Can Dogs Eat Yellow Watermelon?
You just took your dog on a midday walk, and when you return home, he is hungry. You can’t give him food yet because it is not feeding time. You check your cupboard, but there are no snacks for him. Luckily, you see a yellow watermelon in your fruit basket. But, you hesitate to give it to your pup. Is it safe for him?
There is a lot of confusion surrounding yellow watermelons. Some people opt not to eat them because they “aren’t natural.” Today, we will look at yellow watermelons and whether you can give them to your dog.
What are Yellow Watermelons?
They are a fruit belonging to the same family as the red and pink watermelon. They have the same outward appearance as the other melons, with a hard, striped dark green rind.
Yellow watermelons have the same sizes and strikingly similar exteriors as their counterparts, and there is no way to tell the difference from the outside.
You can only tell the difference once you open them up; the flesh is a vibrant yellow. Although they have the same texture as red melons, this variety is sweeter, tasting more like honey. Unlike red watermelons, you will not have to gamble on whether the melon you get will be sweet or not; they all are.
Despite what most people believe, yellow watermelons are natural and not genetically modified. The color is a natural mutation. It is a novelty for most people, and farmers prefer it because of that.
Their sweeter tastes make them quite popular and in high demand, which explains why finding one is hard.
Are There Other Colors of Watermelons?
While on the topic of watermelons, it might interest you to know that more colors of watermelons exist. For example, there are orange watermelons that have the same sweet taste as the yellow ones.
White watermelons are another type and come in wide varieties. However, you have to be careful with these ones, as some, such as the Cream of Saskatchewan, can have an unpleasant taste. They can be sweet, but they are no match for the yellow ones.
Are Yellow Watermelons Safe for Dogs
If you are unsure whether your dog can eat yellow watermelons or other colored melons, you can rest assured that they can. The only difference between red watermelons and the different colored ones is a pigment called lycopene.
Red watermelons contain a lot of lycopene, which the other melon varieties lack. Examples of other fruits rich in lycopene are pink grapefruit and tomatoes. Just because a yellow watermelon doesn’t contain lycopene doesn’t make it any different from the other melons.
Like their red cousins, yellow watermelons are chockfull of antioxidants and vitamins that will benefit your pup’s health. They are also super hydrating as they comprise 92% water and make a great and satiating snack for hot days.
Health Benefits
Yellow watermelons are an excellent fruit for your dog because of their numerous health benefits. Some of the health benefits of yellow watermelons are:
1. Source of Antioxidants
These melons contain antioxidants that reduce the effects of aging in dogs. They also help reduce inflammation by neutralizing inflammation agents.
2. Contains Vitamins
The fruit is an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Vitamin A promotes healthy eyes and helps maintain vision. The vitamin can keep your pup’s retinas healthy and improve their functionality. This makes yellow watermelons perfect for aging dogs or dogs with vision problems.
Yellow melons also contain a healthy amount of Vitamin C, which has anti-aging properties. It is good for your dog’s skin and maintains the blood vessels’ elasticity. This can prevent wrinkles or reduce their appearance, which is helpful for older dogs.
3. Energy Source
Yellow watermelons contain 12 grams of carbohydrates in one cup of chopped fruit. While this might seem like a lot, it is necessary for your dog. Carbs are your dog’s primary energy source, enabling them to run around and play all day long.
A lack of enough carbohydrates makes the cells turn to fat for energy. Although this might be good for overweight dogs, it weakens their muscles and reduces their metabolism. Yellow watermelons are the safest option in this case.
The amount of carbs is also not too high. The 12g of carbs are mostly made up of sugar and carbohydrates. The sugars will not affect your dog’s health as they get isolated by the fruit’s fiber and slowly release into their bloodstream, not harming your pooch.
4. Adequate Fiber Content
Like most fruits, yellow watermelons contain a generous amount of fiber. This is necessary for your pup’s gut health. Fiber promotes healthy bowel movements, adding bulk to stool. This can alleviate symptoms of constipation and diarrhea in your canine.
The fiber also helps fight bad bacteria in their stomachs. It is converted into fatty acids that stop bad bacteria from overgrowing. It also protects your dog’s colon and helps it recover quickly in case of injury.
5. A Low-Calorie Food
A cup of chopped melon contains 46 calories, which is fewer calories than what most other fruits offer. This makes it a healthy snack for dogs with weight issues.
Moreover, the fiber in the fruit is bulky, making your dog feel fuller for longer. You can give your dog yellow watermelon as a snack between feeding times to prevent him from eating unpleasant things.
6. Has Beta Carotene
Most people prefer red melons because of lycopene, which is a powerful antioxidant. Although yellow watermelons don’t have it, they substitute that by being rich in beta-carotene. This is also a powerful antioxidant, mostly found in carrots.
The compound is converted into Vitamin A, improving your dog’s vision. Because it is an antioxidant, beta-carotene also helps prevent cancer. It fights free radicals, reducing their effects on the cells and the risk of multiple types of cancer. It also has anti-aging properties that will keep your dog younger for longer, with a healthier coat and an improved immune system.
How Much Yellow Watermelon Can a Dog Eat
Although there are no clear guidelines to the amount of watermelons a dog can eat, you still have to be moderate. You can choose the amount you think is safe for your dog depending on their size; bigger dog breeds can have more than smaller breeds.
You should also consider the 10% rule when dealing with the fruit. It states that your dog’s snack should not exceed 10% of its total caloric intake. You and your vet can determine the calories necessary for a day. You then have to ensure the amount of yellow watermelon they eat doesn’t exceed the recommended amount.
When feeding the watermelon to your dog for the first time, it is best to offer only a few pieces and see their reaction. You can then increase the amount gradually.
Note the amount they can eat without being too full for their food later. A decently sized wedge is the safest option. Don’t give your dog yellow watermelons daily; two or three times a week is enough.
Can Dogs Eat
There is more to watermelon than just the flesh. Knowing what parts your dog can eat keeps it safe and prevents it from certain dangers.
So, can dogs eat:
Watermelon Rind?
Don’t let your dog eat the watermelon rind. It can irritate the GI tract and lead to diarrhea. The rind might also be full of pesticides and other harmful chemicals for your dog. Simply washing the rind doesn’t get rid of them and will put your dog at risk.
The rind is also a choking hazard. Your pup might swallow a huge chunk, and because it is hard to chew, it can get stuck in its throat and choke it. Even if your pup swallows the rind, it is hard to digest; the undigested rind can cause intestinal blockage, which is a life-threatening condition that puts your dog’s life at risk.
Watermelon Seeds?
Yellow watermelon seeds are hazardous for dogs. They can cause intestinal blockage when eaten in large quantities. You should, therefore, remove the seeds before feeding the fruit to your dog.
It is not a problem if you miss a few as your dog can easily pass them out, but ensure you get most of them. You can also try to find the seedless yellow watermelon variety as it is much safer for your pooch.
How to Serve Yellow Watermelon to Dogs
There are different ways to give yellow watermelon to your furry friend, starting with serving it raw. If you choose this option, remove the seeds and chop the flesh into small pieces to prevent choking.
You can also opt for frozen treats, such as a watermelon Popsicle that they can chew on. To do this, you blend the watermelon’s flesh, pour it into a mold, and freeze it for a couple of hours. Do not add sugar to the mixture, as the melon contains enough sugar.
Final Thoughts
You can give your dog a piece of yellow watermelon to cool him down and keep him full until mealtime. It is super hydrating, contains valuable nutrients, and makes for a sweet treat.
Remove the skin and seeds, then chop the watermelon into small pieces before offering it to your pup. Practice moderation and ensure you don’t overfeed your dog to prevent stomach upsets.
Further Reading: