It’s a hot summer day and you and the family are digging into one of your favorite summertime fruits..watermelon! It’s juicy, refreshing, and quenches your thirst. But under your feet is your favorite furry family member, eying your plate. You wonder, “Can dogs eat watermelon too?”.
If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, you’ve landed on the right post! We’ll not only answer your question but discuss potential health benefits and offer yummy alternatives as well. So keep reading to learn more!
So What’s the Scoop? Can Dogs Eat Watermelon or Not?
Fortunately, most dogs can eat watermelon without any issues. But there are a few things to consider when feeding them this delicious treat. While the red flesh of the watermelon is known for its nutrients, you may want your dog to take it easy when it comes to the seeds and rind. Too many seeds could result in gastrointestinal blockage. If not chopped small enough, the rind can be a potential choking hazard.
Also, as with any new food, start with a small piece to test for possible allergic reactions. A reaction could look like diarrhea, vomiting, hives, itchiness, skin irritations, agitation/restlessness, or gastrointestinal discomfort. So, now that we’ve covered the caveats, let’s talk about the potential benefits.
Possible Benefits of Dogs Eating Watermelon
There are many reasons watermelon may make a fantastic treat for your dog. For one, it’s low in calories and high in nutrients – like vitamin A, vitamin B5, vitamin C, and potassium. It also has very little fat and no cholesterol.
Watermelon is also a great source of fiber. Fiber is vital for digestion and normal bowel movements. It can also help reduce the glucose absorption rate in the bloodstream. In addition, vitamin A may support eye health and bone growth in puppies. While supplementing vitamin C isn’t typically needed for dogs (dogs can generate vitamin C themselves) it may be helpful for sick and stressed dogs. These are only a few of the potential health benefits of watermelon.
Watermelon contains less than 50 calories per cup and is known for being hydrating. So it’s a great treat to beat the summer heat. But the high water content can cause diarrhea if they go overboard. Make sure that you portion your dog’s pieces. For a fun beach treat, consider blending and freezing the fruit. Yum!
Tell Me More About the Seeds
The seeds aren’t toxic but can cause a gastrointestinal blockage if they eat too many. An intestinal blockage happens when the seeds block off the intestines (partially, or completely). If your dog shows signs of stomach pain and discomfort after eating watermelon, consult a vet for guidance. Larger dogs are usually ok to eat a slice or two, but you can remove the seeds before feeding to be on the safe side. Planning to share a slice with your mini pooch? We suggest buying seedless watermelon so the whole family can safely enjoy it.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rinds?
Dogs and watermelon seem like the perfect match, especially with that tough rind to chew on, but the rind may pose a choking hazard to large and small dogs. So be mindful of that, and consider cutting the watermelon into small, manageable pieces.
What Are Some Healthy Alternatives to Watermelon?
Did your dog give you a funny look when you offered them a fruit? If your dog is more of a carnivore, consider our Salmon Jerky treats and Salmon Topper-Trainer Treats. Salmon is also known for being very nutritious, thanks to its Omega 3 & Omega 6 fatty acids. And with their perfect trainer-treat size, you may be one step closer to a more well-behaved dog. It’s a win-win all around!
Blue Ridge Naturals treats are made with all-natural/wholesome ingredients and are responsibly sourced within the USA & made in the USA. While we don’t have watermelon treats, we carry treats made with other ingredients, also known for their nutrition!
If you’re looking for sweet treats that pack a nutritional punch like watermelon, consider sweet potato treats like our Sweet Potato Bones. We have a variety of flavors, textures, and shapes. Take our Sweet Potato Stix, for instance. With this simple one-ingredient treat, your dog can enjoy a delicious flavor that comes packed with many of the same vitamins and minerals that watermelon carries.
Sweet potatoes are known for having vitamins A & C, beta carotene, folate, iron, copper, and calcium. And for other interesting flavors consider these yummy treats: Peanut Butter Coated Sweet Potato Fries, Pork & Sweet Potato Jerky, and Beef Infused Sweet Potato Fries. Happy snacking!
