Categories: HealthNutrition

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Watermelon is one of our favorite fruits during the summer because of its high water content. If we are tempted to give it to our pet, we first have to know if dogs can eat watermelon.

Doubts always arise when we talk about feeding dogs, especially taking into account the tendency to give them food more oriented to humans and not domestic animals. In addition, now in summer, given the high temperatures, we resort a lot to fresh fruit because it is very refreshing, both for them and for us. However, beyond apples and their properties, there are other fruits such as watermelon that may be doubts. Here we tell you if dogs can eat watermelons.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Along with melon, watermelon is the star fruit of the summer since, having large amounts in water, it is nutritious and hydrating at times of high temperatures when it is quite indigestible to eat other types of food. Humans eat a lot of watermelon and the surprising thing is that we can also choose to give a piece to our dogs. Studies show that dogs can eat watermelon as long as it is not part of the list of toxic products provided by the Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline. Of course, you always have to take into account some limits. As much as they like it, we have to control the quantities.

Benefits and properties of watermelon

1. Citrulline

First of all, it must be taken into account that watermelon is rich in citrulline. The citrulline is a nonessential amino acid involved in the urea cycle, which has a key role in the creation of proteins in the body and acts as a vasodilator. Therefore, it is good for kidney diseases and also to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases. In the same way, citrulline is good for muscle recovery and therefore, it can be the ideal fruit if our dog does a lot of physical activity.

2. It is diuretic and digestive

Due to its high water content, this fruit is rich in vitamin C, which is essential for our immune system. Watermelon is a natural diuretic that helps increase urine flow and consequently protects the kidneys and the entire urinary system. Giving watermelon to our dog means ensuring that it will fulfill its basic needs without problems, as it also serves for intestinal transit through water and existing fiber.

3. Provides vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: essential for our immune system.
Vitamin A: promotes vision.
Vitamin B (B9): necessary for the maturation of structural proteins and hemoglobin.
Calcium: necessary for bone health.
Iron: prevents and fights anemia.

4. It is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

In the same way, watermelon is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. A correct diet including this fruit prevents suffering from certain diseases and inflammations. Specifically, watermelon is rich in phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, carotenoids and triterpenoids . Among all, the lycopene that this food has is beneficial in reducing inflammation and neutralizing free radicals.

5. It is hydrating

Watermelon is probably one of the fruits that most contributes to the hydration of our body as it is a food with a high water content, specifically 92% of its composition , and also contains important electrolytes. This is a very good way to keep dogs cool and hydrated, and therefore to avoid heat stroke on hot days.

6. It is low in calories

In the same way, because it is practically all water, it is low in calories and therefore, it is ideal for those dogs with which we must be careful when feeding. Overweight diseases are just as serious in dogs as in humans. Per 100 grams, watermelon has only 30 calories.

How to give watermelon a dog and how much?

It is very important to keep in mind that dogs can eat watermelon, but not in any way. It is best to give it without peel or seeds, as these parts of the watermelon can be harmful to the dog. As for the quantities, only a small piece should be given as an “aperitif” or snack since we must not forget that fruits are high in sugar and should not be eaten in large quantities. Above all, if it is the dog’s first time to eat fruit, we have to try a very small piece to see his reaction.