As pet owners, we often wonder if our dogs can enjoy the same delicacies as us. At the very least, we need to know this information in the case our dogs ever accidentally consume our food. Today, let’s talk about the delicious and nutritious honeydew melon. Is the honeydew melon safe for dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Honeydew?
The quick answer would be yes, honeydew (also known as Casaba Melon) is non-toxic to dogs and completely safe for canine consumption in small amounts.
In fact, honeydew has many nutritional benefits for dogs. This melon is low in calories, with only 61 calories contained in one cup. There is no fat or cholesterol in a serving of honeydew melon, and instead it is chock full of potassium and important vitamins.
Additionally, the antioxidant content of this fruit is very high. Like all melons, honeydew is also very hydrating, as it has a water content of 90%!
How Can Dogs Eat Honeydew?
The best way to feed your dog honeydew melon is as a snack. Because the flesh of this fruit is firm, you can easily make melon balls with a melon baller. Substitute honeydew melon in place of your dog’s favorite treat.
If your dog is overweight you can replace a small amount of your pet’s food with honeydew melon. The high fiber content will help your dog feel full without packing on additional calories.
On warm days you can freeze honeydew melon balls and give them as refreshing (and hydrating) treats after a hot walk or play session. This trick is especially useful for dogs that do not drink enough water.
Finally, you can prepare an antioxidant-rich smoothie treat your pet by combining plain yogurt and fruits such as honeydew, blueberries, and banana in a blender and then freezing the mixture in popsicle molds. Your dog will love this treat on a hot day!
Precautions when Feeding your Dog Honeydew
No Honeydew Seeds for Your Doggy!
When feeding your dog honeydew melon, you must first remove the seeds from the fruit. Like most fruit seeds, honeydew seeds also contain cyanide and can cause potential problems in the digestive tract.
No Rind Either!
Also, just like when feeding your dog some watermelon, remove the rind before feeding some honeydew to your dog, as it indigestible.
Only a Small Portion of Honeydew is Okay for Dogs!
Additionally, honeydew melon is full of fiber, meaning that you should only feed this fruit to your dog in small doses. If your dog eats too much of this green melon, he or she could develop diarrhea or an upset stomach.
How Much Honeydew Is Okay for Dogs?
Like most fruit, honeydew contains quite a lot of dietary fiber, which beneficial for dogs in small amounts, but can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in large amounts. Because of that it’s definitely best to avoid feeding your dog fruits in abundance, but how much is okay?
The amount of honeydew or other fruit that is okay for your dog to eat, depends on your dog’s size. Small dogs should not be fed more than a one or two small pieces of honeydew or other fruit, but large dogs can handle a bit more (around 4 or 5 small pieces).
However, if it’s the first time for your dog to eat honeydew, then I would not recommend to give more than 2 small pieces, even if your dog is a giant. This is important because you’ll never know how your dog’s stomach reacts to a new food item, so it’s best to introduce new food in small amounts.
Can Puppies Too Eat Honeydew?
Adult dogs can eat honeydew, but what about puppies? Can small pups enjoy this delicious fruit as well or do they have to wait until they are fully grown?
Puppies too can eat honeydew and other fruits that are safe for dogs. If your pup is already eating other solid foods, then giving him or her some honeydew is perfectly safe. Just keep in mind that puppies usually have a bit more sensitive stomachs than adult dogs, so only give your dog pup a very small piece of honeydew at first to make sure it doesn’t cause a stomach upset.
Conclusion on Can Dogs Eat Honeydew?
Honeydew is not only safe for dogs to eat, but it can actually make great treat for your doggy. However, when you decide to introduce this fruit to your dog, remember to remove the toxic seeds and the inedible rind. And also don’t forget to keep an eye on the amount of honeydew your dog eats.
Does your dog like to eat honeydew? What about other fruits? We would love to know, so please join the discussion in the comments below!