Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Is Watermelon Safe for Doggies?

Watermelon is a favorite snack all over the world – especially on hot summer days when they’re the sweetest and juiciest. But can dogs eat watermelon? You (and your pup!) will be happy to know the answer is yes!

Watermelon is a great, healthy dog treat that’s full of nutrients and water. But there are a few things you need to know about feeding your dog watermelon.

Is Watermelon Good For Dogs?

Watermelon can be a great healthy treat and an alternative to over-processed doggie snacks. This particular fresh fruit contains 92% water, so is a great way for your pup to stay hydrated on those hot summer days. 

It’s also full of antioxidants; vitamins such as C, B6, and A; and is really high in fiber.

A reason both humans and doggos love watermelon is that it tastes so sweet. This does mean that it contains sugar but the high fiber content insulates the sugar and prevents it from being released into the bloodstream too quickly. Meaning it shouldn’t be a problem! (Although check with your vet if your dog is diabetic or you’re worried about giving them too much sugar.)

Watermelon is highly nutritious and a great, tasty snack that you can share with your pup!

How Should You Feed Your Dog Watermelon?

One of the best things about fresh watermelon is that it’s really versatile and there are loads of ways you can serve it up to your pup. Here are a couple of our favorite ways to prepare this juicy fruit!

As A Frozen Healthy Treat

Because watermelon has such a high water content, it’s really easy to freeze. It’s best to puree it first and pour it into ice cube trays for delicious, cold snacks for your pup!

In A Toy

Interactive toys are a great way to keep your pup entertained and to make sure they eat a little slower. Kong toys work really well, as do indestructible dog toys.

Either cut up chunks of watermelon and hide them inside the toys or puree the watermelon and freeze it. Your pooch will love to eat fruit like this!

A Scoop of Watermelon Ice Cream

Again, if you want to feed watermelon to your pup, a great way to do it is if it’s cold. And what better thing to eat on a hot day than ice cream?

As long as your pup doesn’t have a lactose or dairy intolerance, this is a great treat for them to enjoy in the shade. 

Blend together frozen watermelon chunks and unsweetened yogurt. This is a delicious doggie dessert to serve after their favorite meal or as a treat after running around the backyard.

Natural, plain yogurt contains bacterial cultures which can really help improve your dog’s gut health. Make sure you don’t get yogurt with any artificial sweeteners, flavors, or added sugar – as these are all things your pup should be avoiding.

Also, check the label to ensure the yogurt doesn’t contain Xylitol as this is toxic to dogs. Even a tiny amount can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), liver failure, and seizures. 

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds?

Feeding watermelon to your dog is a great, healthy treat that will help them to stay hydrated. But can dogs eat watermelon seeds? No. Mature watermelon seeds (the black ones) can cause an intestinal blockage which can be severe for your pet. 

If your pup happens to eat a couple of seeds in a slice of watermelon, there’s probably no need to worry. But too many could cause stomach troubles – especially in smaller dog breeds.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rind?

Although it looks like a really fun thing for doggos to chew on, watermelon rind is too tough for dogs to digest. The lighter green part is fine, but you should really remove the thick rind before giving your pup this healthy snack.

The tough, outer exterior could also be a choking hazard, so it’s best to not give it to your pup and let them enjoy the sweet fruit instead!

Can Dogs Eat Yellow Watermelon?

Yes! Dogs can eat yellow watermelon. It’s just as nutritious at red watermelon and is a safe treat to feed pups. Again, it does contain quite high levels of sugar, so check with your vet first if your pup is diabetic.

Is Seedless Watermelon an Option?

It’s safest to feed dogs seedless watermelon as a sweet treat (the one with the soft, white seeds). It contains all the same nutrients and water as non-seedless watermelon, but you don’t run the risk of your pup eating too many watermelon seeds.

How Much Watermelon Should You Feed Your Dog?

Dogs need a varied diet and they should be getting most of their nutrients from their regular dog food. If you want to add more healthy fruits and veggies to your pup’s diet, you might want to try fresh dog food. The meals are prepared by a canine nutritionist and they’re pre-portioned to help with weight gain.

Roughly 10% of your dog’s diet can be treats or healthy snacks.

Of course, not all human food is safe for dogs and you should always do your research before giving your pup a snack. Many can cause your pup to have an upset stomach and some, like onions, are even toxic.

How To Introduce Watermelon To Your Dog

When first giving your dog watermelon (or any new food) give them a small amount to make sure they like it and that it doesn’t upset their tummy. Large dogs can eat a couple of slices but small dogs should eat much less.

You might want to cut them up into bite-sized pieces.

Too much of anything isn’t good for your dog and watermelon is the same. In abundance, it could cause diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation.

So, Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Yes! Dogs can eat watermelon. It’s a healthy fruit that contains high levels of fiber, nutrients, and lots of water – making it the perfect snack on a hot day.

As with all foods, it’s important not to feed your dog too much and make sure you prepare it in the healthiest way. Remove the hard seeds and rind and make it into a delicious frozen snack. Your dog will gobble it up in no time!

Does your pup like watermelon? What other fruits do they like?