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I love sharing snacks with my dog, especially in the summer when watermelon is the perfect refreshing treat. But one day, I caught my pup munching on the green part of the watermelon—the rind! That got me wondering: Can dogs eat watermelon rind? Or is it something I should keep out of their bowl?
After doing some research (and a quick call to my vet), I found out that while watermelon itself is great for dogs, the rind isn’t the best idea. Here’s what I learned about feeding dogs watermelon safely.
Can Dogs Eat the Green Part of Watermelon?
Technically, the watermelon rind isn’t toxic to dogs, but it’s not easy for them to digest. Unlike the juicy red flesh, the rind is tough, fibrous, and can cause stomach upset or even a blockage—especially in smaller dogs.
Why Watermelon Rind Isn’t Dog-Friendly
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It’s Hard to Digest
- Watermelon rind is super fibrous, making it tough for dogs to break down. This can lead to constipation, bloating, or even a blockage in their intestines.
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Choking Hazard
- If a dog bites off a big chunk, it could get stuck in their throat—especially if they tend to gobble food quickly.
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Potential Pesticides
- Unless you buy organic or wash the watermelon thoroughly, the outer green skin may contain pesticides that aren’t great for dogs to ingest.
After learning this, I decided to keep the rind out of my dog’s snack rotation.
What Happens If Your Dog Eats Watermelon Rind?
If your pup sneaks a bite (or more) of the rind, don’t panic just yet. Most of the time, they’ll be fine. But keep an eye out for these warning signs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation or difficulty pooping
- Lethargy or loss of appetite
If your dog seems uncomfortable, stops eating, or struggles to go to the bathroom, it’s best to call your vet. A large piece of rind could cause an intestinal blockage, which might require medical attention.
Is Watermelon Good for Dogs?
Now, the good news—watermelon flesh is totally safe and even healthy for dogs! My dog loves it, and I love that it’s:
✔ Hydrating (Since it’s 90% water, it’s a great summer snack!)
✔ Low in calories (Perfect for keeping treats guilt-free)
✔ Packed with vitamins (Like Vitamin A, B6, and C for immune health)
The trick is making sure to serve it the right way.
How to Safely Feed Watermelon to Dogs
✅ Remove the seeds – They can cause stomach issues.
✅ Skip the rind – No need to risk digestion problems.
✅ Cut it into small, bite-sized pieces – Easier for them to eat.
✅ Serve in moderation – Too much can cause diarrhea.
How Much Watermelon Can Dogs Eat?
Like any treat, watermelon should be given in moderation. Here’s what I stick to:
🐶 Small dogs – 1-2 small cubes
🐕 Medium dogs – 3-5 small cubes
🐕🦺 Large dogs – A handful of cubes
Giving too much can lead to tummy troubles (trust me, I’ve learned the hard way!).
What About Puppies? Can They Eat Watermelon?
Yes! Puppies can have a little watermelon, but their stomachs are extra sensitive, so I introduce it slowly to see how they react. A couple of tiny pieces are usually fine, but I don’t overdo it.
FAQs: Watermelon & Dogs
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds?
Nope! Watermelon seeds can cause digestive issues or even a blockage, especially in small dogs. I always remove them first.
Can Watermelon Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?
Yes—if they eat too much. Since watermelon is mostly water and sugar, overfeeding can lead to loose stools. I learned to keep portions small.
Is Watermelon Good for Dogs with Kidney Disease?
It can be, but since watermelon contains potassium and natural sugars, it’s best to ask a vet first before giving it to a dog with kidney issues.
What’s the Best Way to Give Watermelon to Dogs?
I like to get creative! Some fun ways to serve it:
🍉 Frozen watermelon cubes – A cooling summer treat
🍉 Blended watermelon popsicles – Mixed with plain yogurt
🍉 Mashed watermelon over kibble – A hydrating topper
Final Thoughts: Should Dogs Eat Watermelon Rind?
After all my research, I now avoid giving my dog the rind and only serve the juicy, seedless parts of the watermelon. It’s a tasty, healthy treat when given properly—but the rind is just too tough for their digestive system.
So, if you’ve been wondering, "Can dogs eat the green part of watermelon?", the safest answer is: No, stick to the red flesh and skip the rind!
Got any other questions about feeding your pup watermelon? Let me know—I’ve probably asked the same ones
