Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Watermelon is a wonderfully refreshing treat for us humans, it’s the perfect snack for chopping into wedges, chilling in the fridge and enjoying throughout warmer summer days, but are our dogs allowed to enjoy the juicy, colourful fruit too? The short answer is yes, dogs can eat watermelon! However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind.

First, it's important to remove the large seeds, as they can cause intestinal blockages, particularly if your dog is a smaller breed. Watermelon is also high in sugar, so it should be offered in moderation to avoid potential health issues like obesity and diabetes. If you’re in doubt about your dog chomping on watermelon, always ask for your vet’s advice.

Read on to find out more, including if all parts of the watermelon are safe, as well as whether this tasty snack has any nutritional benefits for your dog.

Can dogs eat watermelon skin?

While dogs can eat watermelon in moderation, feeding them the skin is not recommended. Watermelon rind is tough and difficult for dogs to digest, which could potentially lead to gastroenteritis or even blockages. Plus, the skin offers little to no nutritional value for dogs, so it's important to remove it before sharing.

Can puppies eat watermelon?

Puppies can enjoy watermelon as a treat, but it's important to give them only a small amount to avoid potential stomach upsets. Watermelon is a healthy snack that provides essential vitamins and helps keep them hydrated. Start with small, bite-sized pieces to see how your puppy reacts to this new food. And most importantly, always supervise your puppy when they're trying any new food to ensure they're enjoying it safely and to quickly address any potential issues like an upset stomach.

Is watermelon good for dogs?

If you’re wondering if watermelon is good for dogs, the answer isn’t simple! These deliciously juicy fruits are 92% water, so they’re great for a hydrating snack, particularly on warmer summer days. It’s certainly much healthier than giving your dog an ice cream, which can cause stomach upsets from the milk - although there are now special dog ice creams available.

Never give your dog watermelon flavoured sweets, drinks or lollies however as these are packed full of sugar, sweeteners and additives which can be dangerous for your pup's health. With this in mind, there are a variety of fruits dogs can eat that have nutritional benefits. 

How to feed watermelon to dogs

We recommend only giving your dog fresh watermelon. Before offering the fruit to your dog, be sure to remove all of the seeds and rind, then cut the flesh up into small, bitesize cubes. When you give the piece to your dog, let them investigate it with their nose and tongue, many dogs don’t enjoy the taste of fruits so don’t be surprised if they either refuse to take it or spit it back out!

How much watermelon can dogs eat?

A good rule when feeding your dog watermelon is to give it as a special snack, not more than 10% of their food for the day. Remember that watermelon should be considered a treat and not a regular part of their main diet. 

Now you know the answer to whether dogs can have watermelon, what parts and how much is safe for them to eat.  Looking for more daily feeding advice for your pup? Read our guide ‘can dogs eat oranges?’, or 'can dogs eat apples?' next!