Can Watermelon Hurt Dogs? All the Info You Need!
Did your dog eat watermelon with seeds, and now you are wondering can watermelon hurt dogs? Your guide to feeding dogs watermelon.
Watermelon is a refreshing treat. It is the best snack for enjoying a hot summer day.
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Can Watermelon Hurt Dogs?
The short answer to the question is no. As the American kennel club says, watermelon is good for dogs, with some limitations.
You have to take several precautions, such as removing seeds and the watermelon rind from watermelons before serving them to your dogs.
The seeds can lead to intestinal blockage, especially for small dogs. The rinds are also a problem because they cause gastrointestinal upset. This guide will help you feed watermelons to your dogs and avoid problems.
Benefits of watermelon for dogs
Watermelons are rich in potassium, antioxidants, and vitamins C, B6, and A. Further, they have a high fiber content and Lycopene content, which your dog needs for better health.
Actually, the Watermelon Promotions Board, which is a department of the USDA, categorizes watermelon as one of the superfoods.
Watermelon is made up of 92 percent water. The high water content makes it a great choice for hydration, and its nutritional benefits make it a healthy treat for your dog.
Health benefits of watermelon for dogs
1. Hydration
As we have already stated, around 92 percent of watermelon is water. The water will keep your dog hydrated on a hot day.
2. Repairs Damaged Cells
Watermelons contain the antioxidants your dogs need to repair the cells damaged by environmental stresses. Antioxidants are more like oxidation soldiers.
They look for the damaged cells and save them from the decay that can break down the body of your dog as he ages.
3. Supports Vision and Prevents Cancer
The superfood contains lycopene, which contributes to the red color in tomatoes and watermelons. This component is known to prevent cancer and support good vision in dogs. Studies have also shown that it slows the growth of cancer.
4. Boosts Immunity
Vitamin C is another important component of watermelons and a powerful antioxidant that is already proven to boost immunity. Vitamin C also reduces inflammation in dogs.
5. Supports Healthy Heart and Kidney Function
Watermelons have a higher dietary fiber content. The fiber facilitates easier movement of food in the intestinal tract to resolve diarrhea, avoid constipation, and avoid gastrointestinal blockage.
6. Proper Function
Watermelons contain vitamins A, which supports the proper function of the muscles, nerves, and skin. It further supports a healthier coat.
7. Better Brain and Body Functions
Vitamin B6 is a critical coenzyme for the body and brain functions. It regulates fluid balance, hormones, facilitates the building of proteins, and supports neurotransmitters in the body of a dog.
How to Feed Watermelons to Your Dog
If possible, buy the organic watermelon and wash it thoroughly before feeding it to your dog. Introduce the watermelons slowly to see how well your dog will digest them.
Diarrhea or soft stool can indicate that the fruit is not good for your dog or your dog consumed a lot of it.
Alternatively, you can start by consulting your vet to know the right portion size for your pet. Here are the tips to observe when introducing this fruit to your dog.
Can dogs eat frozen watermelon?
Only feed unsweetened frozen or fresh watermelons to your dog. Canned watermelon, sugared melons, and those packed in syrup have high sugar content, added preservatives, and artificial sweeteners that can have deadly health effects.
Watermelon seeds bad for dogs
Remove the rind of the watermelon because the white and green sections can cause stomach upsets for your dog.
Will watermelon rind hurt dogs?
While your dogs will safely nibble at the green insides, the hard rind can be hard to chew. Your dog might swallow them without proper chewing, something that can lead to intestinal blockage.
The skin of watermelons is also hard to digest and it can worsen intestinal obstruction. Also, remove the seeds from the watermelon because they can cause intestinal blockage and present a choking hazard.
If your dog consumes any rinds or watermelon seeds and you see any intestinal blockage signs. Such as constipation, vomiting, abdominal pain, or lethargy. If you see these, contact your veterinarian immediately to avoid more complications.
You have to watch for signs of intestinal blockage for no less than 24 hours after the dogs eat the seeds or rinds.
Feeding the Watermelon to Your Dog
Provide your dog with small amounts or small watermelon slices and allow him to nibble them away with your supervision.
Also, you can cut a pink section into small chunks and freeze them to make fresh fruity popsicles. Add a few pieces to the food of your dog as a vitamin booster every day.
Alternatively, you can blend watermelon chunks with unsweetened yogurt to make watermelon ice cream. Simply pour the mixture into molds or ice cube trays and pop them in the freezer.
Add the ice cream to the rubber toy or food bowl of your dog. Unless your dog suffers from lactose intolerance, plain unsweetened yogurt will not cause any problems. The bacterial cultures in the yogurt are good for the intestinal health of your dog.
Can dogs drink watermelon juice?
Yes, dogs can drink watermelon juice that contains no added sugar, sweeteners, or chemicals. It is fine for them to lick the watermelon juice from a plate of watermelon. You wouldn’t want to give them cups of watermelon juice.
Watermelon and dogs diarrhea
Large quantities of watermelon can have laxative effects on your dog and the same is true for humans. A single slice of the healthy fruit will not cause any diarrhea.
A slice of around 100 grams is considered safe for most dogs but the small breeds should eat half of that. A medium-sized breed may be fine with a slice of around 200 grams.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Every Day?
No. Your dog should not eat watermelon every day. Use watermelons as an occasional healthy snack and ensure that they are only 10 percent of your dog’s diet.
Watermelons contain high sugar levels, meaning that they can contribute to obesity and diabetes if eaten more often.
