Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Here’s the Juicy Verdict, from Veterinarians
Two vets share what happens when dogs eat watermelon,
including one sweet benefit your precious pupper can experience from this tasty
warm-weather treat.
That moment when you bite into the perfect slice of
watermelon. If your dog is looking on longingly at your fruit from nearby, is it
safe to slip them a nibble?
Melon isn’t typically considered a dog treat in the classic
sense, like a bite of turkey lunchmeat or a morsel of cheese might be. But is
watermelon safe for your pup to try? Two veterinarians shared the scoop on
whether dogs can eat watermelon, including how much watermelon a canine can eat
before it gives you paws. (We had to.)
Here’s why you should know which human foods are safe for pets
Just because you can eat a particular food doesn’t make it
safe for Milo—in fact, some very normal human snacks can make your dog
incredibly ill or even be fatal, says Efrem Hunter, DVM, MBA, a veterinarian
and director of Veterinary and Scientific Affairs who conducts research on pet
food safety and nutrition at Blue Buffalo Co. “When your dog looks up at you
with those begging eyes, it’s hard to resist giving them a tasty treat from
your plate,” Dr. Hunter says. “However, avoiding potential hazards is an
important part of pet parenthood.”
As just a few examples, you should never give your dog any
food that contains even the tiniest amounts of chocolate, especially dark
chocolate, or the sweetener Xylitol (stealthily called “birch sugar” on some
food labels these days). Also, know that grapes or raisins are toxic to some
dog breeds, says Jacqueline Brister, DVM, a veterinarian and consultant for
Embrace Pet Insurance. “Paying attention to ingredients helps prevent
unnecessary pain and suffering and can help them live longer,” says Dr.
Brister.
So, is watermelon safe for dogs to eat?
Eating watermelon shouldn’t be the main source of nutrition
for your pup, but it can be a fun and healthy snack for most dogs, say our
docs. The fruit itself is safe to eat in moderate amounts—definitely not more
than one cup per day, and don’t try to send them off unsupervised with their
own personal slice.
If you’re going to serve your dog watermelon, Dr. Hunter
says it’s essential to remove the rind and seeds. “It is important to remove
any seeds before giving it to your dog, as they can cause intestinal blockage,”
Dr. Huner says. “While some dogs may happily eat the rind, this isn’t a good
idea as it can cause gastrointestinal upset.” He adds that it’s key to slice
the melon into snackable chunks that are bite-sized according to your pup’s
size.
There are some prepackaged pet snacks that contain
watermelon, too. Make sure you read through the entire ingredients list and
choose snacks from a reputable manufacturer, says Dr. Hunter. He recommends
looking for dog snacks with a short ingredient list of whole foods and without
additives and preservatives. Be sure to follow the serving size listed on the
package, as eating too much of anything can cause stomach upset or worse.
One major benefit of letting your dog eat a small amount of watermelon
Watermelon is 92% water (hence the name!) which makes it one
of the most hydrating foods. This can be a big benefit for dogs, especially
during the summertime when they may be panting or drooling because they have a
harder time regulating their body temperature. “Watermelon, in moderation, can
help increase dogs’ water intake, helping them stay hydrated,” says Dr. Hunter.
Plus, watermelon is high in several nutrients that dogs
need, including vitamin A, B-6, and C, as well as potassium. Vitamin C can give
your pet a stronger immune system, improve their bladder health, and protect
joints. Dogs naturally produce their own vitamin C, so most don’t need a
supplement—but Dr. Hunter says adding some through their diet, including
watermelon, can give them a healthy boost.
What are the health risks of eating watermelon for dogs?
Watermelon can be filling without providing many calories—in
fact, some vets actually recommend it as a healthy, low-calorie snack for dogs
trying to lose weight, says Dr. Brister.
But if your dog doesn’t need to lose weight, loading up on
watermelon may cause them to not eat enough calories to support their needs.
Says Dr. Brister: “I always recommend moderation because eating watermelon can
potentially cause an upset stomach in your dog.” She says this is more likely
when watermelon is fed in large amounts to a dog that’s not used to eating such
types of foods. Watermelon can cause gas and bloating in people, as well as
dogs. (Watermelon is also one of the surprising foods that can trigger migraine
in humans.)
Even though most dogs will be fine eating watermelon, it may
not agree with your unique pup. (After all, we know they’re one of a kind.) So
pay attention to any signs that your furry friend is in distress after eating
watermelon, including but not limited to:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Changes in bowel movements
- Marked changes in behavior
- Talk to your vet about any specific dietary concerns you have for your individual dog.
What to do if you think your dog is having a bad reaction to something they ate
Whether it’s watermelon or something else you gave them from
your plate, if your dog is showing signs of distress, call your veterinarian
immediately.
“If you’re worried, don’t hesitate to reach out!” Dr.
Brister says. “We get these kinds of calls all the time and we will be able to
tell you whether the food or item eaten is concerning and what the next steps
should be.” She adds: “Never try to treat a potentially toxic ingestion without
a veterinarian’s advice.”