Yes! Watermelon is an excellent source of vitamins and nutrients. It is also 92% water; which during hot summer months, helps keep your dog cool. Watermelon seeds and rinds, however, are not good for your dog and could actually cause serious health problems. So please, avoid feeding the seeds or rinds to your dogs.
How is Watermelon Good for My Dog?
- Watermelon contains potassium, vitamins A, B6 and C. It also contains a healthy amount of nature plant fiber which is beneficial for your dog’s digestion.
- Watermelon also contains lycopene which is a healthy antioxidant that helps prevent some cancers.
- Watermelon is fat-free, low in calories, low in sodium (salt) and cholesterol-free.
- Watermelon is also a fantastic source of water. Giving your dog a snack of watermelon on a hot day will be refreshing and help prevent dehydration.
When is Watermelon Bad for Your Dog?
Eating anything in excess, even for dogs, is bad. Watermelon should never make up a large portion of your dog’s diet. If you give your dog an excess amount of watermelon, some dogs will experience diarrhea and other gastrointestinal upset.
When Is Watermelon Dangerous for Your Dog?
Watermelon should be removed from the rind (the outer part) before feeding the melon to your dog. You will also need to remove as many of the seeds as possible, or purchase a seedless variety. The rind is very hard, difficult to chew and could cause intestinal blockage in the dog. The seeds, especially for small dogs, may cause blockage, which can lead to serious intestinal problems. Large dogs should not have any problems passing a few seeds, but it is best to remove as many seeds as possible.
What Are the Danger Signs If Your Dog Eats Too Much Watermelon or the Watermelon Rind and Seeds?
If you feel that your dog has eaten too much watermelon, or the seeds and/or rind, you will watch for:
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
If your dog develops any of these symptoms, consult your veterinarian for treatment.
Only Offer Natural Watermelon to Your Dog
Some products are marketed as watermelon flavored, but are in fact made up of entirely artificial products. These artificial products may contain sugars, chemicals, and other substances that can make your dog sick. Artificial watermelon products frequently contain xylitol, which can be toxin to dogs. Never feed your dog any foods with large amounts of sugar as it may cause gastrointestinal problems, obesity and diabetes.
How to Offer Watermelon to Your Dog?
Watermelon can be a quick, healthy treat for your dog. Remember to remove the seeds and rind before offering it to your dog. Cut pieces of watermelon into cubes for an easy to eat treat. Another satisfying way to offer a watermelon treat is to puree the watermelon in your blender. Pour the puree into ice cube trays half-way, then fill the rest of the way with plain, low-fat yogurt and then freeze. Do not use a yogurt full of sugars or other additives. After the cubes have frozen, place them in a zip-top freezer bag and store in your freezer. On a hot day, offer one of the cubes to your dog for a healthy treat. If you want to make the watermelon cubes more delicious, you may add other safe and healthy ingredients like blueberries, lemon, and black salt. Lemon contains vitamin C, which is beneficial for the dog’s health in the hot season.
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