Yes, dogs can eat melon, and on a warm day most of them think it's the best thing going. Watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew are all safe for a healthy dog in small amounts, as long as you scoop out the seeds, cut off the rind and serve just the soft flesh. It's hydrating, low in calories and refreshing, which makes it a lovely summer snack. The only real catch is the natural sugar, so keep the portions sensible.
I see a lot of hot, panting dogs come through the salon here in York in July and August, and owners often ask me what they can offer that's cooling. Melon is one I'm happy to recommend, with a bit of prep. Here's how I'd go about it.
Which melons are safe for dogs?
The three you'll find in most supermarkets are all fine for dogs in moderation:
- Watermelon: mostly water, very refreshing, low in calories.
- Cantaloupe: the orange-fleshed melon, slightly sweeter and a bit higher in sugar.
- Honeydew: the pale green one, mild and juicy.
All three are on the PDSA's list of safe fruit and veg for dogs, which is a good sign. None of them are a food your dog actually needs, mind you. A complete, balanced diet already covers the lot. Think of melon as a pleasant extra, not a supplement.
Deseed it, and lose the rind
This is the important bit, and it's where melon can catch people out.
- Remove the seeds. The odd seed swallowed by accident won't hurt, but a big mouthful can be a choking risk and can upset the digestion, especially in small dogs. Scoop them out before serving. Seedless watermelon makes life easier.
- Cut off the rind. The tough green watermelon skin, and the hard outer layer of cantaloupe and honeydew, is difficult to digest and can cause a blockage or a bad tummy. It's also a choking hazard. Feed only the soft inner flesh.
- Cut into bite-sized cubes, especially for little dogs and enthusiastic gulpers.
> Groomer's tip: Frozen melon cubes are brilliant on a hot day. Pop deseeded, rind-free chunks in the freezer and offer one or two as a cooling treat. Just watch the teeth on very hard frozen pieces if your dog is a serious cruncher.
The catch: sugar and moderation
Melon is natural, but it's still fairly sugary, cantaloupe most of all. Too much fruit can loosen the stools or, over time, add unwanted weight. The rule vets use is that treats, fruit included, should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. Everything else should come from their proper food.
So a few small cubes for a little dog, or a modest handful for a bigger one, is plenty. Introduce it slowly the first time and see how they get on before it becomes a regular thing.
What to avoid
The melon itself is fine, but a few things around it are not:
- The rind and skin: too tough to digest, real blockage risk.
- The seeds in quantity: deseed first.
- Melon-flavoured sweets, ice creams or anything sweetened: far too much sugar, and watch for xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely dangerous to dogs.
And a reminder for anyone building a list of fruity treats: grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, so keep those off the list entirely (the Blue Cross list of foods poisonous to dogs is a handy reference).
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat watermelon rind?
No. Feed only the soft flesh. The rind is tough, hard to digest and can cause a blockage or choking. The same goes for the hard skin of cantaloupe and honeydew.
Are melon seeds bad for dogs?
The odd one swallowed by accident is not a disaster, but a mouthful can be a choking risk and upset the tummy. Scoop the seeds out first, or use seedless watermelon.
How much melon can a dog have?
A few small cubes for a little dog, or a modest handful for a larger one, now and then. Keep all treats, melon included, under 10% of daily calories.
Is cantaloupe safe for dogs?
Yes, in moderation, with the rind and seeds removed. It is a touch sweeter than watermelon, so keep the portion a little smaller.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. A cool treat and a tidy summer coat go hand in hand. Book their next groom.