Melon is one of the most delicious fruits that exist. It combines the two most important aspects that food must have, that is, an incredible flavor and a very interesting nutritional value for human health. And it is that thanks to its properties it provides great benefits for the body, so it is reasonable to think that dogs can also eat it by giving them a portion.
More and more people are trying to give their dogs the benefits of a diet based on fresh and natural products. In this sense, you may think that melon is a good fruit for them, but it is important to check it before giving it to them. To find out if dogs can eat melon, what benefits this food brings to their health and how to give it to them responsibly, we recommend that you continue reading this article.
Can dogs eat melon or not?
The short answer to this question is yes: dogs can eat cantaloupe. The properties of this fruit are very beneficial for dogs at all stages of their growth and development.
However, it is important that you take some precautions when offering melon to your little furry to avoid possible adverse effects on their health. It is essential to understand that dogs need to consume a large dose of protein every day, being the basis of their diet and with which they fully satisfy their nutritional needs.
Therefore, fruit is not a fundamental part of their diet. They should only eat it as a compliment. In addition, you must bear in mind that all fruits, such as melons, have a high content of a type of sugar of natural origin known as fructose, which is converted into glucose molecules when the digestive process ends.
The consequences of excessive consumption of vegetables and fruits rich in fructose, starch, and other natural sugars can be harmful, inducing weight gain in your dog and favoring obesity symptoms. Melon also has a good amount of fiber, so excessive consumption can cause digestive problems in the animal, such as diarrhea and the accumulation of gases in the gastrointestinal tract.
For all these reasons, you should give your dog melon in small quantities so that he can benefit from its properties and avoid the adverse effects of excessive consumption. we recommend you consult a veterinarian before introducing melon and any other food in your furry friend’s diet to find out what the impact will be on his health and what quantities are most recommended according to the dog’s weight, size, and breed.
Benefits of giving melon to your dog
Melon provides multiple health benefits thanks to the properties it contains. They are the following:
- It is rich in vitamin C or ascorbic acid, which is, one of the most powerful natural antioxidants, being able to combat the action of free radicals and, therefore, cellular aging.
- Vitamin C is a fundamental nutrient for the proper development and strengthening of the dog’s immune system, thus contributing to the prevention of different common diseases in dogs. In this sense, the moderate consumption of melon is very positive in puppies that are in the process of growing, with natural defenses in formation and being more vulnerable to diseases such as distemper and parvovirus.
- The consumption of melon helps to prevent the symptoms related to the old age of your little furry and to an optimal absorption of the nutrients from his diet. In this way, the loss of muscle mass is avoided, a detrimental factor in terms of mobility and physical resistance.
- Cantaloupe has a high water content. Its consumption helps keep your dog hydrated and prevents disorders related to insufficient fluid intake, such as urinary tract infections.
- The natural antioxidants of melon, the vitamins, and the carotenoids it contains make it a very beneficial food for your dog’s skin and hair health, as it helps prevent dehydration and other skin problems, such as skin allergies.
- Melon contains a high percentage of fiber, a component that favors the active and stable maintenance of intestinal transit. Therefore, it helps to avoid constipation and stomach upset in dogs.
How to give melon to a dog?
To give melon to your dog responsibly, it is very important that you remove the skin and the seeds since both parts of this fruit are much more difficult to digest than the pulp. Regarding the pulp, we recommend chopping it so that it can be chewed more easily.
If it is the first time that you offer melon, do it in a small portion. In the 12 hours after your digestion, see how you feel and, in case you have any digestive problems, consult your vet.
The amount that your dog can eat melon depends on its state of health, weight, and size, but in general, a maximum of 4 or 5 daily servings is recommended. If you mix the melon with other fruits, reduce the amount of melon so that it does not consume more sugar than it should.
