Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?

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Cantaloupes can be very refreshing after a long day, especially if you were out in the sun. Their high water and nutrient content makes them a very healthy snack for humans, but Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe? In essence, cantaloupes are melons chock-full of nutrients that could potentially benefit your four-legged friend. However, as is the case with any human food, you should learn about the benefits and possible risks cantaloupes could pose to your dog. Let’s delve into the possible benefits and risks of feeding your dog cantaloupes.

Is Feeding Your Dog Cantaloupes Safe?

Whether or not feeding your dog cantaloupe is safe is not as straightforward as most people think. Cantaloupes are a healthy and nutritious food that would make a great addition to your dog’s diet. However, you must first determine whether your dog has any pre-existing conditions or allergies that could be exacerbated by feeding them cantaloupes. There are a number of health benefits associated with human beings consuming cantaloupes. While these benefits might be common among humans, dogs might experience a different reaction. Hence, a high level of care and monitoring is needed when feeding your dog cantaloupes.

Warning

Cantaloupe rinds are difficult to chew and digest and can pose a choking hazard or cause irritation when consumed. Consequently, you should always remove the rind before feeding a cantaloupe to your dog. It is also important to avoid letting them lick the skin as it may contain harmful bacteria that could make them ill. With a 90 percent water composition and relatively low glycemic index and sugar content, cantaloupes are often recommended for dogs with diabetes or obesity. Sean Delaney, BS, MS, DACVN, DVM, is a Board-certified veterinary nutritionist who posts safe and healthy recipes for veterinary customers on his website. Concerning this fruit, he says, “High-water fruits like cantaloupe are a rich source of dietary fiber that support gut health.”

How many cantaloupes Can You Feed Your Dog?

Veterinarians recommend that dog owners follow the 10 percent rule when introducing a treat into their pet’s diet. Per the rule, all treats, including fruits, should make up only 10 percent of the total calories in daily meals. Cantaloupes contain 8 percent of sugar by weight. This means that a cup of cantaloupe chunks contains 12g of sugar and 53 calories. Since this sugar content is higher than other dog treats, vets recommend you feed it to your dog in moderation. You should also avoid feeding it to diabetic dogs. Cantaloupe is also relatively high in fiber, at approximately 1.5g per cup. Excessive dietary fiber can be very hard and uncomfortable on your dog’s digestive tract. As such, it is advisable to avoid feeding them cantaloupe if you notice any abnormal changes, particularly in their bowel movements. Some symptoms experienced after feeding your dog with too much cantaloupe include:

• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea
• Distended or painful belly
• Vomiting

That said, moderate bite-sized cantaloupe pieces given to your dog at intervals can serve as a healthy treat. It is crucial that you introduce cantaloupes into your dog’s diet gradually so that you can gauge how they are reacting to it. This is also the time to watch out for any symptoms of digestive upset.

Picking a Ripe Cantaloupe

Cantaloupes are all-year-round fruits, but they grow abundantly during the summer, which is when they are freshest and sweetest. Vets advise that picking a good, ripe cantaloupe for your dog can prove to be the perfect healthy treat for their digestive system. However, you should keep in mind that the riper a cantaloupe is, the more sugar content it contains. You can determine the sugar content of a cantaloupe by simply tasting it. Another great means of picking the right cantaloupe is by smelling it. For example, a cantaloupe with high sugar content has a slightly musky scent, and the fruit is no longer naturally attached to its stem. The best cantaloupe fruit should feel firm but not very hard and should be free of bruising.

Serving Cantaloupe to Your Dog

Like with all fruits, it is vital to thoroughly wash and scrub the skin of a cantaloupe before consumption. During preparation, remember to remove the seeds and rinds, then carefully slice the fruit into tiny 1 to 2-inch thick wedges, depending on the bite-size of your dog. Remember, cantaloupes should never be part of your dog’s regular diet. They should only be given as a special treat or snack. Other than placing the cantaloupe treat in a puzzle toy, below are some serving ideas to provide mental exercises for your dog:

• Freeze shredded or chopped cantaloupe pieces with water in ice cube trays for a pleasingly sweet quenching summer treat.
• Share bite-size cantaloupe pieces straight out of your fruit salad.
• Dehydrate the cantaloupe pieces for a healthy, sweet fruit chew.
• Use frozen slices of cantaloupe as teething treats for puppies, or share them with your dog on hot days.

Possible Risks of Feeding Your Dog Cantaloupes

There are several possible risks associated with feeding your dog cantaloupes. For example, it is advisable to remove the rind before feeding the high-water fruit to your dog as it can be a choking hazard or cause digestive problems. Another possible health risk associated with eating too many cantaloupes is experiencing diarrhea and gas. When you introduce cantaloupes into your dog’s diet as a treat, make sure to determine if your dog can properly digest them. Since cantaloupes have a high-sugar content, vets advise that they be fed in moderation or completely avoided for dogs dealing with canine diabetes.

Bottom Line

Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe? Technically, yes. Cantaloupes are highly nutritious and tasty treats with many health benefits. They are high-water fruits rich in essential nutrients, low-calorie content, and the perfect source of fiber and water. However, moderation is key. A few cantaloupe pieces are safe for your dogs to eat, but too many too fast can lead to obesity, which can have a devastating effect on your dog’s overall health. Always consult a veterinarian before feeding your dog cantaloupes.