I just love cantaloupes. I love that, like honeydews, watermelons, and other summer melons, they are sweet, juicy, and refreshingly luscious.
When I reach out for some slices of this delectable fruit, especially on a hot summer day, I want to share this delicious succulent treat with my dog. I can’t help myself – not when he looks at me in that particularly adorable way – big trusting eyes, tail wagging in hopeful anticipation, and tongue hanging out just a bit in that sweet, delightful way. And this brings us to the question that most dog lovers want answered. Can dogs eat cantaloupes?
Fortunately for my pooch – and yours, too, I bet – the short and sweet answer is “yes.” Cantaloupe is a delightful, sweet and refreshing treat just as long as it is prepared properly and given in moderation.
Cantaloupe is not only safe for dogs; it can be a nutritious and enjoyable snack for man’s best friend.
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Will Cantaloupe Hurt Dogs?
I developed a strong liking for cantaloupe because of its refreshing, juicy sweetness. I later found out that the fruit does not fall short when it comes to health benefits either. Cantaloupes are packed with fiber, natural antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that help promote health.
They contain vitamins A, C, and K, beta carotene, choline, selenium, and zeaxanthin, as well as niacin, potassium, magnesium, folate, and manganese. These helpful substances are good for me in the same way that they are good for my dog, too!
They do not hurt my dog and in fact these nutrients help keep my dog’s heart and kidneys healthy. They help maintain strong bones and muscles and rally the body to produce energy so that my little doggy is able to play with sustained vigor and playfulness. They support his brain function, keep his immune system strong, prevent cancer, and delay aging.
Cantaloupes are also a rich source of water and dietary fiber that help promote healthy digestion. The water keeps my dog from becoming dehydrated. The fiber keeps constipation at bay and helps my dog stay ‘regular.’
Now who would not want all these benefits for their canine friend?
It goes without saying, of course, that when we give our dog some cantaloupe as a sweet little treat, we should do so with certain things in mind.
How Much Cantaloupe Can I Give My Dog?
How do I share this tasty, healthy, and pleasant treat with my furry friend? Serve this indulgence with a little caution. First in terms of proportion, make sure to follow the 10% rule. Treats, including fruit like cantaloupe, should only make up 10% of the calories in your dog’s daily diet.
[Related Article: Can Dogs Eat Zucchini? Is It Toxic To Feed Them With Skin?]
Can Cantaloupe Cause Diarrhea In Dogs?
When feeding cantaloupe to your dog always peel the fruit. The rind is tough, fibrous, and hard to chew. I don’t want my little friend to choke on it.
I also know that if he inadvertently eats the rind (which is difficult to digest and pass), he is likely to feel discomforts like tummy ache, diarrhea, vomiting, or general gastrointestinal upset. I see to it that I carefully remove the cantaloupe’s skin.
I then slice the fruit open and remove the seeds. The seeds are almost impossible to digest. I don’t eat the seeds and the goo that surrounds it either, so I always scoop out the seeds and get rid of them.
I then cut the fruit up into bite-sized tidbits before giving the fruit to my dog.
Give Cantaloupe as a Snack
Cantaloupe is rich in Vitamin A and C, and fiber. It makes for an excellent hydrating, refreshing, and luscious nibble. It is a healthy and delicious snack to give your pet.
The keyword here is ‘snack.’ Yes, I feed my feed dog cantaloupe but no, the fruit does not make for a staple part of my dog’s diet.
I enjoy cantaloupe as a treat. But it is not a significant or major part of what I eat. In the same way, I give my dog the fruit as an occasional treat. I give it in moderation.
Vegetables and fruits should account for only about 10% of your pooch’s diet. The greater part of what he eats should include foods that are rich in protein.
I see to it that I keep my dog on a healthy and balanced diet that has protein and meat. So even if he shows a strong penchant for cantaloupes, I consider the fruit as just a healthy snack.
Think of cantaloupe as a fruit that your dog can enjoy without making him gain unwanted weight. It is low in calories. It is refreshing. It is rich in fiber. It is good for your dog.
However, your dog’s general physical condition, his bone and muscle mass and strength, as well as his coat’s health and sheen depend on a diet of protein-rich food.
Moreover, dogs do not have the capacity to effectively digest too much fiber. The fiber in cantaloupe helps prevent constipation. Too much fiber, however, can play havoc with your dog’s digestive system (think gas or even diarrhea) so don’t allow your dog to have too much of this treat.
If you are giving the fruit to your dog for the first time, consult with your veterinarian first so that you know what appropriate amount to give. It is particularly important to practice portion control, especially if your dog is diabetic or overweight, as about 8% of the fruit’s weight is attributed to sugar.
Different Ways Your Dog Can Enjoy Cantaloupe
Once your vet gives you the go-signal to serve the yummy cantaloupe to your pooch, you have several options on how to prepare this cool, light, and delicious snack for your dog. Regardless of how you serve this treat, always take off the rind. You don’t want it to upset your pet’s digestive system. You don’t want your pooch to choke on it either.
- If you want to keep things simple, just peel the cantaloupe, remove the seeds, cut the cantaloupe into small manageable chunks, and feed your dog your veterinarian-recommended portion.
- If you want to surprise your dog with a refreshing treat on a humid afternoon, freeze bite-sized pieces of the fruit. These frozen cantaloupe nuggets are also useful as scrumptious teething treats for puppies.
- If you have more cantaloupe in your hands than you can handle, dehydrate the fruit and enjoy the dried chewy-fruity snack with your dog once in a while.
- If your dog is not allergic to dairy, mix some cantaloupe with yogurt to make a healthy and delectable fruit smoothie. You can also add chunks of mango, peach, or strawberries. Serve the smoothie fresh from the blender or freeze it in an ice tray for your dog to enjoy in small amounts later. (Read the label on the yogurt to ensure that it does not contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to man’s best friend).
