Summer is here, bringing with it long days filled with swimming, games of Frisbee in the park, and, of course, picnics! One of my very favorite things to take along on a picnic is a summer fruit to finish off a great meal. Melon is a particularly perfect snack for summer because it is sweet and refreshing. After a long day of fun in the sun, sinking into watermelon, honeydew, or cantaloupe slices is the sweetest way to cool down.
If you’re anything like me, you like to double check what human foods it's safe to to feed your dog. Can dogs eat sweet summer fruits like cantaloupe? How much cantaloupe is safe for a dog to have?
Cantaloupe actually has many health benefits for your dog, but be careful how much you give them. Learn how to best feed cantaloupe to your dog below.
Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat cantaloupe safely. According to Livestrong, cantaloupe seeds are nontoxic, unlike the seeds of cherries, apricots, plums, peaches, and apples. So even if your dog swallows a couple, they will not hurt him.
Is Cantaloupe Good For Dogs?
According to Petcha, cantaloupe contains plenty of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, B, and C, beta-carotene, potassium, magnesium, thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid, fiber, and folic acid. Vitamins A and C are really good for dogs because they serve as antioxidants, which can slow cellular aging and delay the onset of certain diseases.
It is low in calories and high in water content, making it particularly refreshing during the summer months. That also makes it a good alternative treat to some higher-calorie store-bought treats.
Fruits such as cantaloupe also keep your dog’s digestive system trucking along because of the high fiber and water content. However, Ultimate Home Life warns that this natural laxative effect can backfire on you — literally — if you feed your dog too much cantaloupe, so all things in moderation!
Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe Rinds?
The rind of a cantaloupe, while not toxic to dogs, isn’t a great snack for them either. The rind is tough, waxy, hard to chew, and even harder to digest. It can be a choking hazard or cause some digestive issues in some cases.
If your dog has managed to eat some cantaloupe rind, don’t panic. Daily Treat recommends you watch them attentively for about 24 hours for signs of gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting, stomach pain, or changes in their bowel movements. As always, contact your vet if you are concerned or suspect an issue.
When Is Cantaloupe Bad For Dogs?
Cantaloupe can be a great treat, but as with everything, moderation is key. It's got a lot of sugar, so if your dog is diabetic, the American Kennel Club suggests you to steer clear of cantaloupe as a treat.
How Much Cantaloupe Can Dogs Have?
Cantaloupe is one of those foods that should be considered a special treat for your dog and not a regular part of their diet. The American Kennel Club recommends that treats make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet, so keep this in mind when feeding them cantaloupe and other treats.
How Do You Feed Cantaloupe To Your Dog?
The best way to feed cantaloupe to your dog is to prepare it and eat it just like you would for yourself. Remove the rind and discard it, deseed it, and cut it up into bite-sized chunks.
Enjoy frolicking with your dog and reveling in everything summer has to offer! If you enjoyed this article, be sure to SHARE it with a friend who will as well!
