Can Dogs Eat Watermelon

Everybody loves watermelon, even dogs. Is it safe to eat dogs?

With a few precautions, the answer is yes. The first is that seeds can cause intestinal blockages, so be sure to remove them. It is also a good idea not to leave the rind on your fruit, as it can cause digestive upset.

What are the benefits of watermelon to dogs? Watermelon is a healthy food powerhouse. It’s low in calories, high in nutrients and rich in vitamins A, B6, C, and potassium. The fruit is low in calories and has 92 percent water. This makes it a great choice for hydration.

How to feed a dog watermelon

Watermelon, like all treats, should be given in moderation to your dog. Here are safe ways to give watermelon to your dog:

• Cut into chunks. Remove the seeds and rinds from the watermelon
• Frozen chunks Remove the fruit’s seeds and rinds and freeze them in the freezer. Take the fruit out on a warm summer day when you get home from work. This will cool your dog down!
• Puree – After removing the seeds and rinds, puree the fruit in a blender. Then freeze in a tray.
• Watermelon ice cream: Blend frozen watermelon pieces with plain, unsweetened yogurt. You can add to your dog’s food bowl or make rubber toys such as the Kong. Plain yogurt is safe for dogs unless they have lactose intolerance. Plain yogurt is more tolerated than ice cream, and the yogurt’s bacterial cultures are good for your intestinal health. Plain yogurt should not contain any artificial sweeteners or flavors. To ensure that the product contains no toxic Xylitol, read the label. You might consider alternatives such as dairy-free, lactose-free yogurt or yogurt made with plant products if your dog isn’t able to handle yogurt. To avoid dangerous additives and ingredients, always read the label.

Watermelon Facts

• A 15- to 20-pound watermelon will produce 90 six-ounce wedges or 11 cups of cubes.
• Have you ever noticed that certain watermelons are prone to internal cracks? This is called Hollow Heart. Temperature fluctuations cause it during the growing season. Hollow Heart melons can be eaten safely and are sweeter in certain areas because sugars tend to concentrate along cracks.
• It takes three months for a watermelon to grow from seed to harvest.
• Fifty years ago, seedless melons were created. They do not contain mature black seeds. However, you might see white seed coats where the seed has not matured.
• Citrullus Lanatus watermelon is known scientifically as Citrullus Lanatus.
• It is a member of the Cucurbitaceae botanical family and is closely related to squash, pumpkins, cucumbers, and other squash.