Before you put that slice of watemelon on the floor for your dog, do you know all the facts?
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
As with its name "water" melon, it is no surprise that it is over 90% water. So, go ahead and give your dog watermelon especially on those hot sunny days. They love the taste and it will help keep them hydrated. Watermelon is also a good source of Vitamin A, B6 and C. Watermelon is also high in fiber, which is good for digestion.
How to Feed Watermelon to Dogs?
The easiest and simplest way to feed watermelon to your dog is in small chewable chunks without the seeds or rind. On real hot summer days, we also freeze those chunks as give them as a frozen chew treat. Remember to consider the size of your dog. A toy or small dog cannot consume the same amount as a medium or large dog.
Can Watermelon be Harmful to Dogs?
The seeds and rind can be harmful to your dog. To many seeds may cause blockage in the digestive tract in small or medium dogs. Larger dogs, may have no problem passing the seeds. The rind can be swallowed to large without chewing and can cause intestinal blockage. Its best to just not try. Make sure you are only considering to feed your dog fresh watermelon. No canned fruit in heavy syrups. Thank is may too much sugar to feed a dog and over a period of time too much sugar in your dog can lead to diabetes or obesity.
How Much Watermelon is Safe for Dogs?
Like any new food you introduce to your dog, you should ask your veterinarian or nutritionist about how much you should feed your dog. Make sure your dog does not have any dietary needs or medical conditions that might make watermelon a bad choice. Like anything we feed our dogs, too much of anything is not good and may cause diarrhea.
Interested in other fruits that may or may not be edible for your dog, read these articles:
The Facts about Strawberries,The Side Effects and Health Benefits