Can dogs eat Watermelon?
Yes - in moderation
Yes - watermelon flesh is safe for dogs and a brilliant hydrating treat in hot weather. Remove the seeds and the hard rind first. The pink flesh is over 90% water, so it is refreshing and low in calories.
Last reviewed
What happens
Watermelon is mostly water, which makes it a great way to help a dog cool down and top up fluids on a hot day. The flesh is low in calories and carries vitamins A and C. The parts to remove are the seeds, which can cause a blockage in quantity, and the tough green rind, which is hard to digest.
How much is safe?
A few small chunks of seedless flesh is a good treat for any size of dog. It is low in calories, so you have a little more room than with sweeter fruit, but it still counts towards the daily treat allowance.
How to prepare it
Cut the flesh away from the rind, pick out the seeds, and dice it into bite-sized pieces. Frozen watermelon chunks are a lovely summer treat. Never give the rind or let your dog gnaw a whole slice with the skin on.
Symptoms to watch for
Eating too much can cause a loose stool, simply because of all the water and fibre. The real risks are mechanical - swallowed seeds or a chunk of rind can lodge in the gut, especially in a smaller dog.
When to call the vet
Rarely needed for the flesh. If your dog swallows a lot of seeds or a piece of rind and then vomits, strains or goes off their food, contact your vet in case of a blockage.
Can dogs eat these?
Common questions
Can dogs eat watermelon seeds?
It is best to remove them. A stray seed is not a poisoning risk, but a mouthful of seeds can cause a blockage in a small dog. Seedless watermelon, deseeded, is the safe way to serve it.
Can dogs eat watermelon rind?
No. The hard green rind is tough, hard to digest and a genuine blockage risk. Give your dog the soft pink flesh only.
Is watermelon good for dogs in hot weather?
Yes. Being over 90% water, chilled or frozen watermelon chunks are a good way to help a dog stay hydrated and cool on a warm day, in moderation.
Looking for a food to feed instead? browse the directory or read the guides.
This is label analysis, not veterinary advice - if your dog has a health condition, talk to your vet before switching foods.