Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Photo by Chewy Studios
Nothing says summer like a juicy slice of watermelon—and your dog might think so too. But can dogs eat watermelon? The answer is yes, as long as you remove the seeds and rind.
Watermelon is low in calories and full of nutrients, making it a tasty, healthy treat for your furry friend when given in moderation. Plus, this juicy, refreshing fruit is a great way to keep your pup cool and hydrated.
Here’s everything you need to know about watermelon and dogs, including how to prepare the fruit and how much you can safely feed your pup.
Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.
Is Watermelon Good for Dogs?
In addition to being a tasty summer treat, there are several health benefits of watermelon for dogs. Watermelon is:
- High in vitamins A, B1, B5, B6, and C, which are helpful for immune function, reducing inflammation, and regulating energy
- High in minerals, including potassium and magnesium—all of which are important for electrolyte balance and nutrient absorption and metabolism
- High in antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lycopene, which help support immune health
- Low in calories to fill your pup without weight gain
- High in water content for helpful hydration
And, it’s fun to eat!
Is Watermelon Bad for Dogs?
But what about the downsides? Watermelon itself isn’t bad for dogs, but you want to make sure you’re only giving your dog the flesh, not the seeds or rind.
- The rind can cause stomach upset. The tough skin of the watermelon is hard to digest and can cause digestive upset. If your dog can’t break it down well, it can also become a choking hazard, according to Deborah Bayazit, DVM, co-owner and medical director of Brilliant Veterinary Care.
- The rinds and seeds can cause an intestinal blockage. If your dog swallows a big piece of the rind, it could also cause an intestinal blockage. While a few seeds might not cause an issue, eating too many can lead to an intestinal blockage, which is considered an emergency.
How Much Watermelon Can I Give My Dog?
Watermelon should be considered a treat, and treats should be fed in moderation, making up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The rest should come from a complete and well-balanced dog food.
Here are some general recommended serving sizes, based on your dog’s weight. For reference, a piece is considered a half-inch cube. However, it’s always best to consult your vet before serving watermelon to determine the right portion size for your dog.
| Dog Size | Serving Size |
|---|---|
| Extra-small dogs (2–10 pounds) | 1 piece |
| Small dogs (11–20 pounds) | 1–3 pieces |
| Medium dogs (21–50 pounds) | 4–6 pieces |
| Large dogs (51–90 pounds) | 8–10 pieces |
| Extra-large dogs (91+ pounds) | 10–12 pieces |
How To Safely Feed Watermelon to Your Dog
You also want to follow some guidelines to ensure you’re feeding your dog safely.
For starters, Dr. Bayazit says to only give them fresh or unsweetened frozen watermelon. Do not feed them watermelon that is canned, sugared, or packed in syrup. The sugar content is too high, and these foods might have added preservatives and sweeteners like xylitol, which can be deadly to dogs.
To properly prep the fruit:
- Slice the watermelon.
- Remove the fruit from the rind. The green and white section of the rind can be rough on a pup’s tummy.
- Remove any seeds from the melon as these can cause an intestinal blockage and also present a choking hazard.
- Cut the watermelon into smaller pieces measuring about one-half inch in size.
When it comes to actually feeding the watermelon to your dog, you have a few options:
- Simply give your dog cut pieces one at a time as a treat.
- Freeze bite-size pieces of watermelon to make a fresh, fruity popsicle for your pup.
- Add a few small pieces to your dog’s prepared food as a vitamin-booster.
Homemade Dog Treats With Watermelon
If your dog loves the flavor and taste of watermelon and you’re looking for serving options outside of chunks of fresh fruit, here are some homemade treats you can make:
Store-Bought Dogs Treats With Watermelon
You can also buy dog treats made with watermelon. Here are some pet parent favorites:
Recommended Products
My Dog Ate Too Much Watermelon—What Do I Do?
If your dog eats too much watermelon, or the fruit doesn’t agree with them, it can lead to signs of stomach upset, like:
That’s why it’s important to start out slowly. Give your dog a little at a time to see how well the fruit is being digested.
If your dog gets soft stool or diarrhea, stop feeding them watermelon and call your vet.
What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
If watermelon isn’t in season or you just want to switch things up, there are more than a dozen other fruits that are safe for dogs too. Some of these are:
FAQs About Watermelon for Dogs
Can dogs have watermelon rind?
No, dogs should not eat the green and white rind sections of a watermelon. These can cause potential digestive issues as well as potential choking issues if consumed in large pieces.
Can dogs have watermelon seeds?
It’s best to avoid giving watermelon seeds to your dog. An easy, stress-free solution is to opt for seedless watermelons, which do not contain hard black seeds (there may be some softer, white seeds, which should be removed if possible).
What fruits can’t dogs eat?
Dogs shouldn’t eat grapes (raisins), limes, and plums. Peaches and apricots should be fed with caution because the pits can be a choking hazard.
Attributions
This content was medically reviewed by Sandra Mitchell, DVM, a Chewy veterinarian.
