Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe is one of those fruits that’s so good it almost passes as dessert; it’s refreshing and filled with nutrients. Many dogs like to eat just about anything their parents are eating, and you feel guilty eating in front of them without sharing.

However, you can’t just share anything you’re consuming with your dog without discovering if it’s safe. We’re going to do just that with cantaloupe. We’ll look into the safety, benefits, potential risks, correct serving sizes, and safe ways to incorporate cantaloupe into recipes, especially for your pup.

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Is cantaloupe safe for dogs to eat?

Regarding safety, which is always the first concern, cantaloupe is indeed safe for your dog. That is if you give it in moderation. It’s not meant to be the main meal. Think of it instead as a treat. This low-calorie, high-water content food is an excellent treat, especially in hot weather. You must, however, prepare it properly to ensure it’s safe. 

Is cantaloupe good for dogs?

There are definite health benefits for your dog if eating cantaloupe. They include:

• Vitamins and minerals: Cantaloupe, for example, contains vitamins A, B6, and C, which support various bodily functions, including immune health and vision. 

• Antioxidants: They help fight oxidative stress, which may help lower the risk of chronic disease. 

Cantaloupe offers several health benefits for dogs:

• Vitamins and minerals: Cantaloupe is a good source of vitamins A, B6, and C, which support various bodily functions, including immune health and vision.

• Antioxidants: The fruit contains antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

• Hydration: The high water content in cantaloupe helps keep your dog from becoming dehydrated during the warmer months. 

Can cantaloupe be bad for dogs?

Despite the benefits of cantaloupe for your pup, there actually are some risks, including:

• High-sugar content: Cantaloupe contains natural sugars, which means a dog with diabetes can’t eat it. Also, if your dog tends to be overweight, feeding it wouldn’t be good. It's best to consult your veterinarian before offering cantaloupe to dogs with these conditions.

• Choking hazard: Dogs can choke on the cantaloupe’s rind, which can also cause intestinal blockage. Always remove the rind and seeds before offering the fruit to your dog.

• Digestive upset: Any new food introduced to your dog can cause intestinal problems. If you give your dog a bit of cantaloupe, start with a small amount and monitor them for vomiting or diarrhea.

How much cantaloupe can dogs eat?

Treats, the category of food that cantaloupe would go in, should never make up more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet. Here’s a rough example of how much cantaloupe your pup should eat: 

• Small dogs: A few small cubes should suffice.

• Medium dogs: A handful of bite-sized pieces is appropriate.

• Large dogs: They can tolerate a bit more, but always in moderation.

Always start with small amounts and monitor your dog for signs of digestive upset.

What if your dog eats too much cantaloupe?

If your dog eats a large amount of cantaloupe, watch for intestinal problems such as: 

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lethargy

• Abdominal discomfort

If any of these signs occur, call your vet right away. 

How to safely feed your dog cantaloupe

Follow these steps before you feed cantaloupe to your dog:

1. Wash thoroughly.

2. Remove rind and seeds.

3. Cut into bite-sized pieces.

Here are some creative ways to serve cantaloupe to your dog:

Putting it in a smoothie

Blend cantaloupe with other dog-safe fruits, such as blueberries or strawberries, and a bit of water to create a refreshing smoothie. Serve it in a bowl or fill a Kong toy with it for a fun treat.

Yogurt

Mix small cantaloupe pieces with plain, unsweetened yogurt for a probiotic-rich snack. Ensure the yogurt does not contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which are toxic to dogs.

Doggie ice cream

Mix puree cantaloupe with plain yogurt or a small amount of peanut butter (ensure it’s xylitol-free). Freeze the mixture in ice cube trays to create dog-friendly ice cream, perfect for hot days. You know how dogs like to play with ice cubes. 

Using it as a food topper

Add finely chopped cantaloupe pieces to your dog’s regular food to entice picky eaters and provide a nutritional boost.

Popsicles

You can create simple popsicles by freezing cantaloupe puree in molds or ice cube trays. For added flavor, you can add other dog-safe fruits or a bit of low-sodium chicken broth.

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Bottom line

Cantaloupe is an excellent warm-weather treat for people and their dogs. It’s safe for dogs if you follow a few steps. Remove the rind and seeds. Wash thoroughly. Cut into small bites. Feed then to your pup as is, or use one of the recipes we mentioned.

If your dog has never eaten cantaloupe, feed them a small amount and monitor them closely afterward. You can provide them with a tasty, refreshing, and nutritious snack following proper preparation methods and portion control.

References

• Soffer, Nitzan, et al. “Bacteriophages Safely Reduce Salmonella Contamination in Pet Food and Raw Pet Food Ingredients.” Bacteriophage, vol. 6, no. 3, 2 July 2016, p. e1220347, https://doi.org/10.1080/21597081.2016.1220347.

• “Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Dogs.” ASPCA, 2015, www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list.