The Complete Guide to Dogs Eating Watermelon: Safe or Toxic?

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

Yes, dogs can eat watermelon in moderation, and this refreshing fruit can offer hydration and key nutrients on a hot day. However, before sharing watermelon with your pup, there are a few important things to keep in mind. While seedless watermelon flesh is generally safe for dogs, the seeds can pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage, and the rind is tough to digest. Is it better to offer fresh watermelon or frozen cubes? What about watermelon-flavored treats—are they safe? And can too much watermelon lead to an upset stomach? This guide will cover the benefits, potential risks, and the safest ways to include watermelon in your dog’s diet.

Is Watermelon Good For Dogs?

Watermelon can be a healthy and nutritious dog treat when given in moderation.

Always serve only the seedless flesh of the watermelon. Remove seeds and rind before serving. Seeds can cause intestinal blockages, and the rind may lead to gastrointestinal upset or choking hazards.

What The Science Says

Research studies have found that watermelon can be a healthy and valuable addition to a dog’s diet:

• Healthier weight and urinary health: A study investigated the impact of a watermelon extract beverage on dogs over three months. The results showed two key benefits: Lower levels of leptin, a hormone linked to body fat and appetite, suggesting it may help with weight management. And, fewer urinary crystals like calcium oxalate and struvite, which means it could support better urinary health.^[1]
• Anti-carcinogenic properties: Watermelon is rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Although specific studies in dogs are limited, lycopene has been recognized for its potential anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties in various species.^[2]

Benefits

100 grams (3.5-ounce oz) of watermelon contains the following nutrients:

Watermelon Nutrition Chart (100g)

Nutrient Analysis

Risks & Considerations Before Feeding Watermelon to Dogs

While watermelon can be a safe and refreshing treat for dogs when given in moderation, there are several risks and considerations to keep in mind before feeding it to your canine companion:

Watermelon Seeds Toxicity In Dogs

Watermelon seeds are not inherently toxic but can cause intestinal blockages, especially in small dogs or puppies. A study on rats fed watermelon seeds noted elevated creatinine and urea levels, suggesting potential kidney strain, and reproductive abnormalities in males. While not directly tested on dogs, this highlights caution.^[3] Accidentally ingesting a couple of seeds may not be harmful to larger dogs, but it’s best to remove all seeds before offering the fruit to be safe and avoid any digestive issues.

Are Dogs Allergic to Watermelon?

Risks

The following symptoms may indicate a bad reaction to watermelon.

What to Do If A Dog Reacts Badly to Watermelon

Dogs showing worsening symptoms, such as blood in their vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, weakness, or collapse, should be taken to the veterinarian immediately.

1. Contact a veterinarian immediately: Even if your dog seems fine, contact your veterinarian or an emergency pet poison hotline right away. This includes services like the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. If you can’t reach your vet, you can chat live with a registered online veterinary professional via our online vet chat or video chat support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). You can also schedule an at-home veterinary appointment with The Vets, a mobile veterinary service that provides at-home vet care nationwide for just about everything.

2. Gather important information: When speaking to a vet, provide the quantity consumed (estimate if unsure), time of ingestion, and dog’s weight and breed (to assess potential risk).

3. Follow veterinary instructions: The vet may suggest monitoring at home or emergency treatment at the clinic.

• Keep your dog calm and prevent them from eating anything else.
• Be prepared to transport your dog to the vet quickly if advised.
• Bring any remaining watermelon or packaging to help the vet assess the situation.

How to Safely Feed Watermelons to Dogs

When feeding watermelon to your dog, it’s important to follow a few simple guidelines to keep them safe:

Ways to Feed Watermelon to Dogs

As with any new food, introduce watermelon slowly and observe your dog’s reaction. Always feed in moderation to avoid digestive upset.

Best Watermelon Dog Treat

For pet parents looking to share the refreshing benefits of watermelon in a simple, wholesome way, Fruitables Skinny Minis Watermelon Flavor Dog Treats offer a naturally sweet and nutrient-rich snack. Made with real watermelon and other carefully selected ingredients, these soft and chewy grain-free treats are low in calories and bursting with fruity flavor—perfect for training or everyday rewards. Each bite contains vitamins, antioxidants, and hydration-supporting compounds, promoting your dog’s overall vitality and wellness. Free from grains, wheat, corn, soy, and artificial ingredients, they’re an excellent option for dogs with food sensitivities or those on a limited-ingredient diet.

How Much Watermelon Can Dogs Eat?

Treats should only constitute 10% of your dog’s diet, with the remaining 90% coming from well-balanced dog food. This guideline also applies to healthy treats like watermelon. Below, you’ll find general guidelines for safely portioning watermelon based on your dog’s weight.

Dog Size	Serving Size (Feed Occasionally)	Breed Examples
Extra-small (2-15 lbs.)	1–2 small cubes (about 1 tbsp diced)	Shih Tzu, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese
Small (16-25 lbs.)	2–3 small cubes (about 2 tbsp diced)	Boston Terriers, Beagles, Dachshund
Medium (26-60 lbs.)	3–4 cubes (about ¼ cup diced)	Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, Border Collies
Large (61-90 lbs.)	5–6 cubes (about ½ cup diced)	Golden Retrievers, Pit Bulls, Boxers, Labrador Retrievers
Extra-large (91+ lbs.)	6–8 cubes (about ½ to ¾ cup diced)	Bullmastiffs, Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees

Can Puppies Eat Watermelons?

Yes, puppies can eat watermelon, but only in moderation and in very small amounts. Because puppies have more sensitive digestive systems, it’s best to start with a tiny portion—such as a teaspoon of fresh, seedless watermelon flesh—to see how they react. Feeding too much watermelon at once can cause digestive upset, including diarrhea or bloating, as their stomachs are still developing and may struggle to process the fruit’s natural sugars and water content. Always choose fresh watermelon, and avoid anything canned, artificially flavored, or containing sweeteners like xylitol, which are harmful to dogs. When introducing watermelon—or any new food—avoid giving multiple new ingredients on the same day. This makes it easier to monitor for any food sensitivities or allergic reactions. If your puppy shows signs of digestive issues, introducing only one new food at a time helps you pinpoint the cause. Start with a teaspoon of fresh, unseasoned, seedless watermelon, and wait a few days to observe how your puppy’s digestive system responds before offering more. Always remove the seeds and rind, as they can be difficult to digest and may pose a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages.

Alternatives

Here’s a list of alternatives to watermelons that are just as safe and nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Watermelon can be a refreshing, hydrating treat for dogs when prepared and served correctly. The soft, seedless flesh offers valuable vitamins and hydration, especially during warmer months. However, avoiding the seeds and rind is important, as it can pose digestive and choking risks. By offering watermelon in moderation and monitoring your dog for any adverse reactions, you can safely include this juicy fruit as an occasional snack in their diet.

Whether you’re introducing watermelon or any new treat, unexpected reactions can happen. Having the right pet insurance ensures you can handle any vet visits with peace of mind. Check out our guide to the best pet insurance plans to keep your furry friend covered in every situation. If you’re looking for other healthy snack options, check out the best dog treats to find safe and nutritious alternatives. And if you’re seeking something more therapeutic to support anxiety, pain, inflammation, or other health concerns, explore the benefits of CBD oil for dogs and CBD dog treats for a natural way to help your pup feel their best.

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. Effects of a Watermelon Extract Beverage on Canine Lipid Metabolism and Urine Crystals
2. Watermelon lycopene and allied health claims
3. Toxicity assessment of watermelon seed supplemented diet in rats