- This article has been reviewed by a pet health professional. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
Sweet, juicy, and delicious — it’s no wonder watermelon is a popular and healthy snack for dogs and humans alike. Yes, dogs can eat watermelon, but only the flesh. A watermelon’s seeds and rind can come with choking risks.
“Dogs can enjoy watermelons as a tasty and nutritious treat, as these fruits are packed with nutrients like Vitamins A and C, potassium, and fibre, and are low in calories,” said Dr Alex Schechter, a veterinarian and founder of Burrwood Veterinary. But before you dash out and offer your dog a big wedge of watermelon, there are a few precautions you need to take. How much watermelon your dog can eat depends on their size and breed, and we’ll give you some pointers later in this article. We’ll also round up some of the best recipes to make those watermelon treats even more special.
Can Dogs Eat The Whole Watermelon?
First, watermelon should be given in moderation due to its sugar content. Schechter also cautions pet parents to remove all seeds and rind, as they can present a choking hazard or cause gastrointestinal blockages.
If your dog does eat watermelon rind or seeds, monitor them for signs of discomfort and ask your veterinarian for advice if you’re concerned.
| Part of watermelon | Is it safe? | Possible effects |
| Flesh | Yes | Deliciousness! |
| Seeds | No | Potential choking, gastrointestinal blockages, or digestive discomfort |
| Rind | No | Difficulty to digest, or it can cause gastrointestinal upset. |
| Juice | Yes | Deliciousness! |
What to do if my dog eats watermelon seeds or rinds
If your dog eats a few watermelon seeds or a bit of rind, it’s usually not an emergency. However, Schechter adds pet parents should monitor them for any signs of discomfort or digestive issues.
The telltale signs of GI upset are vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, or distress. If you spot any of these signs, you should take your dog to your veterinarian immediately since this can indicate a blockage or other complication.
How Much Watermelon Can Dogs Eat?
“Your dog shouldn’t be eating watermelon every day, but once or twice a week is fine,” Schechter explains. It’s a low-calorie snack (one cup of diced watermelon only contains 45 calories), so it is a good choice if your dog is overweight and wants a tasty treat.
As a basic guideline, Schechter recommends giving your dog about 1-3 small watermelon cubes per 10 pounds of body weight. Here are some examples.
- Small dogs like Chihuahuas or Yorkies can have 1-2 cubes.
- Medium-sized dogs like Bulldogs or Cocker Spaniels can have 3-4 cubes.
- Larger breeds like Labradors or Golden Retrievers can have 4-6 cubes.
Treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet, and remember to adjust their daily food intake to account for the extra calories. Schechter recommends giving watermelon as an occasional treat and starting small to monitor for adverse reactions.
Why Do Dogs Love Watermelon?
For the same reasons we do! Some dogs love the crunchy texture of watermelon flesh, while others enjoy any treats containing this flavorful fruit packed with natural sugars. As its name suggests, watermelon also has a lot of water, helping your dog stay hydrated.
How Nutritious Are Watermelons For Dogs?
Watermelon provides a range of vitamins and minerals that can benefit your dog’s health. We’ve outlined the main benefits of those below:
| Nutrient | Amount in 1 cup | Benefit |
| Fibre | 0.6g | Helps maintain a healthy digestive system |
| Potassium | 170mg | Aids hydration, helps boost muscle and cardiac function |
| Magnesium | 15.2mg | Essential for heart, muscle, and bone health |
| Vitamin C | 12.3mg | It helps support your dog’s immune system and boosts heart and joint health. It also contributes to healthy skin and coat. |
| Calcium | 10.6mg | Needed for bone and joint health |
| Vitamin A | 42.6mcg | Supports vision, immune health, and bone growth |
Try These 3 Amazing Watermelon Recipes To Help Your Dog Cool Off
Want to make some tasty watermelon-based treats for your dog? We’ve got you covered! Our tried-and-tested recipes are a safe and healthy way to treat your dog and can be a great way to help them cool down after a long walk or on a hot summer’s day.
- Watermelon ice cream: This easy watermelon ice cream tastes excellent — for both humans and dogs alike! It only takes two ingredients: yoghurt and watermelon.
- Watermelon and mint sherbet: This soft sherbet is a great idea for senior dogse who may have trouble chewing harder frozen treats.
- Watermelon jerky dog treats: It might seem counterintuitive to take the water out of a watermelon, but these jerky treats mean your pup can enjoy a taste of summer all year long. Note: you’ll need a food dehydrator for this recipe.
Other Fruits to Eat or Avoid
So, watermelons are OK for dogs to eat (minus the seeds and rind), but not all fruits are safe. Fruits that are dangerous for dogs include:
The good news is there are plenty of other foods that are safe for your dog to enjoy. Think apples, bananas, blueberries, pears, and more! These are great options for other homemade treats when your dog isn’t snacking down on some yummy watermelon.
