It’s no secret that most canines love their food, even the things that are typically consumed by humans, but can dogs eat watermelon?
Making sure that your pet’s stomach is filled with the best dog food and you’ve spent time choosing healthy dog treats can be key to giving your pooch the most balanced diet.
So, what human foods can dogs eat, we hear you ask? Read on to find out whether dogs should be getting their chops on watermelon or whether this fruit needs to be kept well out of paws’ reach.
Is watermelon good for dogs?
With certain precautions in place, absolutely! Watermelon is an incredibly hydrating treat given its high water content – it’s believed to be more than 90% water! But that’s not the only bonus.
Watermelon is packed with important nutrients, such as vitamins A, B6, and C, as well as potassium. It is also low in calories, making it a wonderful alternative to any factory-made treats you might find on the pet store’s shelves.
In addition to these benefits, watermelon is high in fibre which helps maintain a healthy digestion and is also a source of lycopene – an antioxidant that is believed to help prevent the development of various cancers.
When is watermelon bad for dogs?
Even though watermelon can be a fantastic snack, not all parts of the fruit are safe for dogs to consume.
Before feeding this bright red fruit to your beloved pooch, the skin, rind, and the seeds need to be removed. Although not toxic or poisonous, your dog will not be able to digest these parts properly, which could lead to internal blockages, diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset if eaten. Even though a seed or two is unlikely to cause any harm, it’s not worth the risk so they are best removed just to be safe.
Should your dog eat any of these parts of the watermelon, monitor them for the following 24 hours for vomiting, lethargy, constipation, or abdominal pain and contact your vet if any of these symptoms appear.
As with many different foods, watermelon should be given in moderation and certainly not as a main meal.
Tips on feeding your dog watermelon
If your pooch is getting bored of the best dog treats you pick up from your local pet store then watermelon can be a good substitute. There’s plenty of recipes you can make when it comes to homemade dog treats but here’s a few quick suggestions that includes this refreshing snack:
Suggestion 1 – Make a fruit salad or smoothie using other dog-friendly fruits.
Suggestion 2 – Freeze watermelon chunks for a cool treat when the weather is hotter than usual.
Suggestion 3 – Served fresh in cubes is one of the best ways that your dog can enjoy this low calorie snack.
Watermelon can be a fantastic choice when it comes to healthy and hydrating treats for dogs, providing that the right parts of the fruit are served.
