Keeping track of which fruits are safe for dogs to consume as a dog parent might be difficult. Is it true that dogs can eat cantaloupe?
In moderation, the delicious melon is acceptable for pets and maybe a good substitute for traditional goodies, especially if your dog is overweight.
Even the seeds are non-toxic, but you should avoid giving them to your dog on purpose because they might be a choking hazard.
However, this does not mean you would have to keep your canine away from this juicy and refreshing treat. Just be careful and do not go overboard with it.
Read the blog to get complete details.
Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe Safely?
Yes, your dog can safely consume cantaloup but keep track of the amount.
Cantaloupe is delicious and refreshing, even on a hot summer day or at any other time of year. Cantaloupe, like other melons, has high water content and is packed with nutrients for people, but are they harmful to your dog if you eat them together?
You may believe that serving melon to your dog is acceptable, but it all depends on the type of fruit and, most significantly, the amount of fruit you give him.
Cantaloupe is toxic to dogs if given in an excessive amount. Some things are okay in limited quantities, and cantaloupe is one of them. Luckily, you can learn all about how to feed it to your dog without making them ill and about the proper and right dosage in this blog.
Is Cantaloupe Good for My Dog?
Cantaloupe is high in dietary fiber and source of vitamin B6, niacin, folate, folic acid, beta carotene, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. It's also low in calories and high in water content, making it a satisfying thirst quencher without weighing you down.
Vitamins A and C are important antioxidants in dog nutrition, as they protect cells from damage and cell degeneration. Free radicals are molecules that may cause harm if left untreated.
Antioxidants in this fruit slow cell aging, promote proper cell function and help to prevent certain illnesses by limiting free radical formation. The high water content and fiber components of cantaloupe help in keeping your dog hydrated.
While it may appear to be a simple question if your dog can eat cantaloupe with you, it becomes a little complex. So, the simple answer is yes. Cantaloupe is a relatively safe fruit for dogs to consume.
It's always good practice to introduce any new food slowly so you can tell quickly whether your dog has any allergies related to it.
The health benefits of cantaloupe for people are well-known, but the advantages that may be highlighted elsewhere are poorly studied, and feeding it to your dog does not imply that you should do so without taking precautions.
Cantaloupe is high in nutrients and low in calories, with a decent source of water and fiber. With everything else, moderation is important. Cantaloupe has plenty of nutritional value and little calorie content.
Excess calories, on top of a balanced diet, can cause canine obesity, which can wreak havoc on your dog's body, particularly if he or she is susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia. This fruit is also extremely rich in sugar and may not be suitable for diabetic dogs.
Consult a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about feeding it.
If you give your dog cantaloupe, be sure to offer them only the flesh without the rind.
How to Give Cantaloupe to Dogs?
It's like with all fruits: The outer layer must be washed and scrubbed clean before usage. Remove the rinds and seeds.
“Can dogs eat cantaloupe melon?”
The cantaloupe melon is the best part. Slice the melon into tiny one to two-inch-thick bite-sized pieces depending on your dog's size, and serve.
“Can dogs eat cantaloupe rind?”
Feeding your dog cantaloupe as a special treat is Okay but not as a substitute for dog food. To give your dog mental stimulation, put the treat in a Kong or another puzzle toy.
Cantaloupe isn't particularly dangerous in and of itself. It's mostly water and sugar, after all. The rind is the real problem, according to Renee Schmid, DVM, DABVT, DABT., a veterinary toxicologist who works with Pet Poison Helpline.
"Large amounts of cantaloupe may cause gastrointestinal upset, but it's fine to eat," Schmid adds. "The rind, however, may be hard to break down and pass."
That's most likely to occur if a dog eats a number of discarded cantaloupe rinds in the trash, but even a small amount of rind may cause diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach upset. Remove the rind and keep it out of your dog's reach.
“Can dogs eat cantaloupe seeds?”
Also, although cantaloupe seeds are indigestible, they may cause nausea and stomach upset in some cases. The cantaloupe's middle section should also be scooped out. Cantaloupe leaves and vines, which are non-toxic, might still cause blockages.
There's also a little chance that cantaloupe, or any human food, will cause an adverse reaction in your dog because they ate too much of it or had a food allergy.
If an acute bout of diarrhea or vomiting does not cease after your dog's diet is supplemented with new food or treats, check with your veterinarian.
How to Prepare Cantaloupe Treats for Your Dog?
"Feeding fruits raw and without adding sugar, added pectin, butter, or salt is best," Delaney advises. "If your instinct is to give your dog raw fruit as a treat (of course, it's safe), you're on the correct track."
Cutting cantaloupe into tiny pieces to avoid choking is the simplest method to offer it as a treat to your dog. Consider freezing small portions of cantaloupe and placing them in a food puzzle if your dog loves playing with interactive toys.
Finally, if your dog can safely digest dairy, consider blending frozen cantaloupe cubes with plain yogurt in a food processor.
Check to see whether the yogurt contains xylitol, which is poisonous to dogs in even tiny doses. Serve fresh or freeze it in little pieces for later consumption.
Cantaloupe Dog Treat Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 a Ripe Cantaloupe
- 2 Tbsp Greek Yogurt
- 1 Tbsp Water
Method:
- Make sure there is adequate clear flat space in the freezer for your molds to freeze properly.
- Clean and wash the melon and cut it before serving.
- Remove the seeds from one-half of the melon and cut them into pieces.
- Cut the rind off a cantaloupe and chop the flesh into little pieces.
- Blend the cantaloupe in a blender until smooth.
- In a small mixing dish, combine 2 Tbsp yogurt and 1 Tbsp water to form a consistent mixture.
- When transferring from the counter to the freezer, place the mold on a cookie sheet or cutting board for support.
- Pour the yogurt mixture into the paw pads.
- Place a layer of pureed cantaloupe on top of each mold.
- Place in the freezer for 2-4 hours or overnight until solid.
How Much Cantaloupe is Too Much for My Dog?
“How much cantaloupe can I give my dog?”
A healthy treat for your dogs is a few small bites here and there. If your dog has an upset stomach or is diabetic, however, this snack is not recommended. When cantaloupe is eaten excessively, it can induce digestive system discomfort in pets.
Consult with your veterinarian if any of the following occur after ingesting a cantaloupe;
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Painful or distended belly
- Lethargy
There are some disadvantages to offering cantaloupe to dogs. Cantaloupe rinds, like those of watermelon, can cause gastrointestinal upset and get caught in your dog's digestive tract. Moreover, they can also cause choking in your dog.
To make sure your dog can digest cantaloupe well, start with a small amount. Cantaloupe is high in sugar, so it's best as a treat and shouldn't be given to dogs with diabetes.
If your dog loves cantaloupe and consumes a big portion, he might experience gas and diarrhea as a result of it, just like you would if you eat too much of this fruit.
So take it easy and try a few bites at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will cantaloupe hurt dogs?
No, safe amounts of cantaloupe can not hurt dogs. However, since cantaloupes are high in sugar they can be dangerous for diabetic dogs and for normal dogs as well if fed in a very high quantity.
Can cantaloupe cause diarrhea in dogs?
Yes, too much quantity of cantaloupe can cause diarrhea in dogs. So, avoid giving your dog too much celery even if he loves it.