Can dogs eat watermelon?

Watermelon is a perfectly safe and healthy treat for dogs and puppies. But only feed them the red flesh, and take out the seeds and rind.

Another way to take care of your four-legged friend is to make sure they have peace-of-mind dog insurance.

Health benefits for dogs eating watermelon

Watermelon is extremely hydrating, meaning it has a high water content. It’s a great treat when the weather is hot.

There’s very little sodium in watermelon, no fat, and the calorie content is low. It’s also full of vitamins A, B-6 and C, plus potassium for good measure.

However, it does contain a fair amount of sugar – like many fruits – even though it is naturally occurring sugar.

It’s best not to feed your dog too much sugar, especially if they’re overweight. Keep watermelon to an occasional treat, and remember that vets recommend that treats only make up 10% of your dog’s diet*. The central part of their nutrition should come from high-quality dog food.

It’s also worth noting that sugary foods can also be bad for your dog’s teeth. Find out how to keep on top of your dog’s teeth and dental issues.

*Be aware that the 10% rule is a rule of thumb. All dogs are different, so yours may be more sensitive to some types of foods than others. If you think a certain food is upsetting your dog, stay on the safe side and remove that food from their diet.

How much watermelon can my dog eat?

If you wish to share some delicious watermelon with your dog, make sure you only feed the red fleshy part and remove the seeds and rind. Too many seeds can get caught in your dog’s digestive system, leading to a blockage, especially if they’re a smaller breed.

The rind is challenging to digest and can cause gastrointestinal upset. Avoid feeding this to your dog. Find out what to do if your dog is vomiting.

Top tip: Freeze chunks of watermelon and feed your dog pieces on a hot day to help cool them down!

Can my puppy eat watermelon?

It’s perfectly safe for puppies to have a little bit of watermelon as a tasty treat. Make sure you cut it into small bite-sized pieces to avoid any choking hazard. Introduce it to them slowly to help their digestive system get used to a new food type.

Watermelon recipes for dogs

Fancy getting a bit more creative? Here are some dog-friendly watermelon treats you could make for your furry friend:

• Watermelon pupsicles (frozen dog treats) by BellyFull
• Two-ingredient watermelon ice cream at Rover.com (we bet you can guess at least one of the ingredients)
• If you have a dehydrator, you could make watermelon jerky for your dog

What other foods can my dog eat?

It’s always worth knowing what foods your dog can eat, and what they can’t, to avoid feeding them the wrong thing. Here are some frequently asked questions about what you can safely feed your dog:

• Can dogs eat apples?
• Can dogs eat broccoli?
• Can dogs eat carrots?
• Can dogs eat cheese?
• Can dogs eat chocolate? (Plot spoiler: absolutely not!)
• Can dogs eat cucumber?
• Can dogs eat grapes? (Again, no)
• Can dogs eat nuts?
• Can dogs eat oranges?
• Can dogs eat sweetcorn?
• Can dogs eat tomatoes?
• What vegetables can dogs eat?

To find out more about your dog’s health, see our diet and nutrition guides for dogs, plus a list of substances which are toxic to dogs.

And find out what to do if an object gets stuck inside your dog’s mouth, and how to safely get the object out.