Can German Shepherds eat watermelon?
Yes, they can! Watermelons are nutrient-rich, low cost and popular among humans. They are also loved by German Shepherds. In fact, many German Shepherd owners feed their German Shepherds watermelons to keep them hydrated during the summer.
But you should ask yourself: ‘’Can I feed watermelons for my German Shepherd?’’ The answer is ‘yes’, but there are some things you need to consider before doing so. We will discuss everything about this fruit and your German Shepherd in this article.
Let’s start with the most common question:
Are watermelons safe for German Shepherds?
Watermelons are safe for German Shepherds, but not all of them. Only the flesh of watermelon is safe and nutritious for your German Shepherd. It’s best not to feed your German Shepherd too much watermelon at once, as it can cause stomach upset, cramping, and diarrhea.
If you’re feeding your pet watermelon for the first time, watch for any abnormal signs like vomiting or diarrhea. If you observe any abnormal symptoms after feeding your German Shepherd watermelon, contact your veterinarian immediately.
German Shepherds that are prone to food allergies or digestive issues may be more likely to show a food intolerance or allergic reaction when they eat watermelon.
Benefits of watermelons in German Shepherds
Moisture: Watermelons are 92% water, which means they can help keep your German Shepherd hydrated on hot days and during exercise.
Vitamins A: Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps keep your German Shepherd’s eyes healthy and aids in immune system function. It’s also needed for tissue growth and repair.
Vitamin B Complex: Vitamin B Complex helps break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It also helps with energy production.
Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts immunity and prevents cell damage from free radicals caused by exercise or stress. It also helps heal wounds and fight infections by increasing the body’s supply of white blood cells which fight disease-causing bacteria.”
Lycopene: Lycopene is an antioxidant found in watermelon that may help reduce the risk of cancer in German Shepherds. (That’s because lycopene has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells in lab studies.)
Potassium: Watermelons are also a good source of potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure in German Shepherds.
Do all German Shepherds like watermelons?
Unfortunately, no, your German Shepherds may not like watermelons.
German Shepherds have food preferences and sensitivities, just like humans do. It’s possible that your German Shepherd has never tried watermelon before and is therefore unfamiliar with its taste and texture. Watermelon also has a high water content, so it could upset your German Shepherd’s stomach if they ingest too much at once.
Some German Shepherds can be allergic to watermelon, so it’s important to monitor them closely when they’re eating it for the first time. If you notice any symptoms of allergies, such as itching or swelling around the mouth or paws, then discontinue feeding them this fruit immediately.
Don’t force it if your German Shepherd seems reluctant about eating watermelon—instead try other German Shepherd friendly fruits like bananas, apples or blueberries instead! Consult with your vet before introducing any new foods into your German Shepherd’s diet so they can determine whether there are any potential health risks associated with adding new foods into their daily routine.
Can my German Shepherds have watermelons every day?
There’s no rule on how often German Shepherds can eat watermelon, but we recommend you to vary the treats because your German Shepherds can get bored. Also, different treats contain different nutrients and watermelon is a great source of calcium, so it’s good for them too!
Yes, you can feed German Shepherds the recommended amount of watermelon every day if they like it.
Can German Shepherd puppies eat watermelons?
Yes, German Shepherd puppies can eat watermelons.
However, puppies should be on a specialized puppy diet during the first two months of their life and should not be given any new foods until they are two months old. After that point, you can start your puppy’s watermelon introduction by feeding just a small bite of watermelon once or twice a week and monitoring digestive issues.
The best way to ensure your pup’s safety is to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new food into their diet.
How much watermelon can German Shepherds eat?
It depends on the age, size, and activity level of your German Shepherd.
It is important that you consult with your vet before introducing any new food or treat to your German Shepherd’s diet.
For example, if your German Shepherd is under 20 pounds and active, they could eat 1/2 cup of diced watermelon flesh. If they are over 20 pounds and more sedentary, they could eat 1 cup of diced watermelon flesh.
German Shepherds should only be given watermelon as a treat—not as part of their regular diet. Watermelons are 92% water and contain some sugar, which can cause digestive issues in German Shepherds if they consume too much at once. It is best to always follow the rule of thumb: your German Shepherds need a completely balanced diet; all treats combined should not be over 10% of the total diet.
How to serve watermelons to your German Shepherds?
Watermelons are a great summer treat for your German Shepherd, but you need to be careful about how you serve them.
Foremost, check with your vet before feeding your German Shepherd anything new. Watermelons can be a good source of vitamins and minerals, but the seeds and rind can be dangerous if not cleaned properly.
If you want to serve watermelon chunks, make sure they’re organic and clean them thoroughly before giving them to your German Shepherd. You can also puree the flesh of the watermelon for an easy way to get your German Shepherd all the nutrients without having them chew on any of those nasty seed parts. If you don’t have access to organic watermelons or simply prefer not to go that route, consider making homemade ice cream out of it! Just freeze some chunks overnight, then blend with an egg yolk for added protein (and deliciousness). Another option is dehydrating the flesh and seeds after chopping off the rind—this makes a great chewy treat for German Shepherds.
When are watermelons bad for German Shepherds?
Watermelons are safe for German Shepherds to eat in moderation, but be sure to take care of any underlying health issues before letting your German Shepherd have any.
If your German Shepherd has diabetes or is allergic to watermelon, you should not let them eat it.
It’s also important not to overindulge your German Shepherd with watermelon. If they’re getting too much sugar, they could get a tummy ache.
Watermelon seeds can also be dangerous for German Shepherds because they can become lodged in their digestive tract and cause blockages.
The rinds and skin of watermelons can also cause stomach upset if they’re ingested by your German Shepherd—so make sure that you remove these parts before giving your German Shepherd any part of the melon.
What happens when your German Shepherds eat too much watermelon?
Too much watermelon can be a problem for your German Shepherd. Here are some symptoms you should look out for:
Diarrhea: Your pooch may have a loose stool or diarrhea if they’ve eaten too much watermelon, but just because your German Shepherd has diarrhea doesn’t mean that they ate too much watermelon. It’s important to monitor your German Shepherd’s behavior and activity level to determine whether something is wrong. If they’re lethargic or seem in pain, check with your vet immediately!
Constipation: You might think that constipation is the opposite of diarrhea—but it’s actually another side effect of eating too much watermelon. Watermelons are high in fiber, which can cause constipation in German Shepherds who eat them in excess. Again, look at how your German Shepherd is acting: if they’re lethargic, vomiting or having difficulty defecating (especially after eating), it may be time to call the doctor!
Abdominal pain: If you notice your pet seems to be experiencing pain around their abdomen after eating watermelon, this could be a sign of poisoning by citrulline (an amino acid found in watermelons).
Choking hazard: Watermelons contain small seeds that can become lodged in the throat of German Shepherds who swallow them whole (or in large chunks).
Other human foods German Shepherds can eat
What other human foods can German Shepherds eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your German Shepherd can eat.
So, can German Shepherds eat watermelons?
Yes, German Shepherds can eat watermelons. Watermelons are rich in moisture, lycopene, vitamins A, B6 and C, which make them an excellent treat for German Shepherds. Remove seeds and rinds before feeding your German Shepherd watermelon, though—they’re not good for your pup.
And while we usually recommend that you feed your German Shepherd 90 percent of its diet from dry food and 10 percent from treats like watermelon, it’s best to follow the 90/10 rule for this melon: That is, don’t let your German Shepherd eat over 10 percent of its total food as watermelon.
Watermelons also contain citrulline malate (a substance that helps with circulation), which could be harmful if consumed in large quantities. So if you’re going to serve up some slices of watermelon for dinner tonight—and you know what? You should!—make sure you monitor how much you’re giving your pup.