Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Watermelons are a great summer refreshment. The fruit is delicious and cooling, especially straight from the fridge, while the high water content quenches thirst. But what is good for humans is not always healthy for the beloved four-legged friend. So what’s the deal – can watermelon be fed to dogs?

The Most Important Things Summarized

• Only give your dog the ripe flesh of the melon – and only in moderate amounts, please.
• If a dog eats the seeds of melon, this can lead to intestinal obstruction. On the other hand, if you eat the shell, there is a risk of vomiting and diarrhea.
• An alternative to watermelon is honeydew melon. However, this is not quite as healthy for dogs as watermelon.

Watermelon – That’s In It

Like cucumbers, watermelons are rich in water. Especially in summer, the fruit is a good way to provide the dog with additional liquid. However, caution is advised due to the high sugar content of 8 g, which means that 100 grams of watermelon have 30 kcal. That doesn’t sound like much, but it quickly leads to obesity in dogs if you overdo it with the treats in between.

In addition to the 92 percent water content, watermelon also contains potassium and vitamin C, vitamins A and B6. The high fiber content and the many dietary fibers have a positive effect on digestion. The antioxidant lycopene can prevent cancer.

Only Feed the Seedless Pulp

As with many fruits intended for human consumption, the rinds of melons are often treated with chemical agents that then deposit in the rind. Other tools then ensure that the bowl shines beautifully – neither of which your dog should eat. Be sure to remove the rind before feeding your dog watermelon to avoid vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal upset.

The same applies to the black cores. These can cause intestinal obstruction if your dog eats them in large numbers. However, if your dog has eaten large amounts of seeds or peel, keep him under observation for 24 hours and consult a veterinarian if necessary.

What is completely harmless, however, is the consumption of the pulp – as long as you do not overdo it with the amount. You can tell whether the melon is ripe by the dull, hollow sound.

It is best to cut the flesh into cubes. This reduces the risk of the dog choking on it.

Not Every Dog Tolerates Melons

If you are unsure whether your dog tolerates melons, test it with small amounts first. The stimulation of digestion leads to severe flatulence or diarrhea in some four-legged friends.

Other dogs will also choose not to look at melons. Others, on the other hand, may not like the odd texture when chewed and will leave the melon chunks after a few tentative chews.

Make Watermelon Snacks

The easiest option for the summer is probably to freeze individual pieces of watermelon, which you can then give your pet in portions as a treat. Optionally, you can also puree the melon beforehand and then e.g. B. Freeze in an ice cube tray.

On the other hand, a recipe in which you mix the melon with some yogurt is a little more sophisticated.

Alternatives

In addition to watermelons, you can also feed your dog honeydew melons or Galia melons, which are easier to pit. However, the sugar content is a little higher here, so you should be a little more careful about the calories.

For dogs that tend to be overweight quickly, cucumber can also be a low-calorie alternative to watermelon.