Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Why This Refreshing Fruit Is a Healthy Summer Snack for Your Best Friend

Summer means splashing in the pool, burgers on the grill, and a huge slice of watermelon for dessert. If your furry friend has fixed hopeful eyes on this ripe, red reward, you might be wondering if they can have a bite.

The good news is that dogs can eat watermelon. In fact, if prepared right, this outdoor favorite can be a fun, healthy snack^[1] for you and your favorite pooch. 

The Juicy Details: Watermelon Contents

Watermelon is a nutritional powerhouse. Fat-free, low-sugar, and nutrient-rich, this summer staple is a healthy addition to a human or canine diet. Here are some of the beneficial vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants^[2] you’ll get from indulging:

• Vitamin A, which is essential for maintaining good vision^[3]
• Vitamin B6, which supports your immune system, helping your body fight infection and disease^[4]
• Vitamin C, which also fortifies your immune system to help you (and your dog) stay healthy^[5]
• Calcium, which helps your bones stay strong^[6]
• Fiber, which is vital to the digestive process^[7]
• Lycopene, which gives watermelon its red color and reduces cellular damage, lowering the risk of cancer, heart disease, and other age-related illnesses^[8]
• Potassium, which supports heart and bone health and helps your muscles function properly^[9]

That’s not all. As its name implies, watermelon is also full of water, so eating a wedge is a great way to stay hydrated on hot days.

Is Watermelon Good for Dogs?

For many of the same reasons watermelon is good for humans, watermelon is also good for dogs. Besides being a tasty, low-calorie snack, watermelon provides essential vitamins and minerals that have numerous benefits^[10], such as:

• Supporting good vision
• Reducing inflammation
• Slowing cognitive decline
• Lowering the risk of cancer and age-related conditions
• Promoting good digestion

To prevent choking, cut watermelon into bite-sized chunks and remove the rind and any mature black seeds (which can also cause an intestinal blockage). Better yet, create an icy summer treat by pureeing watermelon and freezing it in ice cube trays. Just remember, watermelon isn’t intended to replace a healthy, balanced diet and should be given as a special treat from time to time.

The Great Rind Debate: Is It Ok for Dogs To Eat Watermelon Rind?

Watermelon rind isn’t toxic to dogs, but it may present other hazards, so it’s never a good idea to feed it to your pet. Rinds are tough to chew and swallow, so they pose a choking hazard. Eating them may also lead to digestive problems, such as vomiting, constipation, or intestinal blockages.

Branching Out: Can a Dog Eat Other Types of Melon?

Your dog can also eat other melons. For example, cantaloupes and honeydews are great low-calorie, vitamin-rich snacks for fruit-loving pups^[11]. 

Before feeding your dog any type of melon, remove the seeds, which can cause intestinal distress. Additionally, you should never let your pet chew on melon rinds. These tough outer shells pose a choking hazard and can also give your pet a stomach ache.

Feeding Our Furry Friends: What Human Foods Are Okay and Bad for Dogs

It’s natural to want to share goodies with your furry friend, but not all human foods are safe for dogs. Before offering up a treat, make sure it’s safe for canine consumption. 

What human foods are okay for dogs^[12]:

• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Fish
• Green beans
• Honey
• Oranges
• Peanuts

What human foods are bad for dogs^[13]:

• Alcohol
• Avocado
• Chocolate
• Coffee
• Corn on the cob
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Onions
• Macadamia nuts
• Raisins
• Anything containing xylitol

Unfamiliar foods can cause stomach upsets and may trigger food sensitivities, so introduce them slowly. Before making any changes to your dog’s diet, you should always consult your veterinarian.

Get To Know Your Dog Better With DNA Testing

Whether you’re lazing through the dog days of summer or snuggling by the fire on a winter day, sharing a snack with your pup can be satisfying. However, it’s important to make sure any treats you dish out are safe, nutritious, and given in moderation. In fact, only 10% of your dog’s daily calories should come from treats^[14].

Your canine pal relies on you to keep him safe and happy. A nutritious, well-balanced diet is only one aspect of a long, healthy life. To make good choices for your pets, it’s essential to understand their traits, behaviors, and even their heritage. Learning your pet’s genetic makeup can help you and your vet create a lifelong game plan for your dog’s health and happiness. Get started by ordering a Know Your Pet DNA kit from Ancestry^®.