Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? 7 Reasons Why Dogs Can
Watermelon has always been the go-to fruit on hot days. It is sweet, juicy, and above all, thirst-quenching! Now you might be thinking, “Can dogs eat watermelon?” Our beloved pets always want a piece of what we have, and it can be hard to deny those sad puppy dog eyes. Luckily, the answer is YES! Our canine companions can chow down on some watermelon with us. However, there are a few factors to take into consideration.
Is Watermelon Good for Dogs? 7 Health Benefits
Watermelon is a treasure trove of health benefits for dogs if you are careful about giving it to them.
Watermelon is the perfect chill pill for dogs
We, humans, eat watermelons as a delicious way to simmer down on a hot sunny day, and dogs can apply the same principle, too. According to the National Watermelon Promotion Board, watermelon packs 92% water. Thus, it satisfies your dog’s growling tummy and cools him down at the same time.
Eating watermelon helps manage your dog’s weight
Dogs are greedy salivating beasts who are always on the lookout for food! Why not give your dog bite-sized watermelon cubes rather than provide him with calorie bombs in the form of jerkies and pastries? Since watermelon is loaded with water, it can be very filling to your dog. Most importantly, it has no fat or cholesterol. A cup of watermelon only contains 50 calories, so it is pretty much a guilt-free hydrating treat!
Watermelon is fiber-rich
Eating watermelon aids in digestion by bulking up your dog’s stool. This promotes peristaltic motion — the movement of food along the intestines. As a result, it relieves your dog from constipation, promotes regular bowel movement, and improves colon health.
Watermelon is a good kind of sweet
While watermelon may contain fructose or fruit sugar, its high fiber content insulates the sugar and prevents the quick release of sugar into the bloodstream. Therefore, diabetic dogs may occasionally enjoy this sweet watery melon.
Watermelon helps improve your dog’s eyesight
Watermelon can help sharpen your dog’s vision and lower his risk to blindness, cataracts, and macular degeneration as he ages. This refreshing treat contains beta-carotene that the liver converts into vitamin A.
Watermelon helps fight free radical damage
Watermelon is rich in antioxidants that benefit your dog in ways aplenty. For one, the antioxidants in watermelon help strengthen your dog’s immune function. It scavenges free radicals that cause cell damage, neurological disorders, diabetes, or even cancer in dogs. The antioxidants in watermelon also help fight inflammation, which is often the root cause of common diseases.
Watermelon helps regulate enzymatic processes
Eating watermelon helps promote hormone production in the thyroid gland. These hormones are essential for the growth, development, and energy metabolism of your dog. Additionally, eating watermelon also helps maintain healthy functions of the blood.
How Many Watermelons Can a Dog Eat?
Dogs eating watermelons is the newest Internet trend. You can find countless videos of watermelon-chomping dogs on YouTube. But before you join the bandwagon and document your dog eating watermelon, you should first seek your veterinarian or nutritionist’s advice. This way, you can determine how much watermelon your dog can safely eat. Dogs have different dietary needs and medical conditions.
Side Effects of Too Much Watermelon in Dogs
Just like any food, eating more than what is necessary has its consequences. The following is a list of potential side effects that your dog may experience should you feed him too much watermelon.
· Too much watermelon causes constant urination
Can dogs with kidney disease eat watermelon? Technically, yes but you may want to consult with your vet first to determine your dog’s limit. Watermelon is mostly water, and so, it is diuretic in nature. Thus, eating watermelon bounds to make your dog urinate more frequently. While this may seem like a small deal for most dogs, senior dogs with renal problems may find this stressful. Unless you want to wake up to a puddle of wee, it is best to limit your dog’s watermelon intake to a minimum.
· Overfeeding your dog with watermelon may lead to diarrhea
Fiber sure has its benefits, but some dogs have a sensitive stomach and may react negatively if they receive too much fiber in their diet. It is possible that your dog will experience loose stools. That is why you must serve watermelon moderately.
Watermelon should not take a large part of your dog’s diet, and regardless of how filling it is, it should not replace your dog’s main meal. You can give one big slice for a large canine or a cup of watermelon cubes for a small pooch. You should only feed your dog watermelon as a snack or a reward.
Can Puppies Eat Watermelon?
Snacking on watermelon is a delicious way for your pooch to obtain extra nutrients that he needs to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. However, you should not give your pup his first watermelon until he is past the weaning period. Puppies, unlike adult dogs, are more susceptible to diarrhea. Also, their little bladder can barely handle too much water.
Some Parts of the Watermelon are Harmful to Dogs
Can dogs eat watermelon rind? Certainly not! Do not let your dog take a whole watermelon and run. Not all dogs are gentle nibblers, and so, your four-legged pal may ingest some of the green stuff. This part is indigestible, and considering how dogs seldom chew their food correctly, likely, he will swallow bits of rind. This can result in intestinal blockage.
The seeds of the watermelon can also pose a health risk to your dog. One or two seeds may not be deadly to a gluttonous Labrador, but puppies and small breeds are especially at risk for an intestinal blockage. Some large breeds may be able to poop the seeds without problems but ingesting many seeds can cause intestinal obstruction regardless of size.
If your greedy dog does eat the rind or seeds of a watermelon, any sign of an intestinal blockage within 24 hours warrants a trip to the vet. These include constipation, abdominal pain, vomiting, and lethargy.
(Photo credit: Getty Images)
How Should You Feed Your Dog Watermelon?
Sure, you have seen wolves chow down an entire pumpkin on YouTube, and so, you quickly assume dogs have no problem chomping down a whole watermelon, too. However, watermelon is far too big for a dog’s jaw. Besides, they are not suited to ingest all its parts. To stay on the safe side, you need to:
· Remove the rind and seeds
· Cut into slices for large dogs or into small chewable cubes for small dogs
· Keep a close eye on your pup or elderly dog
· Take into account your dog’s size and medical condition if there is any
Watermelon Popsicles
If you want to switch things up a little, blend two cups of watermelon with one cup of coconut milk. Pour the blend into ice cube trays and freeze them. This will make your pooch’s treats extra refreshing. A hint of coconut milk also makes it a little more indulging.
You can also fill up your ice cube molds halfway with plain low-fat yogurt before topping it up with the watermelon puree. Note that not all dogs do well with dairy. Skip the yogurt if your dog is lactose intolerant.
Watermelon Jerkies
If you struggle to find a low-sodium and low-calorie jerky for your dog, why not make watermelon jerkies, instead? You can use a dehydrator or an oven to transform the juicy watermelon into a chewy treat. While this may eliminate the hydrating power of watermelon, your dog will enjoy its new zesty taste and texture.
Conclusion
Can dogs eat watermelon? Of course, they can! Watermelon is one of the healthiest and yummiest snacks you can add to your dog’s diet. It supplies a wealth of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that your beloved pet needs to stay hale and hearty. The sweet mouthwatering melon is also relatively inexpensive, so you can always buy one and share it with your furry pal.
If you have yet to try this refreshing fruit for your pooch, remember to observe the safety tips we mentioned earlier. You must remove the rind and seeds before you serve it to your dog. Cut the watermelon into thin slices or bite-sized cubes to make it easier for your pal.
References:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmLOxG5gFgU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFF2ww0HK5o
https://www.certapet.com/can-dogs-eat-watermelon/
https://www.1800petmeds.com/education/can-dogs-eat-watermelon.htm
https://dogtime.com/dog-health/dog-food-dog-nutrition/58895-can-dogs-eat-watermelon
https://www.countryliving.com/life/kids-pets/a44877/can-dogs-eat-watermelon/
https://trupanion.com/pet-care/can-dogs-eat-watermelon
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-watermelon/
