Can I give my dog cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe is popular in the summer and your dog knows it! They see this juicy melon and, of course, they also want a taste. Sharing with a best bud seems harmless and even healthy.

Video: Dog eats cantaloupe

It’s true cantaloupe isn’t harmful for dogs. This fruit, however, may not agree with their stomach. If your pet can partake, this melon has anti-inflammatory qualities and many other benefits.

Start by serving a small amount of cantaloupe. See if your dog can tolerate it. Let’s look at nutritional facts and other considerations relevant to this fruit as it applies to canines.

Can I Give My Dog Cantaloupe? Answer: Yes, in moderation

It makes for a refreshing and healthy treat, assuming it doesn’t cause diarrhea.

We’ve found a consistently great way to incorporate quality fruity dog treats in our household. Many fruits, including cantaloupe, can be fed to dogs but they shouldn’t be a mainstay of their diet. Cantaloupe has a lot of sugar and lacks protein. Think of it as a healthy treat to provide to your dog tactfully. Sliced cantaloupe or watermelon are good for sharing when the weather’s hot!

Due to the high sugar content, it’s best to avoid giving cantaloupe to diabetic dogs.

Cantaloupe’s Nutritional Value

Though your dog’s digestive tract is faster than that of a human, they can also absorb some of nature’s gifts delivered in the form of a tasty cantaloupe.

This orange-colored melon fruit contains high levels vitamin C, vitamin A and beta-Carotene which may be good for eyesight. It’s also a great source of potassium, fiber and folic acid.

Your buddy likely gets sufficient levels of these vitamins from their dog food. Canines produce their own vitamin C under normal circumstances. That doesn’t mean cantaloupe can’t be healthy and enjoyable for dogs.

Video: Dog hates cantaloupe

Cantaloupes are in the same plant family as pumpkins and cucumbers which are also four-legged friend friendly.

Antioxidants & Older Dogs

If your dog is getting up in years, cantaloupe makes sense. It has excellent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some older dogs may not produce sufficient levels of vitamin C which contributes to poor health.

Cantaloupe, in this sense, can be a great food supplement. It’s difficult to know if your dog actually needs the extra vitamins. If they can handle this fruit, it can be beneficial for such cases.

How to Serve This Melon

There are a few helpful tips to know when sharing cantaloupe or muskmelon. For one, don’t let your dog eat or lick the outside surface.

It’s been know to carry potentially harmful bacteria such as Salmonella. So, discard the outside layer as well as the seeds. They can also be tough on your dog’s stomach.

A normal serving size for dogs is two slices. It depends on your canine’s size. Start out with a small 1 or 2 inch wedge. See how they take to it. This way you’ll know if cantaloupe is something you can share.

Conclusion on Cantaloupe

You can give cantaloupe to a dog. Also known as Cucumis melo, it’s a healthy fruit for canines. Animals, though, don’t require fruits like people do. Older dogs, lacking in vitamin C, may benefit from some cantaloupe. It contains important vitamins. Keep an eye on Fido, especially when feeding cantaloupe the first time. Dogs are known to react to fruits with diarrhea.

Reviews & Comments