Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
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Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.
UPDATED: Jan 8, 2024
Pet Insurance U receives compensation from the third parties included on this site. This includes payment for clicks from our site to insurance providers’ sites and quote requests generated. Our rankings and reviews are not affected by payments from the insurance companies. The compensation we receive allows the site to be free and regularly updated. Our goal is to review every pet insurance provider, but not all companies are listed on the site.
And many of the companies we review do not pay us anything. We simply rate, compare and review their plan because we feel it will be valuable to you. Our reviews are guaranteed to be unbiased, professional and advertising compensation does not influence rankings.
On This Page
Watermelon is a favorite summer fruit during the summer and most of us love it. It not only tastes great, but it is so refreshing.
It’s a great way to keep you and your kids hydrated as watermelon has 90% water. It is a delicious and nutritious low calorie treat.
Is it OK for dogs to eat watermelon too?
Yes, dogs can watermelon without the seeds and rind, of course, in small doses.
With any new human food that you share with your dog, it’s always best to speak to your veterinarian to make sure watermelon is safe for your particular pup to sample.
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Is Watermelon Safe for Dogs?
Yes!
Watermelon is safe for your dog to eat, but in small doses because like other fruit, watermelon has natural sugar (although not as much as other fruit).
Make sure to introduce watermelon slowly into your dogs’ diet (of course, remove the seeds) to make sure he doesn’t have any type of reaction.
Even though watermelon is very nutritious, eating too much might cause your dog to have digestive issues.
Related: 10 Things You Must Know Before You Buy Pet Insurance
Benefits of Watermelon For Dogs
Watermelon has many benefits for dogs as it is high in potassium, vitamins C, A and B6. It also has a high amount of fiber which is good for a dog’s digestion.
Because of the high fiber, the sugar in the watermelon is released more slowly into the bloodstream which certainly helps with digestion.
Watermelon also contains an antioxidant called lycopene, which is thought to prevent cancer.
Because watermelon is mostly water, it can also be a great source of hydration for dogs, particularly on a warm summer day.
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When Watermelon Can Be Harmful To Dogs
Watermelon, like any other fruit, is meant to be a treat and not a staple of a dog’s diet.
If your pup eats too much watermelon, it can lead to diarrhea or any other gastrointestinal issue.
Of course, if your dog shows an adverse reaction to watermelon, take your dog to the vet immediately.
If this happens to be the case and you need to take your dog to emergency care, having pet insurance would help with the costs of all of the vet or vet hospital bills during the visit.
We recommend Healthy Paws as the #1 pet health insurance provider!
The seeds in the watermelon can also be problematic. If your dog happens to eat a few seeds, it can be extremely hard to digest. And, of course, both the rinds and skin can be very difficult to digest if your dog accidentally consumes it.
Of course, any sweet products with watermelon or flavored watermelon is not good for your dog and can even be extremely dangerous if they have Xylitol which is known to be harmful to dogs.
If your dog eats watermelon and has any of the symptoms listed, take your dog to the vet right away:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Diarrhea
- Swelling
- Gastric Upset
- Hives
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Ways to Add Watermelon into Your Dog’s Diet
Every pup reacts differently in any food or fruit they eat, so make sure to talk to your veterinarian before feeding your dog watermelon.
If your dog, for instance, has diabetes, watermelon might have too much sugar for your pup. Or maybe watermelon doesn’t react well to another medical condition your pup might have.
Either way, if your vet gives you the OK, there are some many ways you can offer watermelon to your pup.
First thing you need to do is take off the rind and remove all the seeds.
A few ideas you can try:
- Cut up the watermelon in cubes and freeze it.
- Smash it up and add a little watermelon juice to your dog’s dry food.
- Just cut it up in very small slices as a reward or treat
- Put it in a blender and make a smoothie – and give your dog a small amount.
Other Fruit Your Dog Might Enjoy
If your dog doesn’t like the watermelon, there are some other fruit choices you can try:
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Bananas
- Mangos
- Strawberries
Grapes (and raisins) are NOT safe for dogs to eat and they should never sample either.
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Final Thoughts on Watermelon for Dogs
Watermelon is a nutritious fruit that are filled with a burst of vitamins and an abundance of water that your dog can sample in small amounts.
Introduce the watermelon (or any other new food) slowly to make sure your pup doesn’t have a bad reaction to it.
Pet insurance companies, like Healthy Paws and Embrace can cover up to 90% of the vet bill and if your dog needs after hour treatment, having pet insurance can save you a lot of money!
If you want to know more about the food that is safe and not safe for your dog to sample, our ultimate guide to safe food for dogs can give you some guidance.
Other articles you may find helpful:
Is Exotic Pet Insurance Necessary?
The Best Pet Insurance By State
Fun Facts, Dog FAQ, And Unsolicited Dog Advice
5 Training Commands to Save Your Dog’s Life
The Ultimate Guide to Safe Foods for Dogs
Finding safe alternative foods for your dogs to eat can be tricky. We have a long list of articles about every food you could possibly consider feeding your dog. One thing we recommend is that you consider looking into pet insurance for your pet and you can start by checking out the best rates for dog and puppy insurance.
What to do with a Picky Eating Dog
Can Dogs Eat Grapes and Raisins?
Why You Should NEVER Give Xylitol to Your Dog
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can dogs eat watermelon?
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon, but it should be without seeds and rind, and in small doses. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new human food to your dog’s diet.
Is watermelon safe for dogs?
Yes, watermelon is safe for dogs in moderation. However, it contains natural sugars, so it’s essential to introduce it slowly and remove seeds. Excessive consumption may lead to digestive issues.
What are the benefits of watermelon for dogs?
Watermelon is high in potassium, vitamins C, A, and B6. It also provides fiber for digestion and contains lycopene, an antioxidant thought to prevent cancer. The high water content can aid in hydration.
When can watermelon be harmful to dogs?
While watermelon is generally safe, excessive consumption can lead to digestive issues or diarrhea. Additionally, seeds can be hard to digest, and flavored watermelon products with Xylitol are harmful to dogs.
How can watermelon be added to a dog’s diet?
Remove the rind and seeds, and offer watermelon in small, bite-sized pieces. Consult your vet first, especially if your dog has underlying health conditions.
What other fruits can dogs enjoy?
Some dogs may not like watermelon, so alternatives include safe fruits like apples, blueberries, and strawberries. Grapes and raisins are NOT safe for dogs.
Why is pet insurance recommended?
Pet insurance, such as Healthy Paws and Embrace, can cover up to 90% of vet bills, providing financial assistance in case of emergencies or unexpected health issues.
Who are the authors and reviewers of this content?
The article was written by Melanie Musson, an insurance expert, and reviewed by Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS, a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience.
Is the information unbiased?
Yes, the site receives compensation from third parties, but rankings and reviews are not influenced. The goal is to provide unbiased, professional information about pet insurance.
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap pet insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Dr. Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr Pippa Elliott BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in companion animal practice. In 1987 she graduated from the University of Glasgow, with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She works at Blythwood Vets and the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA). Pippa is an advocate of Fear-Free Practice, an animal addict, and a veterinary writer. She is also w...
Veterinarian
We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about pet insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything pet insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by pet insurance experts.