Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupes? Are they Safe for Dogs?

Can dogs eat cantaloupes? Yes! Unfortunately, cantaloupes do not receive as much respect as other fruits. So, it comes as no surprise that many dog owners give cantaloupes a brush off whenever they hit the fruit section of their local grocery store. If you haven’t caught one yet, read on to learn why this humble melon deserves your attention!

What are the Health Benefits of Cantaloupes for Dogs?

Cantaloupes sharpen your dog’s eyesight

When it comes to beta-carotene, the cantaloupe outshines other yellow-orange fruits in the market. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) states that cantaloupes contain more beta-carotene than mangoes, peaches, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, nectarines, and apricots. Another trusted source says that cantaloupes and carrots share the same amount of beta-carotene.

Beta-carotene is a carotenoid that gives fruits and vegetables their vibrant colors. Once digested, the liver converts beta-carotene into vitamin A. As you may already know, vitamin A promotes eye health. It also strengthens the immune system and acts as a free radical scavenger.

Cantaloupes are an abundant source of fiber

Cantaloupe has a high fiber content, which goes beyond promoting peristaltic motion in the intestines to relieve constipation. Fiber-rich foods, like the sumptuous cantaloupe, help reduce your dog’s risk of diabetes and heart disease. It also helps greedy dogs from getting obese, as it keeps dogs feeling full for much longer.

Cantaloupes help with hydration

Just like us, our canine companions are prone to dehydration. Eating cantaloupes, which shine most during summer, is an easy and refreshing way to cool down during the dog days. According to Healthline, cantaloupe has almost 90 percent water content. This means a handful or a small bowl of diced cantaloupes would be good.

Cantaloupes are suitable for the bones

According to research, cantaloupes contain folate and potassium. Both vitamins are beneficial to prevent bone defects, replenish lost electrolytes, and promote proper muscle contraction. As mentioned at MyPetsNeedsThat.com, this assures us that we can enjoy a whole day of playing with our pooch because it gives optimum mobility for our dogs.

What are the Possible Risks of Cantaloupes?

Can cantaloupes hurt dogs? Yes, it may. Some anxious dog owners go as far as to ask, “Can cantaloupes kill dogs?”There is a possibility that cantaloupes may kill a puppy or a small breed if it has ingested too many seeds or rind bits. Of course, this would only happen due to an accident or perhaps neglect. Again, the rind and seeds should be removed properly to prevent danger — any sign of intestinal blockage warrants a trip to the vet.

Besides, never let your dog overindulge in cantaloupes even if he can poop the seeds out. Remember that diabetes has many horrifying ways to kill your beloved pet.

What is the Proper Way of Feeding Cantaloupes to Dogs?

While cantaloupes are a healthy treat, we should always observe proper preparation and moderation.

Here are some tips on how to feed cantaloupes to dogs:

• Slice the fruit in a diced manner and feed a handful or a small bowlful to your pooch. Remember to give it only as treats and not as a regular part of their meal plan.
• Consume within three days after buying to eliminate the risk of salmonella and other pathogenic growths. It is best to keep the fruit refrigerated to maximize shelf life.
• Wash and scrub the outer part of the fruit thoroughly with water before slicing. Just like other fruits, cantaloupes may be covered in dirt or wax that can potentially poison our dogs. You may want to use a food scrubbing tool to make sure all contaminants will be removed.
• Get rid of the seeds and rind, as they are choking hazards. This is especially true for puppies and small breeds, both of which are at a higher risk.

Takeaway

Can dogs eat cantaloupes? Absolutely! Eating cantaloupes sharpen your dog’s eyesight, prevent cell damage, replenish electrolytes, and helps regulate your dog’s core body temperature, among others. However, the cantaloupe rind is hard to chew, swallow, and digest. Therefore, you should never feed your dog the green stuff intentionally. Nor should you leave a whole cantaloupe lying around if your dog is a counter surfer. While a large dog may not be in any danger if it has eaten bits of cantaloupe rind, you cannot say the same thing for small pooches. The vibrant fruit, however, supply health benefits to If your dog already has diabetes, just a few bites would be enough to satiate his curiosity. Remember, your dog’s lifelong health and happiness depend on you!

References:

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cantaloupe/
https://www.rover.com/blog/can-dog-eat-cantaloupe-rind/#
https://www.littlethings.com/can-dogs-eat-cantaloupe/3
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cantaloupe/
https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a45048/can-dogs-eat-cantaloupe/
http://www.vetstreet.com/dr-marty-becker/is-it-ok-to-feed-our-pets-cantaloupe
https://www.mypetneedsthat.com/can-dogs-eat-cantaloupe/
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/benefits-of-cantaloupe#7