Is it okay to give our dogs pieces of the juicy, colorful fruit to nibble on during the warmer summer days? Watermelon is a delightful refreshing treat for us humans, the ideal snack for slicing into wedges, chilling in the fridge, and enjoying during warmer days. Find out whether watermelon is safe for dogs to eat and if it has any health advantages for your dog by reading this helpful advice.
What about watermelon, can dogs eat it?
Watermelon is safe for dogs to consume. However, there are certain measures you should take, such as removing the big seeds, which, if eaten in excessive quantities, might create a digestive obstruction in your dog, especially if it is a smaller breed. The peel of a watermelon should also be avoided since it might induce diarrhea. Like many other fruits, watermelon is heavy in sugar, which may lead to weight gain and even diabetes if consumed on a regular basis. You should always consult your vet before giving your dog any human food, even watermelon.
Can dogs eat watermelon?
The straightforward answer to the question of whether or not watermelon is healthy for dogs does not exist. The high water content (92%) of these luscious fruits makes them an ideal summertime snack. Far superior than feeding your dog ice cream, which may cause stomach troubles due to the milk content.
Watermelons are a pretty healthy food for dogs since they contain no fat and are low in calories and salts (sodium). However, watermelon shouldn’t be included in your dog’s usual diet, and should be reserved for special occasions. They do contain sugar, which might be harmful if consumed in large quantities.
Keep in mind that your dog will obtain all the nutrients it needs from a comprehensive and balanced diet, even if watermelons are nutrition dense. Since this is the case, watermelon is superfluous. Remember that you may offer too much of a good thing, and that fruits like watermelon, when fed in excess, can induce gastrointestinal distress, and so should always be given in moderation.
Also, avoid giving your dog any watermelon-flavored candies, beverages, or lollipops since they include sugar, artificial sweeteners, and additives that may be harmful to your dog’s health.
Watermelon for dogs: feeding instructions
In this case, fresh is best when it comes to feeding your dog watermelon. You should peel the fruit and chop the meat into little cubes before giving it to your dog, since the dog may choke on the seeds and rind. Allow your dog to sniff and taste the slice before deciding whether or not to eat it; many canines dislike the flavor of fruits, so don’t be shocked if your dog rejects it.
However, you may also get watermelons without seeds, which may be preferable for canines. However, you’ll still need to peel the fruit and cut it up into bite-sized pieces.