Watermelon is a delicious summer treat, but it can also be a dangerous temptation for your dog. The rind of the watermelon is extremely bitter to both dogs and humans, but the juices are sweet and a great source of water for your dog. Before giving your dog watermelon, check with your vet and make sure that it is safe for your dog to eat. You can also cube the watermelon and hide it in your dog's food for a fun treat. Keep reading to learn more about giving your dog watermelon and what kinds are safe for them to eat.
What's the Risk with Eating Watermelon?
Despite the fact that watermelon is a summer treat, many dogs will reject it due to its extremely sour taste. Watermelon can be extremely toxic to dogs due to its high concentration of an acid called citric acid. The only parts of the watermelon that are safe for your dog to eat are the sweet, fleshy parts of the melon.
Is Watermelon Good for Dogs?
While watermelon is definitely not good for dogs to eat, there are a few things you should know about it first. First and foremost, your dog does not have to have access to a watermelon to be poisoned by it. Any part of the watermelon can be toxic, not just the actual watermelon itself. The vines, leaves, and rind of the watermelon are just as bad as the watermelon itself.
Is Watermelon Bad for Dogs?
The bad news is that both watermelon and dogs seem to have a natural aversion to each other. The rind of the watermelon is extremely bitter and dogs will usually avoid it. The only part of the watermelon that your dog can safely eat is the sweet, fleshy part of the watermelon. If you've given your dog a watermelon treat, make sure to throw it away right away or your dog may think it's another meal and become sick.
How to Give Your Dog Watermelon
After you've made sure that the watermelon is safe for your dog to eat, you can start to give them watermelon as a treat. The best way to do this is to cube the watermelon and put it in a small bowl. After your dog has had a few drinks from the bowl, offer them the watermelon cube as a treat. You can also use this trick to give your dog watermelon rind in a safe way.
Is Watermelon Safe For Older Dogs?
Although watermelon is a healthy summer treat for dogs of all ages, it is especially beneficial for older dogs. The high amount of water in watermelon makes it a great hydration treat for older dogs. Because of this, you should be careful when giving your older dog watermelon.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rind?
Although the watermelon rind is extremely bitter, your dog may be able to eat it if you remove the yellow parts first. The watermelon rind can be removed from the watermelon by cutting it off or just pulling on it a little. You can offer your dog the rind in a bowl or take it off and give it to them in a treat. This way, they'll get the watermelon flavor without getting sick from the rind.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds?
Unfortunately, the seeds of the watermelon are extremely toxic and can be fatal if eaten. The seeds are located at the center of the watermelon and should be removed before giving your dog the watermelon as a treat.
How Much Watermelon Is Too Much for a Dog?
The amount of watermelon that is safe for your dog depends on their size. The general rule of thumb is that you should never feed your dog more than a stomach-churning 30 percent of their body weight in treats per day.
What Type of Watermelon Is Safe for a Dog to Eat?
There are many different kinds of watermelons and most of them are safe for your dog to eat. The only watermelons that should be avoided are ones that are black with no white or green parts.
Other Foods You Can Feed Your Dog
Besides feeding your dog watermelon, you can also feed them blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, papaya, and pomegranates. Just make sure to get these fruits from a safe source and wash them thoroughly before giving them to your dog.
There are many other healthy and interesting dog treats you can give your dog, so make sure to try some out!
