Can Frenchies eat watermelon?
Is watermelon safe for dogs?
If you have been asking yourself, then you are in the right place.
Watermelons are a refreshing snack during summer and have lots of healthy nutrients.
But how do you feed them to Frenchies?
Read through to get answers to these questions
Can Frenchies eat watermelon?
Yes, Frenchies can eat watermelon as it not only hydrates, but it contains vitamin A for a shiny coat. However, watermelon seeds and rind are not safe as they can cause blockage.
Watermelon Facts
- The scientific name for watermelon is Citrullus Lanatus. It is part of the botanical family Cucurbitaceae like cucumbers and squash.
- It takes three months for watermelon to fully mature
- Watermelon is both a fruit and a vegetable
What are the health benefits of watermelon for my Frenchies?
Watermelon is free from cholesterol and fats; hence feeding it to your Frenchies is healthy as you will not worry about canine obesity, diabetes, and heart problems.
Watermelon has vitamins A and C necessary for thick skin and a shiny coat. Collagen produced by vitamin C gives your dog healthy skin and a shiny coat, while vitamin A builds and repairs damaged skin cells.
Watermelon keeps your Frenchie hydrated as it contains lots of water. This is important since Frenchies cannot withstand dehydration and are prone to heat exhaustion.
Watermelon contains citrulline, which aids in relieving muscle pain and soreness after training.
Watermelon is an excellent source of water and fiber, which are essential for a good digestion process. Fiber adds bulk to the stool while the water keeps the digestive tract hydrated for the smooth passage of food.
Watermelon contains two compounds, cucurbitacin E and lycopene, which lowers the risks of cancers for your dog by suppressing the insulin growth factor, which causes cancer.
Amino acids in watermelon aid in lowering the blood pressure in dogs, thus promoting heart health
Watermelon contains antioxidants like lycopene which help protect the skin from oxidative damages like sunburn.
How to Feed a Dog Watermelon
Serving tips
- Remove the seeds from the watermelon, then slice the melon and give it directly to your dog or place the slices in a snack dispenser.
- Blend watermelon with yogurt, then freeze the mixture
- Add coconut milk to watermelon, blend then freeze the mixture in your dog’s favorite toy.
- Blend banana and watermelon, put them inside a dog’s toy, then freeze or give directly as a snack
- Add watermelon to your Frenchie’s food
- Make watermelon juice by blending the melon
- Mix with blueberries and make a smoothie or a fruit salad
- Dehydrate the melon. Dehydration hardens the melon forcing your dog to chew it for longer, thus strengthening teeth.
Are there any parts of a watermelon my Frenchies CAN’T eat?
Yes. Frenchies cannot eat the rind and seeds as they are not easy to digest, causing blockages.
Is seedless watermelon the safest option?
Yes. Seedless watermelon is the safest option as the seeds are not mature enough, and also the number of seeds is also few to cause indigestion.
What about the sugar in watermelon?
Watermelon contains natural sugar, and you should give them in small portions to diabetic dogs.
Seedless Watermelon Recipes to Give a Dog
| Ingredient | Instructions | |
| Dehydrated watermelon | 1 seedless watermelon | Wash the melon and cut it into quarters Remove the rind and cut the quarters into ½ inch pieces Dehydrate the pieces for 12-15 hours at 140 degrees Serve |
| Frozen watermelon | 1 seedless watermelon | Cut the melon into quarters Remove the rind Arrange the quarters on a sheet pan lined with parchment paperFreeze for 2 hours Serve |
| Raw watermelon | 1 seedless watermelon | Slice the melon into bite-sized pieces Serve |
Pooch Creamery Watermelon Flavor Ice Cream Mix Dog Treat
It is a watermelon-flavored gluten-free ice cream mix made for dogs using five main ingredients: lactose-free natural milk, gelatin, cane sugar, watermelon flavor,r, and salt. Its made in the USA and does not contain grains, gluten, or GMOs.
Benefits
- It is lactose-free hence good for your dog’s stomach
- The ice cream mix is easy to store. You can keep it until you are ready to open and feed it to your dog
- It is an excellent treat for your dog during special occasions
Pro
- It is gluten-free; hence there is good absorption of food for your dog
- Good for lactose-intolerant dogs
Cons
- It contains sugar, and consumption in large quantities can lead to diabetes and heart disease.
- Gelatin can cause heartburns, bloating, and lots of belching for your dog
What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
Mangoes
These fruits are rich in potassium which supports efficient kidney and heart functions. Magnesium in mangoes aid in the breakdown of proteins and fatty acids and also promotes energy production.
Furthermore, mangoes contain vitamin B6, responsible for red blood cells generation, proper nerve functioning, and hormone regulation.
Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe contains lots of fiber and water, which aid in digestion and reduce the probability of constipation and diarrhea.
It is also an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which protect from free radicals, promote cell functioning, and offer immunity from diseases.
Banana
Bananas are good for heart health as they contain potassium and vitamin B6, which regulate blood levels by lowering blood pressure.
Moreover, bananas contain magnesium which is essential for strong and healthy muscles.
These fruits are also a powerhouse of vitamin C and fiber for better immunity and smooth digestion.
Apples
These fruits have low calories hence good for losing and maintaining a healthy weight.
In addition, apples have vitamins A and C, which give dogs a smooth and shiny coat and strong bones.
Furthermore, the fiber in apples adds bulk to stool, thus improving digestion.
Fruits that are not safe for dogs
Avocado
They contain a fungicidal toxin called persin, which is toxic to dogs; consequently, consumption can lead to death.
Moreover, the hard avocado seed can choke your dog
Grapes
These fruits are toxic to dogs, although the primary agent of poisoning is unknown.
The symptoms of grape poisoning include dehydration, loss of appetite, lethargy, and abdominal pain.
Lemons
These fruits have a chemical called psoralen and oils, which are toxic to dogs and lead to gastrointestinal problems.
Symptoms associated with lemon poisoning include dilated pupils, lethargy, weakness, and vomiting.
Cherries
Cherries have a toxin called cyanide which can cause death in dogs.
The symptoms to look out for include dilated eyes, difficulty in breathing, weakness, and red gums
Currants
Currants are toxic to dogs, and you should avoid them. Consumption of currants lead to Ataxia, low appetite, weight loss, lack of appetite, increased thirst, renal failure and abdominal pain.
How much watermelon can a Frenchies eat?
According to Frenchbulldogowner.com, watermelon should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. A 25 pounds Frenchie should consume a maximum of 250 grams of watermelon per day.
What happens if a dog eats watermelon?
Consumption of watermelon in the right portions is okay for your dog; however, consumption in large amounts can lead to stomach upsets due to the high fiber content in melons.
Can Frenchies eat watermelon rind?
No. Frenchies cannot eat watermelon rind as it is hard to digest and swallow; hence can cause choking and gastrointestinal problems. Symptoms would include diarrhea, weakness, vomiting and abdominal pain.
What do I do if my Frenchies eat watermelon rind?
If your Frenchie eats watermelon rind, observe for blockage or choking symptoms, including abdominal pain and vomiting. If you notice these, rush your dog to the vet.
Can dogs eat watermelon and strawberries?
Yes. Watermelon and strawberries are rich in fiber and vitamin C, which add bulk to stool, thus aiding digestion and acting as antioxidants that protect the body from diseases.
Can diabetic dogs eat watermelon?
Yes, but in small quantities since watermelon contains natural sugar. However, the high fiber in watermelon acts as an insulation for sugar and slows sugar release to your dog’s bloodstream.
What fruits and vegetables can diabetic dogs eat?
Fresh vegetables like cabbage, cucumber, beans, and cauliflower are safe for diabetic dogs. You can serve plain and natural fruits, including apples and cantaloupes, in moderation to diabetic dogs.
Can watermelon make dogs sick?
Yes. Consumption of watermelon in large quantities can cause stomach upsets in dogs. This is due to the high fiber in watermelon. The sugar content in melons can lead to diabetes.
Watermelon and dog’s diarrhea
The high fiber content in watermelon adds bulk to food, thus improving digestion, but consumption of melons in large quantities can cause diarrhea due to the increased fiber levels which cause watery stool.
Can Frenchies be allergic to watermelon?
Yes. Though rare, some dogs can be allergic to watermelon. The symptoms to look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. Stop giving melons if you notice any of these.
Is watermelon OK for dogs with kidney disease?
Yes. Watermelon has an antioxidant called lycopene which aids in breaking down harmful radicals. Lycopene also boosts kidney functioning by preventing kidney injuries. The high water content flushes out toxins.
Can Dogs have watermelon and cantaloupe?
Yes. These two fruits are rich in water and fiber, which act as hydrating agents, flush out toxins, and ensure a smooth digestion process by adding bulk to the dog’s stool.
Can Frenchies Eat Watermelon? Final Thoughts
Now you have the facts on watermelon and Frenchies
So, can Frenchies eat watermelon?
Watermelons are not only rich in fiber and water content, but they also have lots of healthy nutrients that boost your dog’s growth. Moreover, melons are low in calories.
However, you should give your Frenchie watermelons sparingly as the high fiber level can cause stomach upsets.
Watermelons also have lots of natural sugar, and consumption in large quantities can lead to diabetes.
Always consult your vet before introducing watermelons.
Safe Parenting!