We know that you love your dog very much and, of course, you want to feed him in the best way possible. Surely you have asked yourself if your dear hairy friend can dog eat watermelon.
The question is very valid because if watermelon offers so many benefits to humans, why not the dogs? Many times it is said that dogs are exclusively carnivorous and that they hate vegetables or fruits, including watermelon.
But it is not completely true. Dogs can eat most fruits that contain considerable nutritional or organic benefits
Watermelon vitamins beneficial for the dog:
Watermelon is also low in calories, although the amount of natural sugar is a little higher than normal. The fruit also has a good level of vitamins A and C. (Not as much as the pineapple, so there is no danger that your dog may have an overload of vitamin C).
Watermelon also contains essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium, each of which is necessary as an integral part of a healthy and balanced diet for your dog.
But let’s take a closer look at the fact that watermelon is a vigorous provider of the vitamins your dog needs. This appetizing fruit is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
The proper contribution of vitamin A in your dog’s diet is very important. Vitamin A intervenes in many functions of the organism of your furry friend, some as transcendental as the vision, the reproduction and the bony system.
Also, this vitamin is essential for proper reproductive function, because it improves spermatogenesis in males and normalizes the reproductive cycle of females.
On the other hand, vitamin B6 and other B-complex containing watermelon are essential for your four-legged partner because they bring very specific benefits such as improvements in the performance of the nervous and immune system as well as their growth.
The vitamins of compelo B also favor in your dog the obtaining of energy, cellular metabolism, the health of organs and tissues, the muscular, cutaneous, ocular and fur strength, as well as its appetite and digestion.
Regarding vitamin C, you should know that your dog is capable of producing it on its own. However, there are cases in which this provision is exhausted, for example with some vaccines.
Ingesting watermelon will serve as a slight vitamin C supplement for your dog and will give you benefits such as the ability to resist diseases.
Can I give my dog watermelon?
The answer is YES, you can feed watermelon to dogs with some precautions.
There are some important things you should know about how to feed your dog with this juicy fruit.
Can dogs eat watermelon rind?
No, dogs cannot eat the bark. While for humans it is said to have health benefits, the watermelon rind is very difficult for dogs to digest and can lead to gastrointestinal problems. So be sure to give your dog only the fleshy part of this fruit.
Can dogs eat watermelon seeds?
Another NO. Eating seeds of this fruit can cause an intestinal blockage in dogs, so make sure that you remove the seeds before giving it to your dog.
How much watermelon can I give to my dog?
As with any fruit that is safe for dogs to eat, you should give watermelon to your dog only in moderation. The reason for this is that dogs cannot digest fruits as well as we can, so large amounts can cause digestive discomfort and lead to diarrhea.
When introducing this fruit to your dog, start slowly. Start with 1 or 2 small 1-inch wedges. This will give you the opportunity to see how your dog reacts. If your dog has no trouble digesting it, you can gradually increase this amount. However, I would not advise giving your dog more than 4 or 5 1-inch wedges in a single session.
When giving your dog this fruit, it should only be considered as a gift. He/she will still need your quality dog food in order to get your daily protein intake.
Watermelon for dogs: Some precautions.
We have dealt with the issue of the seeds of the fruits often in these articles, and the subject infiltrates annoying even here. In essence, many fruit seeds (in concentrated amounts) can be very harmful to your dog.
Like other seeds, watermelon seeds contain cyanide. (Other known as cyanogenic glycosides, a harmful natural product that dogs cannot eat).
Just eating some watermelon seeds, your dog may have belly pain. Too many seeds at a time, or a prolonged diet of them, will undoubtedly cause serious stomach problems for the dog.
And the seedless watermelons?
Yes, there is a thing similar to this fruit but without seeds; A hybrid whose seeds do not mature. It is worth mentioning here that while seedless watermelons might sound like an easier option. This variety of watermelon still comes with the hollow, with white shells of seeds.
Conclusion On Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Final considerations Until the seeds, and for safety reasons the skin is removed. Your dog will surely enjoy its juicy watermelon. A fabulous summer bite.
