For many people, watermelon is a low-calorie refreshment on hot summer days. However, dog owners are often unsure whether this fruit, with its exotic origin, is also suitable for dogs.
Can Australian Shepherd dogs eat watermelon? Yes, dogs can eat watermelon, but in moderation. It has dehydrating effect and stimulates digestion. This can be fine in moderation, but too much watermelon could result may cause diarrhea. It‘s best to start with one or two pieces and then watch if your dog like to eat watermelon and see if there are any diarrhea or digestive problems later.
Watermelon Benefits For Australian Shepherd Dogs
Watermelon contains many nutrients that are beneficial to your dog‘s health. It contains:
- Potassium and magnesium, which is important for the musculoskeletal system
- Vitamin B6, which strengthens the nerves system
- Watermelon is a rich source of citrulline, an amino acid that provides dilated blood vessels and can lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation throughout the body. this can simply have a refreshing effect on older dogs.
- Watermelons contain a lot of vitamin C, which help reduce inflammation and cognitive aging.
However, even if watermelons have many beneficial properties, it doesn‘t mean you can give as much as the dog eats. Be careful not to multiply, but read about it below.
Dangers Of Watermelons For Dogs
As we mentioned, watermelons are a healthy treat for dogs, but there are some nuances as well. In particular, dogs can only eat the same portion as we humans. Hence the rind and seeds must be removed. Watermelon seeds are not toxic to dogs, but too much can cause intestinal obstruction. No need to worry if he ate some, but it is better to remove the seeds before giving watermelon to the dog.
Also, dogs overeating watermelons can lose bladder control. Since watermelons are made up of water, eating too much can lead to excessive urination. And especially in older dogs whose bladder is no longer functioning as well as in youth.
Watermelon And Dogs
As we know, watermelons come in different species, so are they all suitable for dogs? and also, watermelons have peel, seeds. What can be given to dogs?
Can Australian Shepherd Dogs Eat Watermelon Peel
The peel (rind or shell in other words) can be treated with pesticides and preservatives, so it is a risk of poison. Therefore, you should not give your dog watermelon with the rind.
However, if your dog ate a piece of watermelon with the rind on, don‘t worry too much. The peel is not indigestible and will pass through his digestive tract normally. Just make sure it doesn’t become a habit.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds
No, the seeds should be removed. As we mentioned earlier, each other eaten seed will not harm, but the large amount eaten can burden the body and clog the intestines.
Can Dogs Eat Red Watermelon
Yes, you can feed your dog red watermelon. In fact, watermelons with red pulp provide another amino acid – lycopene. It is considered an antioxidant that binds free radicals in the body and thus protects against cell aging.
Can Dogs Eat Yellow Watermelon
Dogs can safely eat yellow watermelon. The main difference from red watermelon is the yellow flesh and sweeter taste. For some people, the taste of yellow watermelon is associated with honey.
Yellow watermelon contains more beta-carotene. This antioxidant may protect against cancer and eye diseases.
Can Dogs Eat Seedless Watermelon
Yes, seedless watermelons are probably the best option. Since you don’t even have to think about seeds. Just cut the rind and you can give it to the dog already. Both seeded and seedless have great health benefits, and the taste is the same.
How To Give Watermelon To Dogs
As always, try small amounts when starting to give some new food. Here are 5 steps to follow:
- Cut the watermelon into small slices as if you were eating it yourself.
- Cut the rind, remove the seeds and cut into a few small pieces.
- Give it to the dog and watch how he likes it. if your Australian Shepherd likes watermelon, you can even give it as a treat everyday, but not too much. One slice divided into smaller pieces would certainly be a sufficient daily rate.
- If you notice any changes in behavior, dog starts farting or poop more after eating watermelons – reduce the amount.
- Just notice and feel what quantity is best for your dog. Keep in mind that this is a treat, it can‘t change a dog‘s daily diet.
Of course, it is always best to consult veterinarian, as he knows your dog and can advise what food would be most suitable.
Can Watermelon Cause Diarrhea In Dogs?
Watermelons can be a cause of diarrhea because they are high in fructose. For more sensitive people it is difficult to digest. This applies to dogs and humans. Watermelon is actually a natural laxative that, when carefully dosed, can help relieve constipation.
Can Watermelon Cause Allergies?
It is a rather rare phenomenon, but possible. Sometimes dogs are allergic to certain fruits, which results in itching, hair loss, etc.
Allergic reactions to watermelons often take the form of cross-allergy. This means that if your dog is allergic to pollen, you should be very careful. If you know that your dog is allergic to certain herbs, and you may have noticed that your dog is often sensitive to new foods, then give a particularly small amount to try.
If you notice an allergic reaction, do not give more, so such a fruit is not suitable.
Summary
- Watermelon is a healthy and beneficial fruit as it is made up of over 90 percent water, which protects both humans and our dogs from dehydration.
- As always, quantity matters. Dogs generally tolerate lower amounts of watermelon without any problems. However, every dog is different and react differently to unfamiliar food. Therefore, first try a few small pieces to see if your dog reacts negatively.
- Do not forget to remove the skin and seeds before giving watermelon to your Aussie!
- Just as we are looking for something cold in the summer to freshen up, our dogs also will be happy to be refreshed on hot days. If you freeze small pieces of watermelon, this would be a healthy ice cream for the dog.