Can dogs eat watermelon?
Watermelon is a low-sugar and water-rich fruit, which could be a good dietary option for dogs. The key lies in how to regulate the quantity when feeding watermelon to dogs and the risks associated with excessive consumption. Let’s delve into these aspects as explained by a pet expert!
Can dogs eat watermelon?
Feeding dogs watermelon is generally fine. In fact, the components of watermelon can be beneficial to their bodies. During hot summers, dogs may lose their appetite or become dehydrated. At such times, offering tasty and refreshing watermelon as a snack indirectly replenishes their hydration and stimulates their appetite.
What are the benefits of feeding dogs watermelon?
When feeding dogs fruits, one concern is the high sugar content. However, watermelon is a fruit with low sugar content and high water content compared to other fruits. It is low in calories and helps with hydration, making it a powerful ally during the summer. Three reasons to recommend dogs eating watermelon are:
1. Water content accounts for over 90% of the total;
2. Low sugar content;
3. Rich in minerals and potassium.
Quantity of watermelon for dogs
Some dogs tend to eat voraciously when they’re hungry. Some dogs may have allergic reactions to plants in the gourd family and could experience issues after consuming watermelon. For dogs with allergic reactions, during the first feeding, offer them a small bite and observe if they have any adverse reactions before proceeding. If there are no issues, start with 15 to 30 grams as an appetiser, adjusting according to the dog’s body size.
This amount may seem small compared to what humans consume in a couple of bites. However, when considering the body and reactions of dogs compared to humans, this quantity is just right for dogs. We also need to consider the symptoms that may arise from overeating, so it is advisable to control the quantity.
Precautions when dogs eat watermelon
Excessive sugar intake leading to obesity Diarrhoea and vomiting Gastrointestinal burden Allergic reactions
Dogs can easily become obese if they eat too much watermelon. Although watermelon is relatively low in sugar, it is still too much for dogs since they require very little sugar daily. Obesity in dogs is difficult to reverse once it occurs.
Regarding diarrhoea and gastrointestinal burden, it is caused by an excessive intake of water from watermelon, resulting in watery stools and loose bowel movements. In severe cases, persistent diarrhea or even vomiting may occur. Additionally, it is important to remove watermelon seeds as they can cause gastrointestinal issues if consumed by dogs.
Lastly, there is a possibility of allergic reactions. As mentioned earlier, it is necessary to test for any allergic sources for dogs. Many pet owners generally do not conduct such tests, which can accelerate symptoms and make them more severe.