Can dogs eat watermelon?  

By Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) MRCVS 

Great news! Watermelon is a healthy, hydrating treat that’s perfectly safe for your pup – whether they’re a puppy, adult, or senior. Dogs of all breeds and ages can enjoy small bites of watermelon as part of a balanced diet. 

Before sharing this summer treat with your dog, make sure you remove all the watermelon seeds as well as the thick rind that holds the watermelon's shape. Once de-seeded and the rind removed, you can chop it into bite-size pieces for your dog to enjoy.  

Watermelon is over 90% water, with some sugars and fibre, making it a perfect treat for your dog on a hot day. It’s a tasty way to help them rehydrate and cool down after some fun exercise! 

#Is watermelon good for dogs?  

As watermelon flesh is mostly water, it's considered healthy in small amounts. Lots of dogs enjoy the taste, so it's a fun way to add variety to their diet, either as a treat or included in a meal. Using fresh watermelon, that you personally would consider eating, is the best way to feed watermelon to your dog.  

#Health benefits of watermelon for dogs  

Whilst dogs can eat watermelon, it's important to remember nutritionally, watermelon is mostly water with a little sugar and fibre. Dogs will not feel full from eating this snack, and feeding large amounts will not give them the nutritional variety a dog needs.  

That being said, it's a natural low-calorie fruit that’s a good choice for dogs trying to lose weight or keep trim.  

Watermelon is hydrating and refreshing, so it’s a good option to add to water bowls to give extra flavour and encourage your dog to drink enough water during the day.   

#How much watermelon can a dog eat?  

Roughly 10% of a dog's diet can be fed as treats. Start by feeding your dog small cubes of watermelon with the seeds and rind removed. If they enjoy it, are keen to eat and have no side effects, such as tummy trouble, you can gradually increase the amount of watermelon in your dog's diet. 

If you start feeding a large amount of watermelon too soon, or too much in one sitting, the combination of water and sugar can cause gastroenteritis (tummy upset). You may notice a rumbly belly, flatulence or diarrhoea. This will usually pass in 24-48 hours without treatment being needed.  

#Can dogs eat watermelon rind?  

No, dogs shouldn’t eat watermelon rind. It’s tough to chew, tastes bitter and isn’t enjoyable for your furry friend. Plus, it can get stuck in their oesophagus and cause choking or even create a blockage in their stomach or intestines. In some cases, this might require surgery if the rind doesn’t pass naturally. It’s best to stick with the juicy, red part of the watermelon when sharing this treat with your dog! 

If you suspect your dog has eaten a chunk of watermelon rind, please speak to your vet. 

#Can dogs eat watermelon seeds?  

It's not recommended to feed your dog the seeds of the watermelon fruit. The seeds contain tiny amounts of cyanide, which can cause gastrointestinal upset if eaten in large numbers. Whilst one or two seeds won't cause too much trouble, it's advisable to take an extra few seconds when preparing your dog’s watermelon to remove any you can see. Try feeding mashed watermelon on a licki-mat so you can easily see, and remove, any remaining seeds.  

#Is watermelon poisonous to dogs?  

Watermelon isn’t poisonous to dogs, and the flesh of the fruit can be safely enjoyed by all dog breeds and sizes. Dogs on a weight loss journey will benefit from watermelon snacks or treats as they’re lower in calories compared to other food items.  

Only feed the watermelon fruit. Watermelon flavoured sweets or drink items may contain other ingredients such as xylitol which can be highly toxic to dogs.  

#Conclusion – Can dogs eat watermelon?  

Yes, the flesh of the watermelon is a safe and hydrating treat. Remove seeds and the tough external rind to prevent gastrointestinal upset. Watermelon is largely made up of water, so it’s a great option on a hot sunny day to increase your dog's water intake.  

Lots of dogs enjoy the flavour and texture of fresh watermelon. Feed diced, sliced or mashed. You can hide watermelon in feeding toys or puzzles or smear on a licki-mat as a distraction when grooming or nail trimming.  

Watermelon isn’t poisonous, but the rind is very tough and can cause a blockage if eaten. Remove the rind and seeds before feeding. 

Less than 10% of your dog's diet should be made up of treats. Watermelon can be part of this 10% alongside other healthy fruit and vegetable options.