A luscious slice of watermelon is nothing but delightful on a hot summer day. However, while enjoying their favorite summer fruit, pet owners may question if it's safe to feed some to their four-legged companion.
In most cases, the answer is yes. Watermelon is not only safe for your dog, but it also contains 92 percent water, making it a terrific way to keep both you and your dog hydrated this summer. Even better, watermelon is high in vitamins and nutrients that are good for everyone's health, whether they have two or four legs.
Watermelon's Health Benefits
Citrullus lanatus is the scientific name for watermelon. It's not only tasty, but it's also high in minerals including vitamins A and C, as well as potassium. It's also a low-calorie fruit that's fat-free and cholesterol-free. Because of its high water content, watermelon is an excellent treat for keeping your pet hydrated on hot summer days.
The high vitamin A concentration of watermelon can aid in the improvement and maintenance of your dog's vision. It's also high in antioxidants, which can help your dog's immune system fight disease by reducing inflammation and strengthening his immune system. The fruit has also been connected to a variety of health advantages, including blood pressure regulation, muscle health, and heart disease prevention.
While the high fiber content of watermelon can create gastrointestinal issues in dogs (and people), the low-calorie treat can help manage weight and enhance colon health when given in moderation. 4 Seedless watermelons, like most fruits, contains natural sugar, but because of its fiber content, it releases slowly into the bloodstream, preventing a blood sugar surge in your pet.
Concerns About Your Health
While the watermelon's pink flesh is suitable for dogs, pet owners should be aware that the seeds should be removed before giving it to Rover, as they might create an intestinal blockage. If you miss a few little seeds, don't panic; however, allowing your dog to eat too many seeds can produce a blockage in their digestive tract, which can lead to more serious difficulties.
It's also not a good idea to let your dog nibble on the rind of a watermelon. When consumed in large pieces, the rind is difficult for your dog to chew and digest, and it can cause digestive problems ranging from diarrhea to major intestinal blockages.5 It can also be a choking hazard, especially if you have a smaller dog. If your dog has eaten watermelon rind and is experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, constipation, or lethargy, get veterinary help right once.
It's always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before giving your dog watermelon, as it is with all "human" foods, and moderation is key—especially if you aren't sure how your dog will react to the fibrous fruit. Watermelon, like many fruits, including cantaloupe, can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea in your dog if consumed in excess.
Keep in mind your dog's size; the smaller the dog, the less watermelon it should eat. It's also possible that your pet is allergic to watermelon, though this is uncommon.
Watermelon Can Be Used in a Variety of Other Ways to Feed Your Dog
If you find that Fido adores watermelon, there are a variety of alternative methods to include it in the diet as a special treat. Frozen watermelon treats can help you and your pet fight the summer heat by blending (seedless) watermelon flesh with coconut milk, yogurt, or water, then freezing the cubes. Just make sure you choose low-fat or nonfat yogurt and watch out for sugar (sugar substitutes like xylitol are very hazardous to dogs) and other additives—you'll also want to give these treats in moderation if your dog is sensitive to dairy.
If you have a food dehydrator, you may also make chewy treats out of the watermelon (although your pooch will miss out on the hydrating benefits). On a hot summer day, simply slice up some fresh watermelon (bite-sized slices are great) to give your dog a refreshing treat.
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