Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Here are the melons you can and can’t share with your dog this summer

Can dogs eat melon? Here's the scoop on feeding your pup these fruits

Gabrielle LaFrank
By
a Schnauzer puppy stands next to a watermelon on a gray chair
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As summertime rolls around once more, you might find yourself reaching for a refreshing snack… but you won’t be the only one! Odds are, your dog will also be looking for a way to reenergize, and fresh fruits like berries and melons can be the way to go. Watermelon is such a classic summer treat, after all — so why not try other melons, too?

But can dogs have cantaloupe? What about honeydew? Before you let these questions confuse you, read on to find out everything you need to know about dogs and melons. Who knows — you just might find your pup’s new favorite treat!

Recommended Videos

Can dogs have watermelon?

It could come as no surprise to learn that watermelon is safe for dogs. It is mostly water, after all! That means this fruit has great potential to keep your dog cool during hot summer months, but let’s be honest — there’s almost no bad time for a slice of watermelon.

As the American Kennel Club (AKC) notes, there are a few precautions you should take when serving your dog watermelon. Make sure to buy a seedless kind or remove any seeds before giving your pup a bite, as seeds can cause intestinal blockage or irritation.

“Seedless melons were developed 50 years ago,” the AKC notes. “They contain no black, mature seeds. But you may see white seed coats, where the seed did not mature.” So that’s what those white pods are!

As for the watermelon rind, it should also be removed. You might think it would be a great chew for your pup, but it can also cause gastrointestinal upset that can lead to vomiting or diarrhea (via Hill’s Pet). And don’t forget to cut the watermelon into small pieces before giving it to your dog.

Is watermelon good for dogs?

Its 92% water content makes this fruit a low-calorie option for almost any pup, notes the AKC, but it does still pack a nutritional punch, too. Watermelon contains vitamins A, B6, C, and potassium, as well as virtually zero cholesterol or fat.

That being said; watermelon shouldn’t be a staple of your dog’s diet. It’s considered a treat, at the end of the day, and should comprise no more than 10% of your pup’s daily calorie intake. Still, it’s the perfect ingredient for a summertime goodie or a Fourth of July dog treat, especially when blended and frozen.

Boy feeding dog melon
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Can dogs eat cantaloupe?

Just like watermelon, cantaloupe is safe to share with your dog. It is higher in sugar than its water-based cousin, explains Purina, so it’s not ideal for pups with blood sugar or obesity concerns. When in doubt, you can always ask your veterinarian.

You’ll need to prepare this kind of melon similar to watermelon before giving some to your dog. Remove the rind and all the seeds, then cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces. This way, you won’t have to worry about your dog choking, either.

Dog and seedless watermelon slice
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Can dogs have honeydew?

In case you haven’t noticed the trend here, honeydew is also A-OK to give to your dog. And the same rules apply: Remove all seeds and traces of the rind before serving it to your pup and be sure to give your fur baby small pieces.

Now that you know melon is safe to share with your dog, you can start preparing your summer fruit salad. With so much melon around, you can even let your pup do a little taste testing!

Editors' Recommendations

Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Why you should let your dog sleep in your bed every single night
Sleeping with your dog in your bed can benefit you both
A woman snuggles with her dog in bed

When you think about your dog sleeping in your bed, how do you imagine it? Many pet parents can picture their beloved pet sprawled out across the entire bed while they themselves toss and turn for most of the night, but is that truly the reality of co-sleeping with a fur baby?
It can be hard to predict — every pet has their own personality and sleeping habits — but what scientists and behaviorists have found so far may surprise you. Not only do dogs provide comfort and warmth for their sleepy owners, but they tend not to disrupt sleep, either (most of the time, anyway). It may seem too good to be true, but these are the reasons why you totally should let your pet sleep in your bed every single night ... or at least try it out. Trust us, they’ll love it, too!

It can be comforting to have a dog sleeping in your bed
Just think about all the ways your pup lights up your waking hours with their goofy antics and endless love. Why not bring that sweetness into your nighttime routine, too? Spending time with your fur baby can be a comforting and rewarding way to end your evening on a happy (and adorable) note, though researchers found that people suffering from anxiety and depression may find even more benefits.
As Dr. Raj Dasgupta, an assistant professor at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, explained to CNN, "People with depression or anxiety may benefit from having their pet in the bed because the pet is a big pillow, a big blanket, and they may feel that snuggly, cuddly, furry creature decreases their anxiety.” Big fluffy blanket? Yes, please! If you've ever felt comfort from a weighted blanket, being tucked into bed, or even a simple hug, you can probably relate. Either way, there's no way to deny it -- dogs are comforting!

Read more
The best ways to pet your dog to show them how much you care
There's a right way to pet your dog. Here's what you need to know
A man's hand pets the head of a shepherd dog

There are a hundred ways to make a dog happy, from delicious treats to epic playtime. Pets, scratches, and belly rubs almost always make the top of the list, too  -- but did you know there are particular ways to pet your dog to show them how much you love them?
In this article, you’ll learn how to pet your dog -- what tricks and techniques to use to relax them, what spots to avoid, and how to keep everyone comfy and happy. Of course, every dog has their own likes and dislikes, so it’s important to pay attention to your fur baby’s body language and behavior during your massage sessions.
This is what you need to know.

How to pet your dog to show them you love them
In general, most pups are just happy to get some attention from their favorite person, but there are a few specific things you can do to make your next pamper sesh a little more special.

Read more
Why do dogs eat cat poop? And how you can get them to stop
These tips will stop your pup from eating cat doo-doo
Dog wears a yellow sweater and looks at the camera

Sometimes you might think you hear your cat using their potty, but when you go into check, it's actually the dog eating cat poop. Gross! While it seems pretty revolting to us, dogs sometimes eat poop, the feline variety included. Coprophagia, which means eating poop, shows up reasonably frequently in pups, and certain diets, environments, and even breeds can make this act more likely (research says hounds and terriers are the groups most likely to chomp poop, in general).

So why do dogs eat cat poop, and what should you do about this behavior? Read on for a few things to check and a couple of tips to prevent this extra meal.
Why do dogs eat cat poop?
Theories abound, but it turns out lots of different mammals eat poop, their own and others'. One possibility is that not all nutrients fully digest when they go through our systems, which means there are plenty of vitamins to have by consuming feces. Sometimes, these cravings result from a nutrient-deficient diet that is easy to fix by changing up your dog's food.

Read more