It is covered in green for the exterior, a faded pale white layer inside, and finally a red and pink flesh. Just magnificent!
Watermelons are sweet and juicy, typical for summer staples, and should be more than just a summer fruit because they're available all year round. It is also substantial in fruit salads and popsicles.
Many dog owners have held back from sharing this tasty treat with their dogs for fear that it may be dangerous for their health.
These instincts are partly true, but when given correctly, your dog's experience eating watermelons may be the healthiest they will ever get.
So, can dogs eat watermelon?
Can dogs eat watermelon?
Yes, dogs can eat watermelons. Made of 92% water, stuffed with nutrients (vitamin C, A, and B6), contains fibre, beta-carotene, and potassium, and is low on calories, watermelons beam with health.
This fruit has no cholesterol and is very low in sodium and fat. It contains sugar but is primarily water, keeping a dog cool and dehydrated all summer.
Watermelon is a nice treat for a dog when given in moderation under the owner's supervision, eliminating possible side effects.
Because watermelons are mostly water and diuretic, a dog is bound to urinate frequently.
While this may not be a big deal for most dogs, older dogs with underlying or renal conditions may find it hectic. Always retain your dog's watermelon consumption minimally.
Consequently, like other fruits, when a dog is given too much watermelon, it may lead to mushy stools. It is good to keep a watchful eye on the dog to monitor its bowel movements.
Is watermelon safe for dogs?
A watermelon's red and pink flesh is safe and nutritious for dogs who can eat small portions anytime.
With just a little care in giving dogs watermelon, it can unravel numerous health benefits, including:
- They contain antioxidants that help in fighting free radical damage
- Has vitamin C, which maintains immune system health and reduces inflammation
- Has vitamin A flourishes the dog's skin, muscles, nerves, and coat
- They are 92% water, helping in hydration and a special treat on hot summer days
- They help in managing dog weight as it has no cholesterol or fat
- The pink and red flesh has lycopene which improves the dog's eyesight, prevents cancer, and slows cancer growth
- They have potassium which increases kidney health, regulates fluid levels, helps muscle and heart functions, and develops bone density.
- They are rich in fibre to help in constipation. Fibre keeps food moving through the gut to avoid blockages and diarrhoea.
- Contain vitamin B6 is a coenzyme that instigates brain and body processes, regulates hormones and fluid balance, builds up proteins, and supports neurotransmitters in the dog's body.
Too many watermelon treats can turn out dangerous. Moderation is essential; it will help avoid diarrhoea, stomach upsets, long-term diabetes, and obesity for your dog.
If the dog hasn't eaten watermelon before, it could result in tummy aches, so it is better to give them chunks and see how they react first.
No matter how fulfilling watermelons can be, they should never replace your dog's main meal.
It is good to keep at most 10% of watermelon treats in the dog's diet, with the remaining 90% composing a regularly approved nutritional balanced diet in calories.
How much watermelon can my dog have?
Watermelon has high fibre and water content with loaded nutrients perfect for a dog's health.
However, there are precautions to be taken when giving out treats to your dog. Watermelon seeds, especially the mature ones, are not safe for dogs, although eating one or two may probably do them no harm.
On the other hand, eating too many seeds causes intestinal blockage and is prone to puppies as they have smaller intestines.
Watermelon rinds are far too dangerous for your dogs than the seeds because they are too fibrous and challenging to digest.
Unlike the seeds, dogs rarely chew their food correctly, which can cause severe intestinal blockage. It is safe for dogs to nibble at the lightly green part as it is more effectively digested.
If the dog overeats seed or the rind and signs of an intestinal blockage are evident, accompanied by diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, and constipation, seek a veterinarian's attention immediately.
Why does my dog love watermelon?
Watermelons are tremendous and a go-to fruit on hot sunny days, mainly because they are high in moisture and vitamins and hydrate effectively.
They have sugar which is insulated by the high fibre content releasing it slowly into the bloodstream than other fruits.
For dogs with diabetes, it is better to hear from a vet before serving them watermelon treats.
Below are a few guidelines on how to feed a dog watermelon:
- Cut watermelons out of the rind to keep the dog from nibbling on them
- Only give your dog natural and fresh watermelons
- Slice them up in chewable cubes because they are choking hazards
- Take time to remove all the seeds from the slices before treats, or you could buy a seedless watermelon.
- Consider the dog's medication history and size before treats
- Keep a watchful eye on your dog at all times
- Consider preparing the watermelons in different ways:
One, you can freeze the chunks making sure that your dog's teeth are healthy enough to chew frozen treats to form watermelon popsicles.
Puree the fruit, put them in an ice cube tray to freeze, and offer your dog a snack.
To make watermelon ice cream, you can also blend frozen watermelon cubes with plain yoghurt. Also, watermelon, along with bananas, blueberries, and pineapples, can make good smoothies and salads for your dog.
Alternatively, you can make a watermelon jerky using an oven or dehydrator to make it a chewy treat. This eliminates its hydrating effects, but the dog will still love it.
Most dogs love the texture and flavour of watermelons, and keeping the rind and seeds from them is vital.
If your dog eats watermelon seeds and rinds, take them to a vet who will perform physical examinations to see if the effects may be brutal to the dog's health.
Afterward, it may be recommended that the dog is kept under watchful eyes to see signs of discomfort or changed behaviour.
The rind is not poisonous or toxic for dogs but is dangerous during consumption and digestion, considering how tough it is to chew.
Final Thought
Watermelons are all-around healthy treats for dogs when given appropriately. They come in all sizes and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Still, it is best to confirm with a vet that it won't have adverse effects on your dog's health.
Dogs are comfortable with their daily feeding routine, so when after a treat it still begs for more tasty chunks, do not be tempted to add them more as it may result in complications.
A few seedless, rindless watermelon cubes for your dog on a hot sunny day are appropriate as long as they are given in moderation. Also, monitor the dog for any stomach upsets or choking.
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