Is Watermelon Good for Dogs? How to Prep the Fruit for Dogs

Dogs can eat fresh watermelon as long as you discard the rind and seeds. Both parts of the otherwise juicy fruit can cause a blockage in the digestive tract, leading to an upset stomach and other potential health concerns. If you feed watermelon to your pet in moderation, the fruit could be an excellent source of nutrients as well as hydration for them.

Watermelon is very good for dogs after you strip it down to its edible parts. Some of the nutrients in watermelon include antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and lycopene, as well as vitamins A, B6, and C.

These nutrients could help shore up your dog’s immune system, increase energy levels, and ensure other bodily functions hum along optimally. Additionally, the high water content in watermelon can help hydrate your furry friend on a hot summer day.

Pet parents need to keep a few things in mind to ensure they serve watermelon to their dogs without potential problems. Consider these tips and suggestions when feeding your dog this tasty treat:

• Balance watermelon with other food. Treat watermelon more as an occasional healthy snack than as a regular addition to your dog’s diet. Although some human food is edible for dogs, it’s still best to give your pet dog food specially formulated for canines. In addition, serving your dog too much watermelon might potentially lead to obesity, given the fruit’s sugar content. As a general rule, aim to give watermelon to your dog only once every week or so rather than every single day.
• Consult a veterinarian. While all dog breeds can consume seedless watermelons relatively safely, your dog is not guaranteed to tolerate the fruit specifically. Unique health problems and conditions might preclude your canine companion from eating watermelon safely. Talk to your vet about whether your dog might have any allergies. If your dog has diabetes, it’s best to refrain from giving them fruit as a treat at all given the way these naturally sweet foods can cause spikes in blood sugar.
• Cut into small pieces. When you feed this fruit to your dog, cut the watermelon into manageable portions to prevent it from becoming a choking hazard. Especially for small dogs, it’s essential to give them pieces of watermelon they can easily chew and swallow. Similarly, introduce this new food into your dog’s diet very gradually to gauge how well your pet tolerates the fruit.
• Experiment with a food dehydrator. Dogs are far from fastidious eaters, so giving them watermelon to eat can sometimes be messy—by dehydrating these fruits, you sidestep this concern. If you dehydrate watermelon for dogs, you can give them a dry and chewy treat with all the same nutrients they would have enjoyed if you served the fruit in its natural state. Just keep in mind you will lose out on watermelon’s hydrating potential in this case.
• Get rid of the seeds. Dogs should avoid eating mature, black watermelon seeds if at all possible. Completely seedless watermelons are available and perhaps the best option for your dog’s digestive system. While some pets (especially larger dogs) can tolerate a few seeds without much gastrointestinal upset, smaller dogs are prone to intestinal blockages and problems in particular. In general, do your best to serve your furry friend as few seeds as possible regardless.
• Remove the rind. The watermelon rind is a choking hazard as well as a common cause of constipation and stomach upset. Discard this part of the watermelon before feeding the rest of the fruit to your dog. If you give a dog a slice of watermelon with the rind still intact, they might keep eating it without discretion. By removing it completely, you can serve them this refreshing treat with no need for anxiety over their well-being.
• Steer clear of artificial watermelon treats. Even though watermelon (in its natural state) is good for dogs, it’s important to remember many other human foods made with watermelon flavors can still cause issues. For example, refrain from giving your dog any watermelon products (like popsicles, ice cream, and so on) containing artificial sweeteners. Xylitol, in particular, is especially bad for dogs. Always check with your vet or another trained professional before serving your pet any food as a dog treat.
• Try blending the watermelon. After you remove the seeds and rind from the watermelon, you can serve it to your pet in chunks or blend it for them to lick up. Alternatively, combine the fruit with blueberries and other healthy fruits for dogs and treat your pet to a smoothie. Add yogurt into the mix to create a sort of dog-friendly faux ice cream. Place the blended watermelon in ice cube trays to create a makeshift popsicle for your pet.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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