Low calories for less active small & mini dogs
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature cats
Natural fiber to help comfortably reduce hairballs
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition (USA Study)
Headed outside? How you and your pets engage with nature can affect the environment, so here are some quick tips for reducing your pet's carbon paw print.
Is your dog scared of thunder? Does your kitty dart under the bed at the first rumble? Learn a few tips for keeping your pets calm during the storm.
Discover helpful tips for moving with your pet including safety recommendations to keep in mind on moving day & pet behavior to watch for at your new home.
Can dogs eat watermelon? It's a delicious picnic staple, sure, but is watermelon safe for dogs? If you enjoy this juicy treat but have stopped short of sharing it with your pooch, for fear that it might not be good for them, your instincts were partially correct. Watermelon can actually be a healthy dog treat — if it's fed to them correctly.
The fleshy pink fruit of a watermelon is loaded with healthy nutrients that are as beneficial for humans as they are for our canine companions.
Watermelon is rich in potassium and vitamin C, and it's also a great source of vitamins A and B6, according to Dogtime. It also contains fiber, which can aid healthy digestion. This fruit contains no cholesterol and almost no sodium or fat. While watermelon does contain sugar, it is mostly made up of water, and should not cause any unhealthy spikes in blood sugar. Because it's 92% water, it makes it both a sweet treat and a creative way to help your dog stay cool and hydrated during the summer..
The flesh of a watermelon is a safe and nutritious treat for dogs, but the other parts of the fruit aren't all right for your pooch to eat. According to the American Kennel Club, if dogs swallow watermelon seeds, the seeds can cause an intestinal blockage — which is not only painful for your dog but could become serious enough to require surgery to correct.
While a seed or two is unlikely to cause health problems for large dogs, it doesn't take many of them to cause a blockage in small dogs.
It's also unwise to give your dog the rind — the hard green outer skin of a watermelon — as ingesting it can cause gastrointestinal distress that triggers vomiting or diarrhea. While the fruit of the watermelon is a healthy snack in small quantities, eating too much of it could also give your dog an upset stomach.
So how should you share this treat with your canine companion? Here are a few guidelines to follow when feeding watermelon to your dog:
Treats of any kind should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake, according to recommendations from Preventive Vet. Whatever the size of your dog, follow this rule when determining how much watermelon you should feed them, keeping in mind that one cup of diced watermelon contains 45.6 calories. And keep in mind that while your dog might be looking up at you with those big puppy-dog eyes, dogs are perfectly content eating their same dog food day-in and day-out. So, while you may be tempted to give-in on occasion, your dog is better off getting their nutrients from their every day pet food. And before feeding your dog any human food, make sure to double-check with your veterinarian to make sure that it is okay. While watermelon can be a healthy treat for many dogs, it's best to confirm that it won't negatively effect your dog's unique digestive system.
So the next time you're at a picnic, you can rest easy sharing a few bites of seedless watermelon with your dog. As long as it's given safely and in moderation, watermelon as a dog treat is hard to beat.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini Dogs
Low calories for less active small & mini dogs
Learn about Hill's puppy food and the nutritional benefit & high quality ingredients that it contains for your pup.
Proper nutrition for your pregnant or nursing dog is vital to her and her puppy's health. Learn what you should do provide her with the proper nutrients.
Your dog's coat and skin are a big part of your dog's overall health. Ensure you keep your dog's coat healthy, by following these simple tips.
Understand the role that Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids play in your dog's overall health, and how you can ensure they are getting enough.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.