Mary Allen
Of course, dogs are allowed to eat watermelon. I suspected that for a long time, too, until a friend told me that her dog had diarrhea after eating a few pieces of watermelon.
That’s why we’re going into the question of whether our four-legged friends are allowed to snack on melons.
Melons are refreshing and low in calories. That’s why we like them as a popular snack, especially in summer. Many dog owners wonder if melons are allowed for dogs.
Which melons can dogs eat?
Melons can get very large and heavy. The exotic fruits can be roughly divided into two types:
- watermelon
- cantaloupe melon
Botanically, melons belong to the cucurbit family. The name “melon” comes from Greek. It means “big apple”. The melon is more closely related to the cucumber than to an apple.
While watermelon is in season in the warm season, cantaloupe and honeydew melon are also available in winter.
Watermelon
You can tell a ripe watermelon will sound dull and hollow when you tap the surface.
Watermelons are probably the best-known type. They can weigh up to 15 kilograms and consist of up to 95 percent water. The high water content makes the fruit an excellent thirst quencher.
Cantaloupe melon, honeydew melon
Sugar melons are oval to round and can weigh up to four kilograms. Their flesh is green, yellow, white, pink, or orange depending on the species.
Cantaloupes include the honeydew melon, cantaloupe melon , netted melon, and galia melon.
Sugar melons are ripe when they smell pleasantly sweet and give slightly when pressed.
Melons stimulate digestion
In terms of ingredients, melons are often underestimated. They contain vitamin A and vitamin C as well as potassium and calcium.
The vitamin and mineral content of cantaloupe is higher than that of its watery relatives. In general, melons have a draining effect and stimulate digestion.
How much melon can a dog eat?
Exactly this fact ensures that not every dog tolerates melons well. Although the fruit is completely non-toxic, melons cause negative reactions in some animals. In most cases, this is diarrhea or severe flatulence.
That’s why you should only let your dog snack on small amounts at first. Then wait and see how the dog’s digestion reacts.
Are melon seeds harmful to dogs?
Fruit stones often contain hydrocyanic acid, which is toxic. However, melon seeds do not contain hydrocyanic acid. Thus, the kernels would not be harmful to dogs.
However, eating too many melon seeds can upset the gastrointestinal tract. And in small dog breeds, there is a risk of intestinal obstruction.
It is, therefore, best to remove all cores. And if your dog weighs more than 20 kilograms, you no longer have to meticulously remove every stone from the watermelon.
Can dogs eat watermelon?
If your dog can eat melon, a piece of chilled watermelon is a great summertime snack. However, never give a large piece with the skin on.
Although most four-legged friends love to play with the hard shell, it also entails risk. If the dog bites off parts of it and swallows, it can quickly choke on it. In addition, the skin of watermelons is often treated with pesticides to make the fruit last longer during long transport.
To avoid negative consequences, it is best to cut off small pieces of melon. And give the fruit straight out of your hand as a treat. Both watermelons and cantaloupes are suitable for this.
Note, however, that cantaloupe melon contains significantly more sugar, as the name might suggest. For overweight animals, you should only feed cantaloupes moderately.
DIY melon ice cream for dogs
You can easily make a very special treat for your darling yourself. Mash the flesh of the watermelon and freeze it in small molds. So you have melon ice cream on hot summer days.
Let your dog lick it. My dogs love the ice cream because it’s so refreshing and delicious.
Is melon good for dogs?
Some dogs generally refuse melons. Others like to eat them.
You can easily test that your dog is not allowed to eat a melon because it is getting diarrhea. In all other cases, you are welcome to feed the watermelon in between. Then nothing speaks against a delicious refreshment on a trip to the quarry lake in the future.
You should still offer enough water, especially on hot days, because a few pieces of melon cannot cover the liquid requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fruit can the dog eat?
Pears and apples are particularly healthy fruits for dogs, as they ensure balanced digestion with a high proportion of vitamins and the dietary fiber pectin. Pineapple and papaya are also well tolerated due to their enzymes. Most nuts are well tolerated by dogs.
Why do dogs like watermelon?
The pink flesh of the watermelon is full of healthy nutrients that are not only good for us humans but also for our dogs. High in potassium and vitamin C, watermelon is also a great source of vitamins A and B6, according to Dogtime.
Why can’t dogs eat watermelon?
Eating watermelon seeds should be a total no-no for dogs, as it can lead to intestinal obstruction. This means that the large or small intestine is completely closed and food can no longer pass through.
Are melon seeds toxic to dogs?
Fruit stones often contain hydrocyanic acid, which is toxic. However, melon seeds do not contain hydrocyanic acid. Thus, the kernels would not be harmful to dogs.
What types of melons can dogs eat?
Dogs with sensitive stomachs only tolerate small amounts of melon. Always test first whether your fur nose can tolerate the melon. For all types of melon, remove the skin and seeds and only feed the ripe flesh to your dog.
Can a dog eat strawberries?
Strawberries for our dogs too? To answer the question directly: dogs are allowed to eat strawberries. Because the red fruits have many valuable nutrients and can spice up the dog’s daily menu. You can give your dog strawberries either directly as a whole fruit or mix them with the food.
Are apples good for dogs?
Apples are among the healthiest fruits and have a positive effect on the well-being of both humans and dogs. The pectins contained in apples, which are roughage, bind water in the intestine, swell up and help against diarrhea in dogs.
Can a dog eat kiwi?
Clear answer: yes, dogs can eat kiwi. Kiwi is a relatively unproblematic fruit for dogs. However, just like other fruits, kiwi should only be fed as a treat, i.e. not in large quantities.