Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Dogs and Watermelon: The Benefits & The Risks
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?. Routine visits with the vet can cost between $1,500 per year, according to the American Kennel Club. This doesn’t account for emergency vet visits or unexpected surgeries. Many emergency vet visits happen after your dog has eaten something they shouldn’t.
Okay, now let’s discuss feeding your dog watermelon and how to safely feed this nutritious treat to your dog.
Health Benefits of Feeding Dogs Watermelon
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?. Watermelon has some of the vitamins that are good for your doggy. Watermelon includes Vitamin A, which is healthy for your doggy’s eyes, cells, and immune system. It also includes B6, which makes their fur shiny and strong, and the type of Vitamin C that can prevent allergens and sniffles.
Even though watermelon does have sugar, it won’t release into their bloodstream quickly. This is due to the fact that the fiber of watermelon encases the sugar and actually delays its natural release.
Fiber serves a variety of health benefits. Some types of fiber can even foster healthy gut health. Watermelon isn’t at the top of the list for fiber, but it does have a little, which is better than nothing!
Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Watermelon?
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?. Dogs can enjoy watermelon, but it’s important to follow a few safety steps before offering this tasty treat. Seeds may lead to an intestinal blockage, so be sure to remove them. It’s also a good idea to strip away the rind since it will lead to gastrointestinal upset.
Are there any benefits of watermelon for dogs? This fruit is a nutrient-rich, low-calorie snack, offering vitamins A, B6, and C, along with potassium. With roughly 50 calories per cup and a water content of about 92%, it’s an excellent choice for staying hydrated on warm days. It also has no fat or cholesterol.
How Much Watermelon Can Dogs Eat?
Just because it’s enjoyable to treat your dog, human foods even the good ones such as watermelon should only be provided in small amounts. A rule of thumb is that all treats as a group should comprise no more than 10% of your dog’s total daily diet, and the other 90% of the diet should come from a complete balanced canine food.
And if you’re presenting your dog with watermelon for the first time, do it in moderation and observe for any side effects or responses. If you see anything, discontinue giving your dog watermelon and contact your vet.
To make the portions a bit simpler, here are some safe watermelon treat sizes based on your dog’s weight. Each “slice” would be around 1 inch x 1 inch x ¼-inch thick.
| Dog Size | Serving Size | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-small dogs (2–10 pounds) | 2–3 slices | 2–3 times per week |
| Small dogs (11–20 pounds) | 3–4 slices | 2–3 times per week |
| Medium dogs (21–50 pounds) | 3–4 slices | 2–3 times per week |
| Large dogs (51–90 pounds) | 4–5 slices | 2–3 times a week |
| Extra-large dogs (91+ pounds) | 5–6 slices | 2–3 times a week |
How to Feed Your Dog Watermelon
Once more, it’s always better to err on the safe side; acquire dog food and treats specifically made for your dog and contact your veterinarian to know more about your dog’s nutritional requirements. Pet parents must not treat watermelon as a source of nutrients. It must only be considered as a sensory treat and used occasionally after advice from a veterinarian.
Dog Watermelon Treats
A snack of watermelon should only be the soft, fleshy fruit and does not supplement dog food, which has all the nutrients for a dog. Below are some of the reasons why watermelon can be a great treat for your dog:
- Hydration: Watermelon fruit contains 92% water, and so it is a hydrating snack for a dog
- Cooling: Frozen watermelon is a better substitute for stomach-upsetting ice cream, which some dogs lick during hot-weather activities
- Low-Calorie
- Low-Sodium (low-salt)
- Fat-Free
How Much Watermelon Can Be Given to Dogs?
With your vet’s approval, watermelon can be offered as a healthy snack, making up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Since one cup contains roughly 40–50 calories, smaller dogs can enjoy a few bite-sized pieces, while larger dogs may have up to half a cup of diced watermelon.
What Do I Do if My Dog Ate Too Much Watermelon?
Although watermelon is high in water content, it also has sugar and a little bit of fiber as well; so if your dog has eaten too much watermelon or even part of the fibrous rind, your dog can get an upset stomach or diarrhea. This will work itself out, but call your vet if you have any questions or concerns.
How Much Watermelon Can My Dog Have?
Watermelon can be offered as an occasional snack, but all treats combined should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. The remaining amount should be provided by a complete and balanced dog food.
Here are some general recommended serving sizes, based on your dog’s weight. As a guideline, one piece should be about a half-inch cube. Still, it’s wise to check with your veterinarian to decide the ideal amount of watermelon for your dog.
| Dog Size | Serving Size |
|---|---|
| Extra-small dogs (2–10 pounds) | 1 piece |
| Small dogs (11–20 pounds) | 1–3 pieces |
| Medium dogs (21–50 pounds) | 4–6 pieces |
| Large dogs (51–90 pounds) | 8–10 pieces |
| Extra-large dogs (91+ pounds) | 10–12 pieces |
