Dog owners love to spoil their pups. That’s why so many of us give treats to our dogs every day. While most owners buy dog treats, others may give their dogs fruit and other healthy human food.
If you wonder if dogs can eat watermelon and ‘can dogs have watermelon with salt,’ below is critical information to know.
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Can Dogs Have Watermelon With Salt?
Watermelon can be a healthy treat for your dog. However, putting salt in the watermelon probably isn’t a good idea for your pet. Salt contains sodium, and too much sodium can harm your dog’s heart and other organs. However, there are many ways your dog can safely consume watermelon. These options are highlighted below.
Can Dogs Have Watermelon?
Yes, dogs can have watermelon as part of a regular diet. However, you should not give your dog the rind or seeds, try for seedless watermelon. The rind is very tough and difficult to digest, as are the seeds. The seeds are not toxic but may cause intestinal problems. You don’t want to make a trip to the doggie ER . R after giving your dog watermelon rinds and seeds.
Note that some dogs tend to chew and swallow large chunks of food such as watermelon rind. Even if it does not taste good, some pups will do it, and this can cause health problems.
Watermelon Health Benefits For Dogs
While not every dog will eat watermelon, those who love it can enjoy several health benefits. As long as the pup does not eat the rind and seeds, a few chunks of watermelon per week can be good.
Watermelon is one of the healthiest fruits for dogs and people. It is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and salt. For dogs that are heavy, the fruit is also low in calories. In fact, it only has 50 calories per cup. It also is 94% water and will help the dog’s digestion. Also, all that water will keep him hydrated on hot days. This also is good for the digestive tract.
Watermelon is full of potassium, which helps with the dog’s ability to control impulses and contract his muscles. If he doesn’t get enough potassium, it can cause weakness and poor growth. Your dog’s diet should have approximately 1.5 grams of potassium for each kilogram of dog food.
Another health benefit of watermelon is it has a lot of vitamin C and vitamin A. Vitamin C has been shown to help dogs with heart disease. Also, large dog owners will be interested to know that vitamin C may benefit the pup’s joints because it produces collagen. The fruit also is high in fiber and vitamin B6.
How Much Watermelon Can You Give Your Dog?
Some dog owners like to give their dogs a watermelon treat a few times per month. Giving most dogs watermelon is rarely a problem unless it is more than 10% of their daily diet. You should include all other fruits and vegetables when counting treat calories.
Note that a healthy dog that is 50 pounds should eat approximately 1,200 calories per day. But much depends on how active the dog is. So, the most watermelon you would feed a dog of this size would be about 100 calories per day, or about two cups of watermelon chunks.
How To Give Your Dog Watermelon
There are several easy ways to give watermelon to your dog:
- Chunks: The most popular way is to cut the flesh into small chunks and give to the dog. This can be an excellent low-calorie treat for training. Just be sure you don’t include the rinds or seeds.
- Puree: After you take out the seeds and rind, blend two cups of watermelon chunks into a puree. Put this onto the dog’s food.
- Frozen: A good choice is freezing watermelon chunks. Dogs love to nibble on frozen watermelon on a hot day.
- Fruit jerky: Try making watermelon jerky with a food dehydrator.
Note that you should not give a dog watermelon with seasonings. These include salt, lime juice, or Tajin. Also do not give the dog anything with watermelon flavoring because it is full of sugar.
Why Do Dogs Like Watermelon?
Not every dog likes this fruit, but those who do usually love it. Dogs often like watermelon for the same reasons people do. Watermelon tastes sweet and is full of natural sugar. When it is ripe, watermelon is delicious.
Also, dogs are usually curious about what we eat. Dogs are pack animals, so they are interested in what other members of the pack eat. This is why many dogs will steal food from one another’s bowls. Or, they may steal food from other dogs even if you give them the same thing.
Summary
Your dog can eat watermelon as part of a healthy diet. However, you should not give him watermelon with salt. Also, avoid giving him watermelon with seeds or rinds. If you keep these tips top of mind, you can give your dog a watermelon treat often.