Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Here's the Scoop (and the Seeds You Should Skip)

Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Yes—But There’s a Right Way to Do It.

Watermelon is basically summer in fruit form. Juicy. Refreshing. Sweet enough to feel like a treat, but healthy enough to not feel guilty. It’s also a common snack for humans to share with their pets. But can dogs eat watermelon safely?

The good news? Yes. Dogs can eat watermelon. The better news? It can actually be a great source of hydration and vitamins.

The catch? It needs to be served safely. No seeds. No rind. And definitely not a whole wedge off your plate.

Let’s break it down.

1. Why Dogs Love Watermelon (And Why You Might Love Giving It to Them)

Watermelon isn’t just delicious. It’s also:

1. 92% water

2. Low in calories

3. Packed with vitamins A, B6, and C

4. Contains antioxidants like lycopene

That makes it a perfect treat for hot days, senior dogs who need hydration, or pups who are on a lower-calorie diet. It’s also a great alternative to processed treats if your dog has food sensitivities.

2. But Wait—Are Seeds Dangerous for Dogs?

Yes. The seeds of a watermelon (especially black seeds) can cause:

1. Intestinal blockage in smaller dogs

2. Stomach upset in sensitive pups

3. Choking hazard if swallowed whole

If your dog swallows a few seeds by accident, don’t panic. But it’s best to only feed seedless watermelon or manually remove all seeds before serving.

3. What About the Rind?

That white-green outer rind? Hard pass.

Watermelon rind is difficult for dogs to digest and can lead to:

1. Diarrhea

2. Vomiting

3. GI blockage (in extreme cases)

Stick to the soft red flesh only. If you want to get fancy, freeze small seedless cubes as a summer snack or blend into an ice pop with plain Greek yogurt.

4. How Much Watermelon Can a Dog Eat?

General rule: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For watermelon, that usually looks like:

1. Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1-2 small cubes

2. Medium dogs (20-50 lbs): 3-5 cubes

3. Large dogs (50+ lbs): up to 1 cup in small pieces

Introduce it slowly. Watch for signs of upset stomach like gas or loose stool.

5. Signs Your Dog Didn’t Tolerate Watermelon Well

Even though watermelon is safe for most dogs, it may not agree with all pups. Look out for:

1. Diarrhea or vomiting

2. Gas or bloating

3. Lethargy

If symptoms last more than 24 hours, skip the watermelon and check in with your vet.

6. DIY Dog Treats with Watermelon

Here are a few simple, dog-friendly watermelon recipes to try:

1. Frozen Watermelon Cubes: Just dice seedless watermelon and freeze.

2. Watermelon Pup-sicles: Blend watermelon with plain Greek yogurt and freeze in silicone molds.

3. Fruit Salad for Dogs: Combine chopped watermelon, blueberries, and apples (no seeds!) for a special treat.

7. Final Tips: Don’t Let Your Dog Eat This:

1. No watermelon-flavored candy (artificial sweeteners like xylitol are toxic to dogs)

2. No seeds

3. No rind

4. No watermelon cocktails (yes, this had to be said)

We’re team treat—as long as it’s safe. Watermelon can be a fun, juicy snack for dogs when served the right way. But when in doubt, skip the fruit and stick to functional supplements that are actually formulated to support your dog’s gut, skin, and calm.