Can dogs eat watermelon? Wondering if your dog can eat watermelon or maybe he just did and now you’re worried if he will be okay. Well, watermelon is the safest fruits for dogs, they contain 92% water and some amazing nutrients.
In this post, I will share a complete nutrition guide on how, when, and how much watermelon to feed your dog. This guide works for all kinds of dogs, however, we recommend you check with your vet in case your dog has a condition that needs attention.
Let’s roll.
Can dogs eat watermelon? Yes, watermelon is safe for all kinds of dogs and can be fed daily if need be. It is high in fiber, vitamin A, C, D Potassium, Magnesium, and B6. A piece of watermelon contains 92% water which will keep your dog well hydrated. Though the rind is safe we recommend you peel and remove the watermelon white and black seed before feeding your dog.
Watermelon has amazing nutritional benefits ranging from vitamins, fiber and B6
The right Nutrition plays a big role in improving the lifespan and overall health of your dog. Nutrition helps manage diseases by building your dog’s immune system to fight infections and other serious dog diseases.
Fruits like watermelon or apples help dogs hydrate and the right amount will keep your dog happy and active. With its low calories content and high fiber, watermelon help dog maintain the right weight. Preventing them from the risk of obesity which affects 40% of the dog population.
Let’s look at the nutrition benefits of feeding your dog watermelon. According to USDA 100gram watermelon contains,
| REF | NUTRIENTS | PERCENTAGE |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vitamin C | |
| 2 | Vitamin A | 11% |
| 3 | B6 [pyridoxine] | |
| 4 | Dietary fiber | 0.4 g |
| 5 | Water | 92% |
| 6 | Polyunsaturated fat | 0.1 g |
| 7 | Iron | |
| 8 | Sugar | 6 g |
| 9 | Potassium | 112 mg |
| 10 | Fat- | 0 |
| 11 | Calories | 80 |
| 12 | Magnesium | |
| 13 | Lycopene | 15-20 milligrams |
| 14 | Vitamin B | |
| 15 | Citrulline |
Your Dog can Eat one slice of watermelon every day without a problem
So how often should you feed your dog watermelon? Watermelon is generally safe, your dog can take two to three slices of watermelon a day without it causing a problem. You should consider the general rule of dog calorie intake. 90% of the dog’s calorie intake should come from its main diet and 10% from treats which can be fruit or some snacks.
If you choose to feed your dog watermelon every day you should consider three things.
- Weight
- Main Diet
- Exercise
Watch the calories you feed your dog because obesity is a serious issue in dogs. 7% of the dog population are classified as obese with 35% being overweight. You want your dog to be at its best so keep a good diet and regular exercise.
Watermelon flesh is healthy for your dog, just remember to remove the rind and seeds
Watermelon has four parts, the skin, the rind, the seeds(white & black), and the flesh. All parts of the watermelon can be eaten by dogs however seeds are not safe for puppies and senior dogs. A lot of seeds can cause intestinal blockage and should be avoided.
What’s about the seeds, can dogs eat watermelon with seeds? Yes, both black and white watermelon seeds can be eaten by your dog. Even though they are not poisonous they can cause other problems such as intestinal blockage. For puppies and senior dogs, it’s advised to remove all the seed and give you puppy the flesh of the watermelon.
Watermelon can cause diarrhea in some dogs because of this,
Can dogs diarrhea after eating watermelon? Yes, some dogs will experience stomach upset depending on how much watermelon they take. The flesh of the watermelon contains 92% water which is safe for all dogs. However, the rind, the seeds, and the skin can cause some stomach problems which can result in diarrhea. If your dog experiences vomiting and diarrhea after eating a small slice of watermelon then you should consider visiting a vet.
Three things that can cause your dog to diarrhea and vomit after eating watermelon
- The health condition of your dog
- The state of the watermelon
- The amount of watermelon your dog ate
Vomit and diarrhea can be a sign of other stomach issues especially if the dog diarrhea even when given small pieces of watermelon.
It’s tough for your dog especially the puppies and seniors to chew the rind properly so it’s advised to remove it completely because it can cause some stomach intestinal blockage.
Again too much of something even if it’s healthy fruits are not good. Ensure your feed your dog in moderation.
Every dog can eat watermelon provided its prepare well and in good portions
Even small dogs like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Dachshund, Boston Terrier, French Bulldog, Maltese can eat watermelon with no problems as long as you remove the rind, the seed, and cut the watermelon into small pieces.
Small dogs should only be given a tinny piece and incase they eat the seeds or the rind you should consider visiting a vet. Eating the rind might be problematic due to their small intestines, it might cause intestinal blockage.
Diabetic dogs can eat a slice of watermelon with no problem and this is why
All types of Watermelon are essentially 92% water, though it has sugar giving your dog a piece of the normal melon flesh will not have a problem. This should be done carefully and in moderation. Consult your vet if you have concerns.
The cantaloupe has a higher percentage of sugar and should be avoided especially for diabetic and overweight dogs. If you chose to give your dog a treat make sure to get them a 1-2 hour outdoor exercise.
We highly recommend sugar free fruits for diabetic dogs, diabetic is no joke and you shouldn’t tryout things, consult your vet.
Dogs with kidney disease can eat watermelon in moderation
Fresh fruits such as watermelon, apples, and vegetables are usually safe fruits for dogs with kidney issues. You need fruits or foods with low phosphorus if your dog suffers from kidney disease. A watermelon is a good option for treats because it contains good vitamins and high water levels.
Dogs can eat frozen watermelon in summer
With the heat that comes with summer, even dogs will enjoy some frozen fruits. For watermelon remove the rind and the seed, then chop into small cubes before freezing. Some frozen watermelon during summer in moderation.
Reasons you should feed you dog watermelon
1# Watermelon contains Vitamin A, which is responsible for supporting vision, reproduction, bone growth, and immune response in dogs.
If you need an additional supplement we recommend. 10 in 1 Dog Multivitamin with Glucosamine
2# Watermelon Contains Vitamin C, a very important antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and aging.
Dogs can produce their own vitamin C in their liver however sometimes it’s advisable to boast it with supplements and fruits. We recommend K9 Care Labs Glucosamine helps with joint problems too. You can find some on Amazon or a local vet shop.
Finals Thoughts, Can Dogs Eat Watermelon, the answer is yes
With all the nutritional benefits I have shared in this post we can now conclude that watermelon is safe for all types of dogs big and small. This includes dogs with diabetes and kidney disease.
You can read our huge guide on 85 fruits and vegetable dogs can eat a guide to help you find alternative foods for your dog. A healthy diet makes a healthy dog.
