Can a dog have watermelon?
As you know dogs will want to eat literally everything that you have in your fridge, cupboards or even your hands so your dog might want to eat watermelon.
They can work their little sad puppy dog eyes and make you want to share every meal you have with them, however dogs should not always consume the same foods as us.
Despite their begging and whining that can really tug on the heartstrings and make you want to give up your food to them, it is not always for the best.
Everyone loves watermelon on a hot day, and you may be wondering can a dog have some watermelon too?
Let's find out...
DISCLOSURE: TridentK9.org is reader supported so if you buy any products featured on this site I may earn an affiliate commission (at no extra cost to yourself). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
You can read my full disclosure here.
Can a dog have watermelon?
There are a lot of human foods that dogs really should not eat, but there are also some that make for healthy snacks for your dogs. Watermelon is one of them.
Dogs can safely eat watermelon, as long as you have taken a few precautions.
Watermelon is an especially refreshing and healthy treat for your dog because of its high water content.
As watermelons are made from nearly 92 percent of water, they are highly refreshing and hydrating snacks that are perfect for your doggie on a really hot day.
In addition, watermelon has a lot of nutrients and vitamins that will boost both your dog’s and your immune system! This includes vitamins A, B6, C, lots of fiber and nutrients that promote a healthy digestive system.
You may be worried that because watermelon has a sweet flavor, it may be high in sugars, however it is still safe and healthy for your dog.
The fiber in the watermelon insulates the sugars and works to prevent them from being released too quickly into the bloodstream. This means that it is perfectly safe for your dog to consume.
Watermelon is a wonderful treat to give your dog as it is low in calories, fat free, low in sodium, cholesterol free and keeps your pup nice and hydrated.
However, that does not mean that your dog should consume a lot of watermelon or eat too much of it as part of its daily diet.
Eating too much watermelon can cause a stomach upset or increase the risk of your dog suffering from diarrhea.
As with all foods and treats, it is best to give it to your dog in moderation, especially if they have not tried it previously.
Before you give your dog any new food, snacks or treats, you should first consult your pet’s veterinarian, to ensure that it will not cause gastro problems or allergic reactions.
How to feed your dog watermelon
As we said, before feeding your dog any watermelon, you should consult a veterinarian to make sure there will not be any issues.
Things to avoid when feeding your dog watermelon:
The most important thing to remember before feeding your dog any watermelon, is to remove the seeds and the rind completely before serving it up.
If your dog ingests a few seeds accidentally, then it will not pose much of a risk, however, consuming a lot of seeds will most likely cause digestion problems, or could even create a blockage in the digestive tract, which is highly dangerous.
Larger dogs will be able to pass these seeds without too much of an issue, whereas smaller dogs may have a lot more trouble if they eat watermelon seeds.
In addition, watermelon rinds can also be dangerous if your dog eats or ingest some of it.
The rind of the watermelon is quite sturdy, hard and difficult to chew, which is why many dogs may swallow the rind whole, which runs the risk of creating an intestinal blockage.
Signs that your dog may be unwell, could be vomiting, lethargy, abdominal pain or constipation.
These may signify that there is a blockage within your dog’s digestive system that could have catastrophic consequences if not tended to.
To avoid this, you will want to slice up the watermelon, and remove both the rind and the seeds for your dog.
In addition, try not to give them watermelon products with sweeteners or sugars, only freshly cut up watermelon.
How to serve up watermelon for your dog:
First, you will want to cut up the watermelon. The best way to do this is to slice it up, and serve up the watermelon in little cubes.
You will also have to cut off the rind from the watermelon, or any tough bits that will be hard for your dog to digest safely.
In addition, you will need to remove all of the seeds from the watermelon (if possible) and begin cutting the watermelon into cubes for your furry friend.
By cutting the watermelon into small, chewable cubes, you are making them easy to chew and swallow for your dog to consume.
You can also freeze watermelon cubes to create a refreshing snack for summer days to keep your dog cool and hydrated in the sun.
Our Top Tips
Dogs can actually safely consume watermelon as a healthy, hydrating snack that is perfect for keeping them cool during hot weather.
As long as the hard watermelon rind and the seeds are removed properly, you will be able to serve up your watermelon in cubes for your dog to nibble on.
However, always remember that you should consult a veterinarian if making any changes to your dog’s diet, and watch for signs of digestive problems.