Melon is a delicious fruit that perfectly combines flavor and nutrition, since it has a high nutritional value for human he alth. For this reason, it is quite common for people who live with dogs to ask themselves: "Can I give my dog melon?".
In recent years, more and more owners have realized the benefits of providing their dogs with a more natural and fresh diet and, for this reason, many have even changed industrialized diets for a diet BARF or ACBA (raw and biologically appropriate for your dogs). In addition, various fruits and vegetables that dogs can eat offer many essential nutrients to strengthen the immune system and promote digestion of our best friends. But, can dogs eat melon? In this article on our site, we will talk about the properties of melon for dogs and how to offer this fruit so as not to cause any kind of harm.
Nutritional composition of melon
To know if a dog can eat melon it is essential to observe the nutritional composition of this fruit. Knowing its nutrients makes it much easier to recognize the benefits of melon for your dog and the precautions to be taken when introducing it into its diet. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) database[1], 100 grams of fresh melonprovide the following nutrients:
- Total energy: 34 kcal
- Proteins: 0.84 g
- Total fat: 0.19 g
- Carbs: 8.16 g
- Fibers: 0.9g
- Sugars: 7, 86 g
- Water: 90, 15g
- Calcium: 9 mg
- Iron: 0.21 mg
- Phosphorus: 15 mg
- Magnesium: 12 mg
- Potassium: 267 mg
- Sodium: 16 mg
- Zinc: 0.18mg
- Vitamin A: 169 µg
- β-carotene: 303 μg
- Vitamin B1: 0.04 mg
- Vitamin B2: 0.02 mg
- Vitamin B3: 0.73 mg
- Vitamin B6: 0.07 mg
- Vitamin C: 36.7 mg
- Vitamin E: 0.050 mg
- Vitamin K: 2.5 mg
- Folate: 21Μg
Benefits of melon for dogs
After reviewing the nutritional table above, we can see that the melon is rich in vitamin C or ascorbic acid, which is one of the antioxidants most powerful natural, capable of combating the action of free radicals and cell aging. In addition, vitamin C is an essential nutrient for the proper development and strengthening of the immune system, helping to prevent various common diseases in dogs. Therefore, moderate and regular consumption of melon can be very positive for puppies that are in full growth and whose natural defenses are still forming, being more vulnerable to potentially lethal conditions such as parvovirus and distemper. However, the benefits of melon for older dogs are also very relevant, since they can contribute to the prevention of the symptoms of old age and a better absorption of nutrients from their diet, avoiding the loss of muscle mass that impairs mobility. and physical endurance.
On the other hand, melon is a fruit with a high water content, so it helps keep dogs well hydrated and prevents various disorders resulting from insufficient fluid intake, such as urinary tract infections. The water contained in fruits such as melon and watermelon also has a diuretic and purifying effect, helping to eliminate toxins and maintain a balanced metabolism.
The combination of the purifying effect with natural antioxidants, vitamins and carotenoids makes the melon also a he althy food for the skin and hair he alth of dogs, preventing dehydration and skin problems such as skin allergies.
Finally, it is important to highlight that the melon provides a good fiber content, a component that helps maintain active intestinal transit and stable, avoiding stomach upset and constipation in dogs.
Can dogs eat melon?
So, can you give melon to your dog? The answer is yes ! As we have seen, there are several properties of melon for dogs at all stages of their development. However, it is very important to take certain precautions when offering this fruit to animals to avoid adverse he alth effects. In this sense, it is essential to understand that dogs need to consume a good dose of protein daily to fully meet their nutritional needs. Although the dog is now considered to be a facultative omnivore due to the domestication process and therefore can eat a wide variety of foods, meat and fish are still the best protein for dogs.
It is also important to note that all fruits, including cantaloupe, are high in a type of natural sugar called fructose, which is converted into glucose molecules at the end of the digestive process. As a result, excessive consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in fructose, starch and other natural sugars can lead to rapid weight gain in dogs, favoring the symptoms of obesity. In addition, melon and watermelon have a considerable level of fiber, so excessive consumption could cause digestive problems in dogs, such as diarrhea and gas accumulation in the gastrointestinal tract.
For all of the above, it is essential to consult a veterinarian before introducing any new food into the dog's diet to ensure a safe and beneficial consumption. Only a properly trained professional can determine the most appropriate dose and frequency of consumption based on your dog's size, age, weight and he alth.
Can dogs eat honeydew melon?
Yes, dogs can eat melon in all its versions, since, in general, all types of melon offer the same Benefits. What really matters is how to give this fruit to avoid digestive problems. We explain it to you in the next section.
How to give melon to a dog?
Now that you know that dogs can eat melon, you are probably wondering what is the best way to offer this fruit to your best friend. Before giving melon to a dog it is essential to remove the seeds and the skin, since both parts of the fruit are more difficult to digest than the pulp. So, if you are wondering if melon rind is good for dogs, the answer is that in small amounts it does not have to cause damage, but it is always better to avoid consuming it. As for the pulp, we recommend chopping it so you can chew it better.
If you are giving your dog melon for the first time, be sure to offer a small portion and observe how he feels and behaves within 12 hours of ingestion The goal is to see if he assimilates the fruit correctly or, on the contrary, it causes some digestive problem.
Melon quantity for dogs
The amount of melon a dog can consume will depend on its size, weight and he alth. However, it is generally recommended not to consume more than 4 or 5 servings per day. If you decide to mix the melon with other fruits, be sure to reduce this amount to prevent your dog from consuming too much sugar at once.
A great way to incorporate melon into your dog's diet is to use this fruit as a positive reinforcement in his education to stimulate learning. Every time your dog performs a positive behavior, you can offer a piece of melon to reward him and encourage him to continue learning.
In addition to offering melon as a natural reward, you can give it during hot weather to prevent dehydration. In this sense, it is common for you to ask yourself what other refreshing fruits like this can dogs take. For example, many people wonder the following: "Can dogs eat melon, and watermelon?". The truth is that these animals can also consume watermelon, since there are also many benefits that this fruit offers them. Now, like everything, it is necessary to know how to offer it. In the following article we talk about it: "Can dogs eat watermelon?".
Other good fruits for dogs
If you have decided to start incorporating natural foods into your dog's diet, you will be interested in knowing more fruits and vegetables that are good for dogs. Focusing on fruits, we answer the most common questions below:
Can dogs eat tangerines?
Yes! They can eat tangerine, however, as it is a citrus fruit, not all dogs accept it. Likewise, precisely because of this condition, it is convenient not to abuse its consumption, as well as remove the seeds before offering a segment.
Can dogs eat coconut?
Also! In fact, both natural coconut and coconut water and coconut oil provide many he alth benefits for dogs. For example, it provides vitamins and minerals, it has healing, energizing and antioxidant properties.
Can dogs eat cherries?
Yes, dogs can eat cherries but without the stem and without the pit inside. In addition, they are a perfect prize to work on positive reinforcement.
Can dogs eat peaches?
You can also eat peaches and apricots because they are fruits with a large amount of fiber, so they are ideal for balancing intestinal transit. In addition, they provide iron and antioxidants.
Foods dogs can't eat
We have seen some of the beneficial foods for dogs, but what toxic foods for dogs are there? In the following video we show forbidden fruits for dogs and other foods that are better to avoid:
