Be it a human or a dog, both of them would love this fruit because of how delicious it is. You get these fruits in the summers and enjoy all the nutrient benefits that are packed in them.
Watermelon is great for a hot day in the summer. It is juicy and contains 90% of the water in it, which helps in keeping yourself hydrated. The question that relates to this article is that can dogs eat watermelon? Yes, you can, but moderately feed them.
A fact that needs to be understood is we ourselves make something bad for us if we eat it more often. If watermelons are fed more to dogs, they can cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea. There is no chance of constipation since the watermelons contain a huge amount of fiber that helps that digestive system.
How are watermelons good for Dogs?
Watermelons are good for both dogs and human. These fruits are low in calories and high in the nutrient. Watermelons are healthy despite the sugar.
The sugar in the watermelon is insulated by the fiber they contain. By that, it makes the process slow of it going into the bloodstream.
The good thing about them is that they are low in calories, sodium and are free of fat and cholesterol. Moreover, contains more of potassium, Vitamin A, C and B6, which is essential for the body to function. Since it is high in fiber, it is good for the digestive system
Watermelons work as an antioxidant called the lycopene that helps in preventing any sort of cancer.
How are watermelons bad for them?
Watermelons are not bad but there are a few things that the dog owner should see before feeding them.
As mentioned above anything that is done or eaten more than required it lead to many dangerous problems, same goes with the amount fed to dogs. If they are given without any limitation, they can lead the dogs to get stomach aches and diarrhea.
The skin of the watermelon is hard and difficult to chew, which is not good for the Dog. So they should be given without it or they would try nibbling it and in result get hurt.
The seeds of the watermelon too are not safe. The reason is that the seeds would cause an internal blockage in the digestive system. It is a must to remove the seeds and the peel if you feed this to your dog. The seeds might not be a problem for the bigger dogs though.
If the intestinal blockage happens, your dog might go through a lot of health issues. Vomiting, constipation, fatigue and abdominal pain would occur. They should be taken to the vet as soon as possible. If nothing happens, then they must be on a lookout for the next 24 hours.
How much should they have?
Every dog has a different appetite so there is no round figure but simply track how much you feed him or her, as it should be less.
Watermelon is a better option than other treats to feed your little pup. There might some limitation but other than its good for the health and a scrumptious treat.
However, companies have come out with products that have artificial watermelon flavor added in their treats are not a good choice.
To some, watermelons are not a healthy choice only because every dog has different needs and might suffer from a condition that does not favor in feeding dogs that. So before you feed them anything, make sure you go for a visit to your vet to be on the safe side.
