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Tailwise

Fruit

Can dogs eat watermelon?

Yes Safe

Seedless watermelon flesh is over 90% water and makes a refreshing treat. Remove the seeds and rind.

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How much, how often

A few cubes for a medium dog on a warm day.

Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories

Serving it safely

  • Remove all seeds
  • Cut off the rind
  • Serve cubes chilled or frozen

Dogs and cats, side by side

Dogs Safe

Yes. Seedless watermelon flesh is over 90% water and makes a refreshing treat. Remove the seeds and rind.

How much: A few cubes for a medium dog on a warm day.

Cats In moderation

A little is fine. A small cube of seedless flesh is safe for cats.

How much: One small cube.

Can cats eat watermelon?

The details

The rind is tough and can cause stomach upset or a blockage, and the seeds can do the same in small dogs.

Questions owners ask

Can dogs eat watermelon?

Yes. Seedless watermelon flesh is over 90% water and makes a refreshing treat. Remove the seeds and rind.

How much watermelon can a dog have?

A few cubes for a medium dog on a warm day.

What should I do if my dog ate watermelon?

A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.

Is watermelon safe for cats too?

A little is fine. A small cube of seedless flesh is safe for cats.

Sources

  1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control: people foods to avoid
  2. Merck Veterinary Manual: food hazards
  3. WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines

Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts

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