Can dogs eat watermelon?

Watermelon is a perfectly safe and healthy treat for dogs and puppies - but only feed them the red flesh and take out the seeds and rind.

Health benefits for dogs eating watermelon

Watermelon is extremely hydrating, meaning it has a high water content. It’s a great treat when the weather is hot. There is very little sodium in watermelon, no fat, and the calorie content is low. However, it does contain a fair amount of sugar, like many fruits, even though it is naturally occurring sugar. 

It is best not to feed your dog too much sugar, especially if they are overweight. Keep watermelon to an occasional treat, and remember that vets recommend that treats only make up 10% of your dog’s diet. The central part of their nutrition should come from high-quality dog food. 

How much watermelon can my dog eat?

If you wish to share some delicious watermelon with your dog, make sure you only feed the red fleshy part and remove the seeds and rind. Too many seeds can get caught in your dog’s digestive system, leading to a blockage, especially if they are a smaller breed. The rind is challenging to digest and can cause gastrointestinal upset. Avoid feeding this to your dog.

Top tip- freeze chunks of watermelon and feed pieces on a hot day to help cool your dog down!

Can my puppy eat watermelon?

It’s perfectly safe for puppies to have a little bit of watermelon as a tasty treat. Make sure you cut it into small bite-sized pieces to avoid any choking hazard. Introduce it to them slowly to help their digestive system get used to a new food type.