Can my dog eat cantaloupe? The short answer is maybe.
In moderation, eating cantaloupe is safe for dogs. This summer treat is safe for pups to eat and can be a nutritious alternative to conventional treats, especially if your dog is overweight. Cantaloupe is high in fiber and contains approximately 90% water, so including any in your dog's diet will help encourage hydration and good digestion. Though the seeds are harmless, you should avoid deliberately feeding them to your dog because they can be a choking hazard.
Health Benefits of Cantaloupe?
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Similar to honeydew melon, this superfood dog treat contains Vitamins A, potassium, magnesium, beta-carotene, folic acid, antioxidants, magnesium, folate, Vitamin K, and dietary fiber. All of these positive things help your pooch's eyes and fur, boost your dog's immune system, have anti-inflammatory properties in the body, and enhance digestive health in your dog's body. Cantaloupe is also a good source of vitamin C for older dogs who might struggle to make enough on their own. It is also low in calories and has high water content, making it a delicious way to rehydrate without gaining weight.
Is It Safe for Dogs?
There are some dangers of feeding cantaloupe to dogs. Cantaloupe rinds, like watermelon rinds, can cause stomach upset and constipation when ingested by your dog. These tough, fibrous skins pose a choking hazard as well. If your dog enjoys cantaloupe and consumes a large amount of it, he can experience gas and diarrhea as a result.
Canine obesity can be caused by overindulging in sweets (specifically human foods) on top of a balanced diet. This fruit is also high in sugar, so it might not be suitable for diabetic dogs. Cantaloupe should be consumed in moderation like every other occasional treat.
How to Safely Feed Cantaloupe to Dogs
Vets also advise dog owners to obey the 10% law. Treats such as fruit can account for up to 10% of the calories in your dog's diet. Since cantaloupe is around 8% sugar by weight, one cup of cantaloupe chunks contains 12 grams of sugar and 53 calories. Since cantaloupe contains a high sugar content compared to many other snacks, it should be consumed in moderation. If your dog is diabetic, do not share your cantaloupe.
Cantaloupe is also high in fiber, with around 1.5 grams per cup. A high fiber diet can be difficult for your dog's digestive system. If you detect any changes in your dog's bowel movements, you might be sharing too much cantaloupe and should reduce your dog's intake.
Serving suggestions include cutting up cantaloupe into small pieces and serving fresh, freezing, or pureeing the chunks into pupsicles. They can also be dehydrated into a fruit chew.
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