Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Seeds, Rind and Serving

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

On a hot day, a cold piece of watermelon is hard to beat, and many dogs agree. The fruit is mostly water, so it is hydrating and low in calories. A few safety points keep the treat safe.

Is watermelon safe?

The red flesh of watermelon is safe for dogs. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and a small amount of fibre, and about ninety percent of it is water. It is low in calories compared with many treats. But it is not a complete food and should be an occasional snack.

Remove seeds and rind

• Seeds. A few seeds are unlikely to cause problems, but many seeds can cause intestinal blockage, especially in small dogs. Use seedless watermelon, or remove all seeds, including the pale ones.
• Rind. The tough green rind is hard to digest and can cause stomach upset or blockage. Always cut it away.

Signs of a blockage include repeated vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy and no stool. Contact your vet immediately if you see them.

Sugar and calories

Watermelon contains natural sugar, around six percent by weight. A cube or two is fine, but large amounts can cause diarrhea and gas. Dogs with diabetes should not be given watermelon without veterinary advice. See how many calories a dog needs.

How much?

Treats should be no more than about ten percent of daily calories. As a guide, a small dog might have two or three bite-sized cubes, and a large dog a small handful. Offer it occasionally.

Frozen treats

Frozen watermelon cubes are a favorite in summer. Cut small cubes, remove seeds and freeze. You can also blend seedless flesh and freeze it in ice cube trays or fill a puzzle toy. Supervise small dogs, since large frozen chunks can be a choking risk.

Keeping dogs cool and hydrated

Watermelon helps with hydration, but it does not replace water. Always provide fresh water, shade and rest in hot weather. See how much water a dog should drink. Know the signs of heatstroke, including heavy panting, drooling, weakness and collapse, and seek emergency help.

Prepare safely

1. Wash the rind before cutting, to avoid transferring bacteria to the flesh.
2. Cut into bite-sized chunks.
3. Remove seeds and rind.
4. Refrigerate leftovers, and use within a couple of days.

Watermelon products to avoid

• Watermelon candy or flavored drinks with sugar or xylitol. See xylitol toxicity.
• Fruit salads that include grapes or raisins, which are toxic. See grapes and raisins.
• Fruit marinated in alcohol. See alcohol and dogs.

Other hydrating snacks

See our guide to cucumber for dogs.

Watermelon and different dogs

Puppies can try tiny amounts once they are on solid food, but keep portions very small, since their stomachs are sensitive. Senior dogs may enjoy soft, cold cubes, especially if they have sore teeth. Dogs with a history of bladder stones, kidney disease or diabetes should only have it with veterinary approval. Always introduce any new food gradually.

A simple frozen recipe

Blend a cup of seedless watermelon with a little water, pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Pop out a cube on a warm day, or place one in your dog's water bowl. It is a cheap, refreshing treat with no added sugar.

The takeaway

Watermelon is a refreshing treat, as long as you remove seeds and rind and keep portions sensible.

This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different. If your dog is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.