Can dogs eat Watermelon?

Yes, dogs can eat watermelon with one major precaution – make sure to remove the seeds and rind. Watermelon is a nutritious treat for dogs packed with potassium and Vitamin C. Watermelon is safe for all breed sizes and does not pose a choking hazard once the seeds are removed.

Please note that before introducing any new food into your dog's diet, you should consult your veterinarian.

Is watermelon good for dogs?

The pink flesh inside watermelon is rich in potassium and Vitamins A, B6, and C. Watermelon is also 92% water, so it's particularly hydrating, making for a great snack on a hot day.

Watermelon contains large amounts of lycopene, a plant compound that is very healthy for dogs. According to the National Library of Medicine, lycopene is proven to slow the growth of cancer.

• Make sure to remove the seeds and rinds from the watermelon before feeding your dog. While the seeds and rind are not toxic, they can cause digestive issues for your dog
• Keep in mind, as with all snacks, watermelon is best in moderation. All fruits and vegetables should only make up about 20% of your dog's caloric intake

Health benefits of watermelon for dogs

• Excellent source of antioxidants that helps repair cell damage from environmental stressors
• Contains lycopene proven to help slow the growth of cancer and support vision in dogs (this is what makes watermelon red!)
• High water content is good for hydration
• High in Vitamin C for immune system support
• High fiber content to support digestion
• Vitamin A promotes eye health and quality of skin, coat, muscles, and nerves
• Vitamin B6 helps build proteins, regulate hormones, support neurotransmitters, and regulate fluid balance in your dog
• Low in calories, easy to not overindulge

Can watermelon be bad for dogs?

Although the pink flesh of a watermelon is safe for dogs, the rind and seeds can cause digestive issues. So take care to remove both the rind and seeds when preparing a snack for your pet. Some dogs may respond to fruits differently so always check with your veterinarian before introducing a new snack.

Health risks of watermelon

• Watermelon rind can cause intestinal blockage. This can be very painful and require surgery to correct
• Watermelon seeds can cause gastrointestinal distress that triggers vomiting or diarrhea.
• Watermelon is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities, but too much of it can give your dog an upset stomach. Make sure to limit fruits and vegetables to about 20% of your dog’s daily caloric intake
• Allergen Warning: most dogs are not allergic to watermelon, but 10% of dogs show intolerance or allergens to new foods. Watch your dog for stomach issues, itchiness, ear inflammation, or hives. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, stop offering the food and talk to your vet immediately. Continue reading to learn more about allergic reaction and food poisoning symptoms.

Are all melons safe for dogs?

Most popular melons are safe for dogs. Just remember to remove the seeds and rind before feeding your pet melon and check the feeding guide to make sure that you are feeding your dog the correct amount.

Melons that are safe for dogs include:

• Cantelope
• Honey Due
• Melon

How to feed watermelon to your dog

While watermelon is safe for most dogs, it should be offered in moderation. Consult the feeding chart below to find the amount of watermelon that is appropriate for the size of your dog and continue reading for recommended methods of feeding your dog watermelon.

How much watermelon should I feed my dog?

If you're feeding watermelon to your dog as a treat, remember that treats should only account for 10% of your dog's caloric intake. Dogs can eat watermelon every day, up to the following amounts:

How to safely feed your dog watermelon

First, make sure to remove the rind and seeds!

• Sliced up into chunks and fed directly to your dog
• Frozen chunks for a cool treat on hot summer days
• Pureed and frozen in an ice cube tray
• As a daily treat for your pup

What to do if your dog ate watermelon

If your dog ate the pink flesh of the watermelon, don’t panic. Watermelon is not toxic for dogs in moderation.

However, if your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms listed below he or she might be having a bad reaction and you should consult a veterinarian immediately.

What to do if your dog ate watermelon rind

If you notice that your dog eats a large part of the watermelon rind, then it is recommended that you give your veterinarian a call. They will be able to provide you with the best advice and will let you know if you should bring your dog into the office for observation or an exam. 

What to do if your dog ate watermelon seeds

Your dog will be reluctant to chew or crunch on the seeds as they will be tough so they’ll swallow them whole. This can lead to risk of choking in small dogs, but if your pet does manage to swallow them down, the seeds will sit in their digestive tract and fail to break down.

Watermelon seeds are not toxic for dogs, so one or two seeds will not have any significant impact on your dog. However, there is a small chance that they cause intestinal blockage, so if your dog consumes several seeds you should give your veterinarian a call.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction:

• Itchiness
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
• Red, inflamed skin
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Sneezing
• Itchy ears
• Chronic ear infections
• Itchy, runny eyes
• Constant licking

Symptoms of poisoning:

Watermelon is not poisonous for dogs, but if your dog experiences any of the following symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately:

• Vomiting or diarrhea can occur within hours of consuming a poisonous substance. Vomit and feces may contain pieces of the substance.
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Limited urination or no urination
• Bad breath
• Tremors and seizures
• Coma