Can dogs eat watermelon?

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) belongs to summer like speculoos are to Christmas. But can you give your dog a piece of the refreshing melon? We'll tell you.

Watermelon pulp

Watermelon is also a sweet refreshment for dogs on hot days. The fruit consists of 92 percent water, but still has a not insignificant calorie content. You should definitely bear this in mind when feeding and adjust the daily portion of normal feed accordingly. As a snack, the watermelon also shines with its high content of vitamins and minerals. Make sure that the Watermelon ripe is. It should sound dull and hollow when you tap the outside of the bowl.

Note: Watermelon contains 30 calories per 100 grams.

Be careful with the shell and seeds

If your dog steals a piece of watermelon from the table, you don't need to worry. This should not happen in large quantities, because the kernels of the melon can cause an intestinal obstruction. It is therefore better to remove all of the seeds from your dog's melon piece. Even if your dog devours the fruit and its skin, there is no need to panic. The melon peel is digestible and is excreted by your four-legged friend. Nevertheless, vomiting and diarrhea can occur. The reason for this is not the peel itself, but the chemical agents, such as pesticides or preservatives, with which the watermelon may have been treated.

Watermelon has a dehydrating effect

The fruit's combination of nutrients stimulates the kidneys and regulates the water balance. Due to its potassium content, it has a diuretic effect. However, this effect does not start immediately, but rather with a delay. It is therefore possible that you often have to go outside with your dog.

Tip: Do not feed your dog the watermelon just before sleep. Otherwise it can turn into a restless night for two and four-legged friends.

Watermelon diarrhea

The fruit stimulates digestion and thus the gastrointestinal tract. In sensitive dogs, eating melon can lead to diarrhea. Therefore, test the tolerance of your dog using small pieces over several days. Watermelon therefore also serves as a natural laxative.

Note: If your dog has allergies to pollen or grass, it could also be allergic to melons.

Individual snack

No matter what form you use to prepare this refreshing snack for your dog, you should always make sure to thoroughly remove the seeds and shell. If removing the seeds is too cumbersome for you, buy a seedless melon straight away. You can give your dog the melon pieces straight from the refrigerator. A more elaborate way of refreshment would be to make watermelon ice cream:

• Separate the skin from the pulp
• Core and puree the pulp
• Stir in low-fat quark or natural yoghurt if you like
• Pour the mixture into small molds
• Place molds straight in the freezer

Other types of melons

You can also offer your dog other types of melon, such as honeydew melon or cantaloupe, as a snack. Please note the following when feeding:

• ripe fruits
• without seeds and shell
• Test compatibility first
• feed small amounts
• Sugar melons contain more sugar than watermelon

Tip: Due to the high sugar content, it is better to use watermelons as a refreshment snack for your dog.

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