Name: Watermelon Dog Treats
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 10 Servings
Ingredients: 1 Cup Organic Watermelon (Diced); .25 Cup Organic Almonds; 1 tsp organic ginger (Ground)

Flip

Yum

Dogs and watermelon treats — Can dogs eat watermelon?

Human Food for Dogs

By now you probably are well aware that I am an advocate for dogs eating “human foods.” I don’t think of food as either human or pet, I think of food rather as real food. That doesn’t mean that all human foods are safe for dogs, but that I can and should look at each food as a possible source of nutrition for Dexter the Dog. Today, it’s all about the watermelon!

Is Watermelon Good for Dogs?

Watermelon is made up of mostly water, around 92% water. This makes watermelon a good healthy snack choice for dogs. Because watermelon is made mostly from water, it is a healthy fruit that helps keep a dog hydrated. Water also leads to healthy skin and coat. The glycemic load is very low making watermelon a good fruit choice for dogs with diabetes. Of, course, speak to your veterinarian first! As with anything, too much of a good thing can lead to problems such as diarrhea and nausea. Moderation is always key.

Watermelon Nutrition Facts

According to The National Watermelon Promotion Board, “Nutritionists have long appreciated the health benefits watermelon provides. Watermelon not only boosts your ‘health esteem,’ but it has an excellent level of vitamin C and is a source of vitamin A and vitamin B6.” Watermelon’s rich vitamins are great antioxidants, promoting heart health, boosting immunity, and reducing inflammation.

One cup of watermelon has only 40 calories and zero fat, cholesterol, and sodium. One cup of watermelon has 2 grams of protein, 10 mg of calcium, and 155 mg of potassium.

From a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective, watermelon is considered a cooling food. Watermelon clears heat and promotes urination.

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rind or Seeds?

Personally, I think dogs eating watermelon rinds is a bit risky. For starters, the tough texture can lead to choking and may cause an upset belly. Although the watermelon rind is safe for humans, I think it might be a bit much for dogs. I also don’t recommend feeding watermelon seeds to your dog.