Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
Watermelon is a very popular fruit around the world. Its high water content (90%) makes it the ideal complement to cool off in harsh times, such as summer or heat waves, which can affect humans and animals to different degrees. Watermelon is native to Africa, but has spread throughout the world.
Its large size makes the watermelon ideal to share with the family. Its versatility also opens the doors to the consumption of the fruit in different presentations and surely at some point you would wonder if watermelon is recommended for dogs. We solve this question below.
Benefits of watermelon for dogs
Watermelon provides humans with hundreds of beneficial health properties. The same happens with dogs, thanks to the vitamins, minerals and calories that this fruit provides. Here are some of the nutritional values in 100 grams of watermelon for dogs:
- Water: 91.45 grams.
- Calories: 30 kilocalories.
- Carbohydrates: 7.55 grams.
- Vitamin C: 8.1 milligrams.
- Calcium: 7.7 milligrams.
- Protein: 0.61 grams.
In addition to the elements already mentioned, watermelon contains high percentages of phosphorus, iron, potassium, vitamin E and zinc. The vitamins and minerals that watermelon possesses fulfill various functions in the body of dogs, relating as follows:
- Vitamin C: helps to properly absorb iron.
- Vitamin A: strengthens the dog’s vision.
- Calcium: necessary for bone health and strong limbs.
- Iron: helps fight and reduce the risk of anemia in dogs, according to professional sources.
Watermelon is diuretic and digestive
In addition to its water content, watermelon is a fruit rich in vitamin C, essential for metabolism. In addition, it is a natural diuretic, which helps promote urine flow. Consequently, it protects the kidneys of mammals, their urinary system and helps them clean their intestines, according to studies.
It is low in calories
Since the fruit is practically water, it is low in calories, hence it is ideal for dogs that are overweight. It can also be included in your diet to avoid the rebound effect. In addition, it can be used in dogs that have an ideal weight, as it helps to maintain the line, due to its low calorie content.
Contains citrulline
It should be taken into account that watermelon is rich in citrulline, an organic α-amino acid compound belonging to the group of non-protein amino acids, which is involved in the urea cycle. This has a fundamental role in the creation of proteins in the body and seems to act as a vasodilator, according to professional sources.
Counteracts heatstroke
Thanks to the fact that 90% of the fruit is water, watermelon is highly recommended during the hottest months, as it helps to keep dogs hydrated and cool. Heat stroke causes a series of negative reactions and consequences in the animal that suffers from it due to the dehydration suffered and the loss of sugars. Therefore, it is best to prevent it from happening.
It is rich in antioxidants
Various sources have recorded that watermelon is rich in antioxidants, compounds that minimize the impact of free radicals on the DNA of living beings. In this way, watermelon for dogs could improve their overall health and delay the development of degenerative diseases.
Is watermelon good for dogs?
Considering the benefits already mentioned, watermelon is undoubtedly a positive food for dogs. Its large amount of water allows your dog not to become dehydrated and giving it this fruit is a different way to comply with this fundamental pillar in its nutrition.
Watermelon does not represent any risk of toxicity in your dog, on the contrary, it provides many essential benefits and nutrients in a fresh and sweet presentation. However, it is advisable not to abuse the recommended amounts in watermelon for dogs.
Contraindications of watermelon for dogs
Sugar is a great risk for dogs that consume watermelon in large quantities. 100 grams of this fruit have 6.2 grams of sugar, so it should be given in small amounts to dogs with diabetes. Similarly, it is not recommended for dogs with hypotension or kidney failure, because it reduces pressure and contains potassium.
Recommended dosage
To avoid future inconveniences in the health of your dog, it is recommended that you offer the watermelon without seeds and without peel. In this way, the dog will not consume too much fiber and sugar. On the other hand, although it has a lot of water, its consumption should not be abused, so you should not give watermelon to your dog every day.
It is also important to offer only a small amount the first time your dog eats watermelon, to make sure he is not allergic. In the case of puppies, you can follow the aforementioned indications and pay more attention, because their digestive system is not fully mature.
As you appreciated, watermelon for dogs is quite positive, as long as its consumption is not exceeded. The minerals and vitamins it contains help boost your pet’s health and make it easier for him to avoid certain diseases, so you shouldn’t hesitate to include watermelon sporadically in his diet.
