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Everybody loves watermelon, even dogs. But is it safe for them to eat? The answer is yes, with a couple of precautions.
Is It Safe for Dogs To Eat Watermelon?
Watermelon is safe for dogs to eat, but you must take a few precautions before feeding your dog this tasty treat. First, seeds could cause an intestinal blockage, so make sure you remove them. It’s also a good idea to remove the rind because it can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Are there any benefits of watermelon for dogs? The fruit itself is a health-food powerhouse, low in calories and packed with nutrients—vitamins A, B6, and C, and potassium. Plus, the fruit has only about 50 calories a cup and 92% water, so it’s great for hydration on a hot day. It also has no fat or cholesterol.
How to Feed a Dog Watermelon
Just like any treat you give your dog in addition to their regular, balanced diet, watermelon should be fed in moderation.
Here are some safe ways to feed your dog watermelon:
- In chunks: Slice up a watermelon and remove the rinds and seeds.
- Frozen chunks: After removing the rinds and seeds, freeze the fruit in the freezer, then take it out on a hot summer day. The treat will help cool down your dog!
- Puree: Puree the fresh fruit after removing seeds and, then freeze in an ice cube tray or silicone mold.
- Watermelon “ice cream:” Blend frozen watermelon chunks with plain, unsweetened yogurt. Add on top of your dog’s food bowl or stuff into a rubber toy. Unless they suffer from lactose intolerance, plain yogurt is safe to eat for most dogs. It’s usually better tolerated than ice cream, and the bacterial cultures in yogurt are great for intestinal health. Just be sure to choose plain yogurt without any added flavors, fruit, sugars, natural sweeteners, or artificial sweeteners. Read the label carefully to be sure the product doesn’t contain toxic xylitol. If your dog doesn’t handle yogurt well, consider other options like lactose-free, dairy-based yogurt or dairy-free yogurt made from plant products. Always read the label to avoid any unsafe additives or ingredients.