon good for dog kidney? ›

Blueberries and strawberries are perfect options, as they both contain antioxidants to battle toxins that may further damage the kidneys, and fibre to aid gentle digestion. Watermelon can also be a juicy treat for a dog with kidney disease, as it's deliciously hydrating but low in phosphorus.

Can raw fed dogs eat watermelon? ›

Watermelon has no cholesterol and almost no sodium or fat. According to the PDSA, it's a good source of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin B6. It also high in fibre to support healthy digestion, and its high water content (92%) keeps dogs cool and hydrated too – perfect for a sweet summer treat!

What fruit is good for dogs? ›

Blueberries – blueberries are high in antioxidants and low in calories. Kiwi – like bananas, kiwi fruit is a good source of Vitamin C and potassium. Strawberries – strawberries offer great benefits, like fiber and have a high-water content – just make sure you remove the stems before giving them to your dog.

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