Can dogs eat watermelon? When it's a hot day, watermelon can make a refreshing treat for your dog and can be a safe human food to give them.
Due to the high water content, watermelon is a low calorie, fat free and low for a dog. Watermelon does contain a sugar content, so you may need to consult with your vet if your dog is diabetic.
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WATERMELON NUTRITION
Watermelon is made up of 92% water so has hydrating effects that can be great for a hot day. Rich in fiber, antioxidants, potassium, vitamins C, A and B6. Lycopene gives the red colour of the melon and is allegedly for vision and cancer prevention.
Remember to go slowly when introducing new foods. And we recommend checking with your veterinarian first if your dog has any digestive issues or other health concerns.
DO DOGS LIKE WATERMELON?
As with all dogs, whether they like watermelon is a personal preference. Out of my 4 dogs, 2 love watermelon and the other 2 are not too keen on it. They will only eat any homemade watermelon treats when the others are there due to pack mentality and sheer greed!
CAN DOGS EAT WATERMELON RIND?
To be safe, remove the rind from the watermelon. It can be too tough to digest and cause digestive issues. Dogs may eat everything in sight, but it does mean that it's beneficial with.
CAN DOGS EAT WATERMELON SEEDS?
The seeds are not suitable for dogs and should be removed before giving the dogs watermelon. The seeds are not digestible and can potentially cause an intestinal blockage.
This is when purchasing seedless watermelon has an upside. We don't have such a thing in St Lucia as our watermelon is locally grown, so I have a lot of seed removal!
HOW MUCH WATERMELON SHOULD YOU GIVE YOUR DOG?
As with any natural fruit treat, portion control is a must. Too much fruit can cause stomach problems. Always start any new food for your dog gradually. We start by just 2 pieces a day, however pleading those dogs eyes are!
WATERMELON DOG TREAT RECIPES
You can give your dogs chunks of watermelon to enjoy or you can make them one of our homemade watermelon dog treats.
Dog Frozen Treat Molds
Silicone frozen treat molds with paw and bone shapes.
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