Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?

There are so many foods that humans eat without thinking twice about it; meat, vegetables, fruit, bread, snacks, candy, and more.

Almost everyone knows that chocolate is off-limits along with raisins, grapes, and onions. But how about a delicious natural delight like cantaloupe?

The answer is yes, you sure can, and Cantaloupe could even be hugely beneficial for our canine companions!

Read on below to learn the health benefits of canteloupe and the nuances of feeding it to your dog.

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Health Benefits of Cantaloupe for Dogs

Cantaloupe, the orange-colored melon, is loved all over the world and is surprisingly low in calories thanks to its elevated water content.

It is a snack that helps your dog to stay hydrated on hot summer days, and the sweet taste of it is likely to attract even the fussiest eater!

Cantaloupe has plenty of vitamin B6, vitamin A, vitamin C, niacin, folate, and dietary fiber – all known to be hugely beneficial for the canine body.

It can promote healthier skin and coat (for your fur friend to get rid of dandruff and regain luster and shine), improve brain function, aid with digestion, and it works as a great complement to a natural and healthy diet.

Dietary fiber is beneficial for dogs with sensitive stomachs, loose stool, reoccurring diarrhea, and stomach pain, and could help get their metabolism back on track.

The natural source of antioxidants slows down cell aging, boosts the immune system, and has the potential to greatly reduce the risk of certain illnesses and diseases; setting your furry family member up for a long and hopefully healthy life.

This does not necessarily mean that Cantaloupe is a miracle supplement, but nothing bad has ever come from providing a dog with additional vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber; however – just like with everything else – cantaloupe should be fed in moderation.

It is important to know that cantaloupe or any other vegetable or fruit should not replace a protein-rich diet, as dogs need protein for their bodies to function properly, but it is a healthy and safe snack to be given on the side.

The seeds are also considered safe, but you should avoid feeding them to your dog on purpose, as they may present a certain choking risk. Remove the seeds (but don’t worry if you accidentally leave a couple behind) and feed your dog the melon slices he or she has been begging to have a bite of.

Ways to Feed Cantaloupe to Your Dog

The easiest way to treat your pooch to some Cantaloupe is by cutting it up and feeding it in small pieces, or by giving them a slice they can bite chunks off themselves.

If you decide to cut it, just make sure that the pieces are either small enough for your dog to eat without the risk of choking or leave them large enough so that they must chew on them little by little.

This especially applies if you have an enthusiastic eater on your hands, and one that (literally) jumps at the chance of swallowing anything whole.

You can use small pieces of Cantaloupe as fun and healthy training treats so that you can train at home without the risk of your dog packing on pounds. If it is hot outside and if you want the training session to be less messy – consider freezing the Cantaloupe before slicing it and using it as treats, and just make sure the pieces are small enough.

Freezing larger chunks is only recommended if it is big enough not to present a choking hazard and could then work as an entertaining and durable chew treat for warm weather.

Cantaloupe may not be ideal for games that involve searching or fetching, as the fruit does not have a strong enough scent for your dog to find it easily. Instead, use it as a treat on its own – frozen or as is – or add it to a meal to make a regular kibble or wet food diet more interesting.

Risks Associated with Cantaloupe

The fruit itself along with the seeds are both perfectly safe to feed dogs of all ages and sizes, but one should be careful with the rinds. The Cantaloupe rinds, just like watermelon rinds, can cause stomach problems in dogs; resulting in diarrhea, loose stools and pain, and in a worst-case scenario – obstruction. Y

ou don’t want your delicious cantaloupe treat to cause an emergency visit at the vet’s office, so take precautions by removing the rinds before passing the slice over to your dog.

Cantaloupe is not known to cause allergies or sensitivities, but if you notice any signs of irritation – such as red and itchy skin – after giving your fur buddy a few bites, you will want to consult your veterinarian to make sure it is fully safe and recommendable to continue feeding Cantaloupe melon.

All dogs are different, after all, and what works for one might not be ideal for another.

Conclusion

You have nothing to worry about when your dog starts looking at you with those large and beaming puppy eyes, and it is perfectly okay for you to share the joy something as simple as a cantaloupe can come to bring. S

lice it up, place it in a bowl and have your furry bestie try a piece to see if he or she likes it.

If your dog has never had melon before, you might have to do a little convincing before they will agree to try it, but once they do – you probably won’t ever get to eat Cantaloupe undisturbed ever again. Sharing is caring as they say, and a few bites of Cantaloupe is probably a lot healthier for your dog than most store-bought treats and dog chews.