Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? (Health Benefits and Three Snack Ideas Included!)
The summer is horrifying for everyone, be it your doggy or yourselves. What keeps your temper at bay on this hot sunny day? A cold drink or watermelon. Right? So we humans can treat the heat with many things, but what about dogs? Do they have substitutes for working off the heat? With all these questions in mind, many pet owners have asked one common issue: Can dogs eat watermelon?
When I heard this question, I did find the concern behind it, watermelon can keep a body hydrated and water levels high. Is it the same for dogs or not, is the only confusion? So after thorough research and talk with my veterinarian solved the issue for me.
Let’s get you through all the worries and concerns I asked, and you may find a few of them helpful. So without any delay, let’s jump in!
Table of Contents
Can Dogs Have Watermelon?
As this was my first concern, I straight away found the answer for this only. To give the perfect solution, it is YES.
Oh, you read it right. Dogs can eat watermelon as it keeps them hydrated in the hot summer day, plus its nutrients are suitable for the health and well being of your dog. It is one of the leat snacks that both humans and dogs can share. So have a beachy Sunday with watermelon BBQ. It is the only fruit with 92% of water content in it.
However, there are a few things that you should take care of while giving your lovely four-legged friend a watermelon treat. Let’s see what those are!
#1: Don’t ever feed the rinds and seed, not even by mistake, as it can lead to gastronomical issues.
#2: Don’t feed too much. As the saying goes: Excess of anything is harmful.
To discuss the above two points, here are other sections. No doubt, watermelon is the safest fruit to give your pooch. However, everything comes with its pros and cons. First, we will learn about why you will have to take precautions.
Is Watermelon Safe for Dogs?
Yes, it is safe for all its health benefits (discussed in the later section), but certain parts of the fruit that your dog shouldn’t consume are like rinds and seeds. Why? Let’s have a closer look at it.
Rinds are not poisonous for your dog, but it is hard to digest. It can cause a blockage in the digestive canal leading to other problems. The same is with the seeds, it can cause intestinal obstruction (a strict No to smaller dogs).
If your dog consumes the seed or rind and sees it vomiting or has the signs of constipation, lethargy, and abdominal pain, consult the vet as soon as possible. It can be an alarm for some serious problems.
Tip: Be on a lookout for symptoms of any of the above for 24 hours!
How many watermelons Can a Dog Eat?
Yes, it is safe for them to have watermelon, but it should be in measured quantity. So how much watermelon can you give your pooch? I would advise not more than 150 grams in a day. Look the intake of calories depends on the size or age of the dog. A dog with 25 pounds can’t have an intake of calories more than 750 grams.
So in hot summers, the 150 gram of watermelon calories is more than enough for them. It is also equivalent to the amount of Vitamin A and B6 needed for the dog’s growth and proper health.
How to Feed Watermelon to a Dog?
Don’t have a question mark on a face? This is a valid question. Just like human babies, dogs can also get bored with similar things. So to make them eat watermelon for the health and all the other benefits it has to offer, you will have to come up with innovative and creative food DIYs.
Basically, I have three different types of watermelon treats for your doggo,
1 Dehydrat.ed Watermelon
Here you will need a dehydrator to have them prepared. First, remove the rinds and seeds then place them in a dehydrator and dehydrate them. And tada! It is good to go.
2. Frozen Watermelon
For this one, you will need a mold tray (bone-shape is preferable). Remove the seeds from watermelon, take a scoop full and smoothen it in the blender. Put into the mold and there it is your frozen watermelon.
3. Seedless Watermelon
The last is a simple one, seedless watermelon. You don’t have to do more than picking out the seeds and cutting it into 2” wedges. Now give your pooch a waterful treat to enjoy this summer.
Health Benefits of Watermelon
Last but not least, this section is about all the possible benefits a watermelon can provide your baby boo. Without much discussion, we will jump on the benefits (you already read about the negative points in the 2nd section).
- Watermelon has vitamin A. The importance of vitamin A is that it supports bone growth, reproduction, and vision in dogs.
- Another is the presence of vitamin B6, and this one can boost the growth of a healthy coat and reducing tooth decay.
- As said, it has 92% of water content, which will keep your dog hydrated in the summer days.
- It is high in fiber, which will assist healthy digestion.
- It also has potassium and vitamin C, which will help regulate muscle function and reduce inflammation and cognitive aging.
Watermelon – Safest Fruit for Dogs to Eat
Yes, watermelon is safe for the pooches out there, with absolute care and precautions. You saw every needed information about the watermelon and its safety for dogs. You can provide them as a treat or once in a day. This fruit will help your dog in staying hydrated throughout the day in this screeching heat.
Conclusion
Always remember, no matter what you provide it with, it should always be in small and concentrated portions. The reason is its easy digestion.
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