Can Dogs Eat Honeydew?

Yes, honeydew makes a great snack for dogs. This tasty melon can aid in digestion, hydration, and boosting the immune system. But, like any treat, it’s best in moderation and there are potential risks to keep in mind before feeding to your pup. We talked with Dr. Antje Joslin, a veterinarian at Dogtopia, about the specifics of honeydew and your dog.

Nutrition facts: Honeydew for dogs

Is honeydew good for dogs?

Honeydew can be a healthy treat for your dog that comes with some potential benefits:

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• Hydration: A high water content with few calories is great for hydrating your dog.

• Digestion: Honeydew is packed with dietary fiber that helps alleviate constipation and keeps your dog feeling fuller.

• Immunity: Being rich in potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6 can boost your dog’s immune system.

“Honeydew is low in calories and contains potassium, fiber, and vitamins B6 and C,” Dr. Joslin says. “It’s also high in water, which can help keep your dog hydrated.”

Can dogs eat honeydew rind?

No, you should avoid feeding your dog any honeydew with the rind still on it. The rind is hard to digest and can lead to GI upset or intestinal blockages. The seeds are also good to remove. They may not be toxic to dogs, but they are also difficult to digest in large quantities and pose a choking hazard in small dogs. Dr. Joslin says it’s especially important to remove both the rinds and the seeds before letting your dog go anywhere near this fruit.

Are honeydew melons completely safe for dogs?

While honeydew is a generally healthy snack, it’s also high in sugar and should be given sparingly to your dog to avoid obesity and GI issues. To be clear, there are not ideal treats for dogs with diabetes because of the sugar content. “Melons are naturally high in sugar, so limit the amount and frequency of feeding fruit to your pet,” Dr. Joslin adds.

And, like we mentioned, the rind and seeds can cause an upset stomach and potential intestinal blockages in dogs and should be removed before feeding them.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

• If you want the protein and fiber contents without the sugar, green beans are a great food additive for your dog.

• Similar to honeydew, mangos are rich in fiber and vitamin C, but should be given in moderation because of the high sugar content.

• Sweet potatoes are loaded with nutrients, such as Vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium, fiber, and magnesium.

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Other foods that are dangerous

• While we enjoy it and wish our dog could, too, chocolate is at the top of the “don’t feed” list.

• Unfortunately, sharing your ice cream on a hot day isn’t in the cards for your dog.

• Pecans may be an easy snack for us, but they are extremely toxic to dogs.

The bottom line: Can dogs eat human food?

There are human foods that are safe for your dog to eat, including honeydew. But before feeding your dog anything new, it’s important to talk with your vet about potential risks. This is especially true for dogs with underlying health conditions, like diabetes or hypothyroidism. And it’s important to remember that treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet. Even healthy treats should always be introduced slowly and given in moderation!

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FAQs (People also ask):

Can dogs eat honeydew?

Yes, honeydew is safe for dogs to eat, but should be given in moderation due to the high sugar content. It’s also important for pet parents to remove the seeds and rind before feeding to avoid stomach upset and potential intestinal blockages.

Is honeydew good for dogs?

Honeydew contains a variety of nutrients like vitamins B6, C, and K, along with potassium and magnesium that can aid in digestion and boost the immune system. It’s also high in sugar, though, and should be given sparingly to avoid GI issues and obesity.

How much honeydew can a dog eat?

The exact amount your dog can eat will depend on their size, but typically a small handful of cut-up honeydew is enough for your dog to enjoy without overdoing it.

References:

• UC Davis Vet Med

• Healthline.com