Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

NOTE: Always check with your veterinarian before giving your dog any new foods, especially “people foods.” What might be OK for one dog might not be good for your dog, depending on multiple factors such as their age, health history, health conditions, and diet. Dogs on prescription diets should not be fed any food or treats outside the diet unless your veterinarian tells you it’s fine to do so. 

Watermelon is a healthy and refreshing treat for people, but can dogs eat watermelon, too? 

The good news is, yes, healthy dogs can enjoy watermelon when prepared properly and served in moderation.  

This refreshing treat is low in calories, packed with beneficial nutrients, and full of water, making it a fun, hydrating snack for dogs on hot days. However, if your dog has diabetes or is sensitive to sugar, it’s best to play it safe and skip the watermelon. 

Can Dogs Have Watermelon?

Yes, dogs can safely enjoy watermelon, as long as it’s fresh with the seeds and rind removed. Avoid candied watermelon, watermelon juice, or any watermelon products with added sugar or xylitol. 

Instead of fresh watermelon, you can also give your pup prepared dog treats that contain watermelon as a main ingredient. Here are some of our favorites: 

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rind? 

While dogs can eat watermelon flesh, they shouldn’t eat the rind. It can become a serious choking hazard or create an intestinal blockage. If your dog has swallowed a watermelon rind, talk to your veterinarian immediately. 

Signs of an intestinal blockage include:  

• Vomiting 

• Loss of appetite  

• Abdominal pain 

• Weakness/lethargy 

• Diarrhea/difficulty pooping 

• Weight loss 

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds? 

Dogs also shouldn’t eat watermelon seeds. They contain tiny amounts of cyanide, and although it’s unlikely that a dog would be able to eat enough of them to be poisoned, it’s still better to be cautious. Plus, the seeds can also be a potential choking hazard, and large amounts might block the intestinal tract.  

A few swallowed seeds are unlikely to cause any problems, but if your dog has eaten a large amount of watermelon seeds or is showing signs of an upset stomach, contact your veterinarian.  

Is Watermelon Good for Dogs?

Both red and yellow watermelon aren’t just safe for most puppies and adult dogs to eat; they can also support your dog’s health in a few key ways. Here are the benefits of watermelon: 

• It’s rich in nutrients. There are several great vitamins and minerals in watermelon, including vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium. 

• It’s low in calories. Because it’s low in calories, watermelon can be a great treat for dogs who need to watch their weight. 

• It’s hydrating. Watermelon is more than 90% water, so it can be helpful for hydration, especially on hot summer days. Keep in mind though, that due to the small amount of watermelon your dog should eat as a snack, they cannot depend on watermelon alone for hydration.  

Is Watermelon Bad for Dogs?

So is watermelon safe for dogs? Generally, yes—but there are a few important risks to be aware of.  

• It contains sugar. While watermelon is mostly water, it does have naturally occurring sugar too. As such, dogs who have diabetes or sugar sensitivities should not be given the fruit. 

• The rind can be a choking hazard. The fresh fruit is fine, but the tough rind can be a choking hazard for dogs or lead to an intestinal blockage. Make sure to remove it before giving your dog watermelon. 

• Too much can cause digestive upset. Even when prepared properly, too much watermelon can lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, bloating, or gas—especially if your dog isn’t used to eating the fruit. 

How Much Watermelon Can Dogs Eat?

While it’s fun to share treats with your dog, human foods—even healthy ones like watermelon—should only be given in moderation. As a general rule, all treats combined should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s overall daily diet, with the remaining 90% coming from a complete and balanced dog food. 

And if you’re offering watermelon to your dog for the first time, start slow and keep an eye out for any reactions or side effects. If you notice any, stop feeding your dog watermelon and call your vet. 

To help make the portions a little easier, below are some general guidelines for safe watermelon treat sizes based on your dog’s weight. Each “slice” should only be about 1 inch x 1 inch x ¼-inch thick.

How To Safely Feed Watermelon to Dogs

While serving size is important, you also want to make sure you’re prepping the watermelon properly. Here are a few steps to ensure you’re keeping your dog safe: 

• Wash the watermelon before cutting to remove any residue and pesticides. 

• Remove the rind and seeds.  

• Cut it into small pieces that are about 1 inch x 1 inch x ¼-inch thick. 

Once the watermelon is prepped, you can serve it to your dog several ways: 

• Give it directly to your dog as a treat. 

• Mash or blend a little watermelon, then pour it over your dog’s food or put it in a KONG toy to freeze and serve later.  

• Make your pup a fruit smoothie by blending up watermelon with some other dog-safe fruits like bananas, strawberries, and blueberries. Combine that fruit mixture with plain, sugar-free, xylitol-free yogurt. Mix a little in with your dog’s food, spread it on a lick mat, or freeze it in a KONG toy for a very refreshing treat.  

• Make a dog-safe watermelon sorbet or a watermelon mocktail.