Luckily, the answer is “Yes”.
Our dogs can chew some watermelon just like us. Watermelon is really beneficial for our dogs if you are careful about giving it to them. Watermelon is the perfect fruit in summers as it gives complete hydration to your body. It contains many beneficial nutrients like Vitamin A, B6, and C. It also contains ‘lycopene’, an antioxidant that helps to fight cancer.
Watermelons are low in calories, low in sodium, fiber-rich, fat-free, and cholesterol-free and it also has 92% of water content in it. So you can assume by now how beneficial it is to eat.
Eating watermelon helps your dog to manage weight and improve his eyesight.
How much watermelon can a dog eat?
In order to give any sort of human food to your puppies, consult your veterinary doctor. Dogs have different dietary needs and digestion than humans so it is advised to consult a vet doctor. This can help you determine how much watermelon your dog can safely eat.
Side effects of too much watermelon in dogs:
Just like anything in excess has some drawbacks, eating watermelon in excess also has its consequences. Here is the list of side effects that your dog may experience-
- Excess watermelon intake causes constant urination
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Stomach upset
- Vomiting
Puppies are more susceptible to diarrhea than adult dogs. Their small bladder may not handle too much water and can cause constant urination.
You can give one big slice to your big dogs and a cup of watermelon cubes to your puppies. You should give watermelon to your dogs as a snack, not as a meal. Snacking watermelon for your puppies is a good way to add extra nutrients to their diet.
Which parts of watermelon are harmful to your puppies?
The seeds can create problems for dogs. One or two seeds might not create any issue, but more than two seeds can cause blockage in the digestive tract. Some adult dogs may be able to digest the seeds without having the problem, but puppies are more susceptible to a blockage.
The rind is another thing that can cause problems for dogs. This part of the watermelon is firm and slightly difficult to chew. Puppies may swallow rind without chewing it, which may lead to intestinal blockage.
The skin of watermelon can be difficult to digest for small dogs and can lead to digestive issues and further blockage. So, small dogs are more prone to risk.
If your dog does eat any of them, you need to keep your eyes on them to see the signs of side effects that are discussed above. If you have seen any one of them, immediately call out the veterinary doctor to treat your dog.
How should you feed your dog watermelon?
Watermelon is one of the healthiest snacks you can give to your dogs in summer. To keep your dogs on the safe side, you need to:
- Remove the rind and seeds before you serve them to your dogs
- Cut into small chewable slices or cubes for better digestion
- Consult your vet for the dog’s diet. If he allows you to add some other things into their diet then you can give them that treat too.
Remember your dog’s health is in your hand, if you give them a safe yet healthy diet only then your dog would be healthy.
