Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

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Watermelon is one of the tastiest snacks and one of the best refreshing treats one can take. Watermelon is usually associated with outdoor parties, barbeques, and summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t eat it year-round if you can get your hands on some during winter. It is already one of the most popular treats humans can get but can dogs eat watermelon? Is it safe for them?

Can my dog eat watermelon?

The shortest answer would be - yes. However, there are a few things you should know before you decide to feed your pooch with this deliciously sweet treat. Before you choose to feed watermelon to your dog, ask your vet for advice, and make sure your dog is not allergic to it.

Is watermelon good for my dog?

Yes, it is. Watermelon is full of healthy nutrients, and it consists of 92% water, making it a great treat on hot and dry days. Watermelon also contains;

Vitamin A - Vitamin A is a great immune booster. It helps with the dog’s vision, immune system, and reproductive system.

Vitamin B6 - Vitamin B6 is also known as pyridoxine. Pyridoxine helps the dog’s body store energy, proteins, carbohydrates (from food) and helps with hemoglobin production (the substance of red blood cells).

Vitamin C - Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid. It is vital for the development of all body tissue. It helps with iron absorption, production of collagen, boost the immune system, etc.

Potassium - Potassium is a crucial body mineral that helps with fluid balance, reduces blood pressure, protects the dog from a stroke, helps retain water, and prevents the development of kidney stones.

Watermelon is also full of sugar, but not the bad kind. It also has fiber that insulates the sugar and prevents it from entering the bloodstream immediately. Watermelon has many benefits for your dog, as well as for you. If you have an active breed, it will become one of their favorite treats.

Can watermelon be bad for my dog?

It can be. If you are not careful about the watermelon intake, it can cause your dog health problems. If your dog somehow eats too much watermelon, it will probably get stomach pains along with diarrhea. You should know that there are two parts of watermelon you shouldn’t feed to your dog - the rind and seeds.

The rind - The rind is the green skin surrounding the delicious, pink “flesh” of the watermelon. It is edible for herbivores, but your dog is not one of them. Dogs can’t digest the rind, and it can cause them digestive problems.

The seeds - The seeds should always be removed before giving watermelon to your dog. They can cause blockage, especially in small dog breeds.

What to do if your dog eats rind or seeds?

The first thing you should avoid is panicking. Your dog may pass them, and no serious harm happens to them. If you start noticing signs of intestinal blockage (unable to poop), vomiting, abdominal pain, and lethargy - call your closest vet immediately. Your vet will let you know what to do next and how to prevent any future problems for your dog.

How to give my dog watermelon?

The absolute best way to feed your dog watermelon is raw. Before you do that, make sure you removed the rind and the seeds. If it is a hot day, you can serve your puppy cold watermelon from the fridge.

Never give your dog “human sweets” that taste like watermelon. Those sweets usually contain artificial sweeteners that can be toxic for your dog. If you are interested in making something special for your dog, try one of these recipes for a healthy watermelon doggie treat.

Watermelon smoothie with Greek yogurt

Smoothies are one of the most popular ways to satisfy our daily fruit intake, and your dog will love them as well. Here is everything you need for a delicious watermelon smoothie for your dog;

• 2 cups of sliced watermelon (2x2 in)
• ½ cup of low-fat or fat-free Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 cup of ice cubes

DIRECTIONS: Place these ingredients in a blender and mix until they become completely smooth. Make sure ice has completely melted and serve directly to your dog. Serve only half and save the rest for later.

Frozen watermelon treats

This doggie treat is one of the best ways to help cool your dog during hot summer days. It is not only refreshing but also delicious and healthy. It is a great snack for you too!

This is a very easy watermelon treat recipe that requires only two ingredients.

• ¼ scooped watermelon
• 1 can of coconut milk

You can add more watermelon depending on how pink and “watermelony” you want your new treats to be.

DIRECTIONS: Clear the scooped watermelon of all seeds, and be careful that you don’t scoop any rind. Put it in a blender and add coconut milk. Blend until it becomes smooth. You can pick ice cube trays in the shape of a bone (or use regular, rectangular ice trays) and pour the blended watermelon mix in it. Leave in the freezer until it freezes (usually about 4 hours).

Serve as a delicious cold treat that helps your dog cool off. This is also a great way to make your active dog rehydrate after an active playing session.

Watermelon jerky

If you own a dehydrator, a watermelon jerky (or a watermelon taffy) will make a great dog treat. It won’t have the same cooling effect, and your dog won’t get hydrated from it, but it will be a healthy, tasty treat your dog will love.

DIRECTIONS: You will need to slice the watermelon into long strips. Remember always to remove seeds from any fruit you give to your dog. Place the strips inside the dehydrator and let it dehydrate until it reaches the consistency you like. This watermelon treat can be served directly.

Never add kitchen or sea salt to this dog treat because it can cause your dog health problems.

Watermelon is a great treat; it doesn’t matter who eats it. Your dog will love it, and it is not the only human food your dog can eat and love. If you love pickles and wonder if your dog can have some, check out this article. For information about shrimp, check here.

World Dog Finder team