Can Chihuahuas Eat Watermelon?

Watermelon is a refreshing and hydrating fruit that is especially popular during the summer months. It’s also packed with a lot of beneficial nutrients. But many pup parents wonder, “Can Chihuahuas eat watermelon?” 

Keep reading to learn the benefits of watermelon for dogs, the potential risks and how to safely incorporate this fruit into your pup’s diet.

Benefits of Watermelon for Chihuahuas

Beyond being delicious, watermelon offers some pretty sweet health benefits:

Very Hydrating

They don’t call it watermelon for nothing. This fruit is composed of roughly 92% water, which makes it a great way to help your pup stay hydrated, especially in hot weather.

Vitamins

Watermelon is rich in vitamins A, B6, and C. Vitamin A supports eye health, vitamin B6 is essential for proper brain function and energy metabolism, and vitamin C boosts the immune system and assists in tissue repair.

Antioxidants

Watermelon contains antioxidants like lycopene, which can help protect cells from damage and support overall health.

Amino Acids

Citrulline is an amino acid found in watermelon that helps improve blood flow and reduce muscle soreness. This can be super beneficial to older pups. 

Fiber

Fiber helps the digestive process and keeps things moving along. This is helpful for pups who suffer from chronic constipation. In addition, fiber feeds the beneficial bacteria in your pup’s gut. And seeing as 80% of your pup’s immune system is in the gut, better gut health = better overall health.

Low-Calorie Treat

If you are a Chihuahua parent, you know these tiny pups can pack on the pounds easily! That’s why it’s important to give them low-calorie treats. And that’s exactly what watermelon is.

Potential Risks of Feeding Watermelon to Chihuahuas

While watermelon offers numerous benefits, there are potential risks to consider:

Seeds

Watermelon seeds can pose a choking hazard and may cause intestinal blockage if ingested. It is crucial to remove all seeds before feeding watermelon to a Chihuahua (or just buy and feed the seedless variety).

Rind

Watermelon rind is very tough and hard for pups to digest. This can cause GI upset or, worse, an intestinal blockage. Only feed watermelon flesh to your pup.

Don’t Feed Too Much

Even healthy foods should be fed to your pup in MODERATION! Too much watermelon can cause GI upset because of the fiber content.

Allergic Reactions

While it’s very rare, it is possible that some dogs may experience an allergic reaction to fruits like watermelon. For this reason, it is advised to start by giving your pup a very small amount and monitor. 

Signs of an allergic reaction include itching, swelling, and gastrointestinal upset. If any of these symptoms occur, discontinue feeding watermelon and consult a veterinarian.

How to Safely Feed Watermelon to Chihuahuas

The following are some guidelines to ensure you feed your pup watermelon safely.

Toss the Rind

Do not ever feed the rind to your Chihuahua. Stick to the soft, red or pink flesh of the watermelon.

Remove Seeds

Ensure that all seeds are removed from the watermelon to prevent choking and intestinal blockage. Seedless watermelon varieties are a convenient and safer option.

Cut into Small Pieces

Your Chihuahua has a very small mouth, so don’t just toss a large chunk in front of her. Be sure to dice the larger pieces into bite-sized snacks that are easy for your pup to chew and swallow.

Moderation is Key

Offer watermelon in moderation. A few small pieces a couple of times a week is enough to provide the nutritional benefits without overloading their system.

Creative Ways to Serve up Watermelon to Your Pup

While your Chihuahua will most likely go nuts for regular watermelon, here are some ways to get creative: 

Frozen Watermelon Bits

Freeze small bites of watermelon for a refreshing and hydrating treat during hot weather.

Watermelon Smoothie

Blend watermelon with a small amount of plain, unsweetened yogurt to create a smoothie that can be served as a cooling treat.

Watermelon Puree

Puree watermelon and mix it into their regular food for some added nutrients and hydration. 

Final Thoughts

Can Chihuahuas eat watermelon? Yes, they absolutely can! As always, we recommend you speak with your vet before adding any new food into your pup’s diet. But as long as you follow some guidelines, your fur baby can enjoy improved hydration, nutrient intake, and digestive health. 

References:

1. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-watermelon/
2. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-watermelon
3. https://wellbeloved.com/blogs/caring-for-dogs/can-dogs-eat-watermelon

 

Disclaimer

The information contained on this blog is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's health care or treatment plan.

The authors of this blog are not veterinarians and do not claim to be experts in pet health. The information provided here is based on our own experiences and research, as well as information from reputable sources. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information.

We encourage you to do your own research and consult with your veterinarian before making any decisions about your pet's health.