Can Dogs Eat Watermelon? Benefits, Seeds & Serving Tips

Yes, dogs can eat watermelon, and it's one of our favorite summer treats, once you remove the seeds and the rind. The flesh is about 92% water, so it's hydrating and low in calories on a hot day. The seeds and the tough rind are the parts to skip, since both can cause a stomach blockage. Cube the pink part and you're good. Bear thinks watermelon is proof that summer is on his side.

Is watermelon good for dogs?

• High water content that helps with hydration in the heat.
• Vitamins A, B6, and C.
• Low calorie, with no fat and very little sodium.

The American Kennel Club calls watermelon a healthy dog treat when it's prepared properly, and their fruit and vegetable guide covers the rest of the summer produce drawer.

Seeds and rind: what to remove

Take out the seeds, a stray one is no big deal, but a mouthful can cause an intestinal blockage, especially in small dogs. Seedless watermelon makes this easy. The rind is the bigger risk: it's too tough to digest and can cause a serious blockage if a dog gulps a chunk. Serve only the soft pink flesh.

How much watermelon can a dog have?

A few bite-size cubes is a good serving for most dogs. It's low-calorie, but the natural sugar and water can loosen stool if you overdo it, so start small. Keep watermelon and other treats within about 10% of daily calories, which you can check on our dog food calculator.

Cool ways to serve watermelon

• Fresh, seedless cubes straight from the fridge.
• Frozen cubes for a longer-lasting hot-day treat.
• Blended and frozen with other dog-safe fruit like blueberries.

For a make-ahead frozen option, our frozen banana dog treats use the same idea.

When to skip it and call your vet

Skip the rind and seeds entirely, and go easy with diabetic dogs because of the natural sugar. If your dog eats a piece of rind and then seems uncomfortable, strains, vomits, or goes off food, call your vet, blockages are serious. Watermelon is a treat, not a water bowl replacement.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat watermelon rind?

No. The rind is too tough to digest and can cause an intestinal blockage. Serve only the soft pink flesh, with seeds removed.

Are watermelon seeds bad for dogs?

A stray seed is usually fine, but a mouthful can block a small dog's digestive tract. Seedless watermelon is the easy fix.

Can dogs have frozen watermelon?

Yes, frozen seedless cubes make a great long-lasting summer treat. For dogs with sensitive teeth, thaw them slightly first.

Can puppies eat watermelon?

Yes, in small, seedless, rind-free pieces. It's a gentle, hydrating treat, just keep portions small.

Want more hot-weather treat ideas your dog will actually love? Start with our free Starter Pack on the homepage.