Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Yes, dogs can eat watermelon. Seedless watermelon flesh with the rind removed is a safe, low-calorie summer treat for most dogs.^1,2 Don't give the rind or a lot of seeds, which can cause stomach upset or a blockage, and skip watermelon candy, gum and flavored products, which may contain sugar or xylitol.^1,2,3 Watermelon is about 92 percent water, but it's a treat, not a substitute for fresh drinking water.^4,1

Watermelon Nutrition for Dogs

Watermelon is mostly water, with a little natural sugar, vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and lycopene, and very little fiber.⁴

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central values for raw watermelon.^4,5 Piece calories are our estimate for a 1 by 1 by 1/4 inch piece.

How Much Watermelon Can a Dog Eat?

A healthy adult dog's treats, including fruit, should be no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.^5,6 Using the Merck Veterinary Manual's energy formula for a neutered adult, that works out to roughly 35 calories of treats a day for a 10-pound dog, 59 for a 20-pound dog, 98 for a 40-pound dog, 150 for a 70-pound dog and 196 for a 100-pound dog.⁷ Your dog's real needs depend on age, activity and body condition. Watermelon is so low in calories that loose stools, the rind and seeds are the real limits. The American Kennel Club suggests a few bite-size pieces at a time.¹ PetMD's suggested amounts, two to three times a week, are below.²

Pieces about 1 inch by 1 inch by 1/4 inch.

How to Serve Watermelon to Your Dog

• Use seedless watermelon, or pick out the seeds, and cut away all the rind.^1,2
• Cut it into bite-size cubes. Start with one or two pieces the first time.¹
• Freeze seedless chunks for a cooling summer snack, or freeze pureed watermelon in an ice cube tray.^1,2
• Blend it with plain, unsweetened, xylitol-free yogurt and freeze for a homemade frozen treat.¹
• Mash a little into food or spread it on a lick mat.²

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Rind or Seeds?

Rind: no. It's tough and hard to digest, and large pieces can cause vomiting, diarrhea or an intestinal blockage.^1,2 Seeds: a few swallowed seeds usually aren't a problem, but many seeds can be a choking risk for small dogs and can cause a blockage. Remove them before serving.^1,2 If your dog ate a lot of rind or seeds, watch for vomiting, loss of appetite, belly pain or trouble pooping, and call your vet if you see them.²

Does Watermelon Hydrate Dogs?

Watermelon adds a little water, but not much compared with what a dog needs. Six bite-size pieces contain about 22 grams of water, less than two tablespoons. It's a refreshing hot-weather treat, but it should never replace fresh drinking water.^1,2,4 A dog that seems dehydrated, is vomiting or won't drink needs a vet. See dehydration in dogs and heat stroke in dogs.

Risks and When to Skip Watermelon

• Too much: diarrhea, gas, bloating or a sore stomach, especially in dogs not used to fruit.^2,1
• Diabetes and weight: watermelon is lower in sugar than many fruits, but ask your vet before giving it to a diabetic or overweight dog.^2,4
• Candy, gum and flavored products: sugar-free watermelon gum or candy may contain xylitol. If your dog ate any, call your vet or a pet poison hotline now. See xylitol poisoning.³
• Allergies: rare. Stop if you see itching, hives, vomiting or diarrhea.²

Can Puppies Eat Watermelon?

Yes, a piece or two of seedless, rind-free watermelon is fine once a puppy is eating solid food and having treats, usually from about 8 weeks.^2,6

Is Watermelon Good for Dogs?

It's a low-calorie, low-fat treat that most dogs enjoy, with small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants like lycopene. No studies have looked at feeding watermelon to dogs, so any health benefits are based on what's in the fruit, not on dog research.⁴

When to Call the Vet

Call your vet if your dog has a poor appetite, seems tired or uncomfortable, or keeps licking his lips or gulping after eating it. Get care right away for repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool, weakness or collapse.^2,1 Call promptly if your dog ate a large piece of rind or many seeds and shows signs of a blockage.

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