Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rind? Explained!

Can dogs eat watermelon rind? Watermelon is a tasty picnic staple, but is it safe for dogs? If you like this juicy treat but haven’t given it to your dog because you thought it might not be good for them, you were only partially right. Watermelon can be a healthy treat for dogs if it is given to them the right way.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rind?

So, can dog eat watermelon rind? Maybe. Even though the rind of a watermelon doesn’t contain anything dangerous for dogs. But, its texture and hardness make it hard to eat. If your dog ate the rind of a watermelon, he might not be in danger.

But it’s hard to know if your dog will chew the rind long enough before swallowing it. Moreover, bigger pieces can cause a blockage or upset in the stomach. It’s best to only give your dog a few bites of the watermelon’s fruit (after taking out the seeds) and toss the rind instead of giving it to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

So, can dogs eat watermelon rinds? The pink fleshy fruit of a watermelon is full of healthy nutrients that are good for both people and dogs. Experts say that watermelon is a great source of vitamins A and Vitamin B6 and a good source of potassium.

It also has fiber, which can help your body digest food better. This fruit has almost no sodium and almost no fat. It also has no cholesterol. Even though watermelon has sugar, it is mostly water, so it shouldn’t cause your blood sugar to rise in a bad way. Water helps your dog beat the heat of summer without sacrificing his or her appetite.

Is Watermelon Safe for Dogs?

The flesh of a watermelon is a safe & healthy treat for dogs, but they shouldn’t eat all of the other parts of the fruit. Experts say that if a dog eats watermelon seeds, the seeds can get stuck in the dog’s intestines. This is painful for the dog and could get bad enough to need surgery to fix.

Even though a seed or two probably won’t hurt a big dog’s health, it doesn’t take many seeds to make a small dog sick.

It’s also not a good idea to give your dog the rind, which is the hard, green skin on the outside of a watermelon. Eating the rind can cause stomach problems that lead to vomiting or diarrhea if your dog eats the rind. Small amounts of watermelon fruit are a healthy snack, but if your dog eats too much of it, it could make his stomach upset.

Related: CAN DOGS EAT PASTA?

Feeding Your Dog Watermelon

Thus, how should you give this treat to your dog friendly? Here are some rules to follow when giving your dog watermelon. Only give your dog a watermelon that doesn’t have seeds or pieces of watermelon from which the seeds have been taken out.

Use a melon baller for scooping out the fruit or cut it into small pieces, making sure to remove all of the rinds.

Only give real watermelon to your dog. Watermelon-flavored treats or candies made with artificial flavors might have other ingredients, added sugars, or artificial sweeteners that are bad for your dog.

FAQs: Can Dogs Have Watermelon Rind?

How Much Watermelon Can I Give My Dog?

So, can a dog eat watermelon rind? Like most human foods, watermelon is acceptable for dogs to try in moderation. However, the seeds in watermelon might cause a blockage, and the rind can induce gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhea. Diced, seedless watermelon (about 1 cup) is beneficial for your dog and can help: Keep the immune system strong.

Why Is Watermelon Not Good For Dogs?

Your dog may like nibbling on the pale green flesh around the rind, but it is too tough to digest. Like the seeds, it might cause a blockage if their digestive system is unable to process it. The rind and seeds should be removed before giving the apple to your dog.

Can Watermelon Give Dogs Diarrhea?

Eating too much of any sweet, including watermelon, can lead to gastrointestinal distress, bowel changes (such as constipation or diarrhea), and even weight gain and type 2 diabetes. Keep your dog’s intake of watermelon and other treats to no more than 10 percent of his total diet.