Can My Dog Eat That? Watermelon

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. You can view some of the previous foods we’ve looked at in our “Can my dog eat that?” guide. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat watermelon?” Read on!

Picture a summer picnic with your canine buddy, a few blueberries or peaches and a bowl of fresh watermelon. Most dogs can eat watermelon flesh as an occasional snack when it is prepared properly and portioned for their size.

Is Watermelon Safe for Dogs?

Yes. Most dogs can safely eat watermelon after you remove the seeds and rind. The soft flesh is mostly water, low in calories and easy to cut into small pieces. It can be both a healthy snack and a healthy treat for healthy dogs, but it should complement a complete and balanced diet rather than replace any part of your dog’s diet.

Start with one bite. Feeding watermelon too quickly or offering too much watermelon may cause stomach upset, gas or diarrhea. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may need an especially small portion. Watch how your dog responds before serving watermelon again.

Why Dogs Shouldn’t Eat Watermelon Rind

The firm green skin and white layer are difficult to chew and digest. Watermelon rind can become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage, especially in small dogs. Large dogs are not immune to these risks, so remove the entire rind before offering watermelon to your dog.

If your dog swallows a large piece, contact your veterinarian. Signs of an intestinal blockage may include repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, unusual tiredness or trouble passing stool.

What About Watermelon Seeds?

Remove watermelon seeds before sharing the fruit. One or a few seeds may pass without a problem, but hard black seeds can add to the risk of an intestinal blockage. Puppies and small dogs may be more vulnerable because their digestive tracts are smaller.

Seedless watermelon is the simplest choice, although it may still contain pale, undeveloped seeds. Check each piece and remove anything firm or dark. Taking out both the rind and seeds makes the fruit easier for your dog to chew.

How Much Watermelon Can Dogs Eat?

The right serving depends on your dog’s weight, size, age, activity level and health. A few small cubes may be plenty for small dogs. Medium dogs can usually handle a modest portion, while large dogs may enjoy several bite-sized pieces.

Treats should make up no more than 10 percent of a dog’s daily calorie intake. The rest should come from complete and balanced food that supports your dog’s diet. Although watermelon is low in calories, its natural sugars still count toward your dog’s daily calories.

When deciding how much to offer, begin with a few small pieces. Too much watermelon can cause digestive upset or another stomach upset. Ask your veterinarian before feeding watermelon if your dog has diabetes, needs to lose weight or follows a therapeutic diet.

Can Puppies Have Watermelon?

Puppies can enjoy plain watermelon in very small amounts once the seeds and rind are gone. Cut the flesh into tiny, soft bites to reduce the choking hazard and introduce only one new food at a time. This makes it easier to identify the cause of vomiting, diarrhea, itching or another reaction.

A puppy’s nutritional needs differ from those of adult dogs, and most calories should come from puppy food. Check with your veterinarian before feeding watermelon to a puppy with a medical condition, digestive issues or a prescribed diet.

Benefits of Watermelon for Dogs

The benefits of watermelon are mostly tied to its high water content and modest calorie count. This refreshing fruit contains vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The nutrients watermelon provides can support normal body functions, including a healthy immune system, but the nutritional benefits do not replace a complete diet.

Watermelon should never replace fresh drinking water. It is simply a hydrating snack that adds variety to treat time. Pet parents should remember that fruit cannot correct an unbalanced diet or replace veterinary care.

How to Safely Feed Watermelon

Choose plain fruit with no added ingredients. Remove the rind and seeds, then cut the flesh into bite-sized pieces. Serve small cubes chilled as a cool snack, or blend watermelon and pour it into an ice cube tray for frozen treats.

Frozen watermelon chunks can be a refreshing treat on a warm day, but let very hard pieces soften before serving. You can also make frozen watermelon by mixing a little pureed fruit with plain yogurt if your dog tolerates dairy. Make sure the yogurt contains no artificial sweeteners. Never serve anything containing xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Skip canned fruit, watermelon packed in syrup, candy, drinks and flavored desserts. These products may contain added sugar or ingredients that are not appropriate for dog treats. Plain fruit is the best choice when serving watermelon to dogs and helps your dog safely enjoy the occasional treat.

When Watermelon May Not Be the Best Choice

Watermelon is safe for dogs in general, but it is not ideal for every individual. Its natural sugar may affect blood sugar levels, so dogs with diabetes should receive it only with veterinary approval. Pet owners managing obesity or another condition may need to choose a different sweet treat.

Stop feeding watermelon and contact your veterinarian if you notice hives, swelling, intense itching, repeated vomiting, diarrhea or difficulty breathing. Any ingredient can cause a reaction in an individual dog.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Rind or Seeds

Consider your dog’s size, how much was swallowed and whether the pieces were large or sharp. A dog who swallowed only a few soft seeds may not develop a problem, but rind or many hard seeds deserve closer attention. Watch for vomiting, a swollen or painful abdomen, loss of appetite, lethargy or difficulty passing stool.

Call your veterinarian right away if symptoms appear or if your dog swallowed a large amount. Do not try to make your dog vomit unless a veterinary professional specifically instructs you to do so.

The Verdict on Watermelon for Dogs

Watermelon can be a refreshing snack when it is prepared properly and served in moderation. Remove the seeds and rind, keep portions small and make sure treats fit within your dog’s daily caloric intake. With those precautions, dogs and puppies can enjoy this juicy fruit as an occasional summer snack.