Watermelon has been a popular food among humans for a long time. It’s low cost and nutrient rich, which is why many Maltese owners feed watermelons to their pets. But can you feed watermelons for Maltese?
The short answer is ‘’Yes,’’ but there are lots of issues that you should know before feeding your Maltese with watermelon. We’re going to answer every question regarding this fruit’s safety for Maltese in this article so that you can make an informed decision on if it’s safe for your pet. Let’s start with the burning question:
Are watermelons safe for Maltese?
Watermelons are generally safe for Maltese, but only the flesh of the fruit is safe and nutritious. The rind, seeds and leaves of watermelons can be dangerous to the Maltese. Watermelon is a good source of water and fiber, so it’s important to make sure that your Maltese does not get too much at once.
Introduce slowly. If you’re feeding your Maltese watermelon for the first time, watch for any abnormal signs. Some Maltese can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction by vomiting or having diarrhea after eating watermelon. If you observe this behavior, discontinue feeding your Maltese watermelon and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Benefits of watermelons in Maltese
Watermelons are a great snack for Maltese. Here are just some benefits they can bring:
Moisture: Watermelons are 92% water, so they’re a great way to replenish your Maltese’s hydration levels.
Vitamins A and B Complex: Watermelon is rich in vitamins A and B complex, which help support your Maltese’s digestive system.
Vitamin C: Watermelon is also high in vitamin C—a nutrient that helps support the immune system.
Lycopene: Lycopene is a phytochemical found in watermelon that has antioxidant properties and may protect against cancer.
Potassium: Potassium is an essential mineral that helps regulate body processes such as heartbeat, nerve signaling, and muscle contractions.
Do all Maltese like watermelons?
Unfortunately, no. Maltese have food preferences just like we do, and some Maltese just don’t like watermelons.
Your Maltese’s diet should be based on what he likes, not what you like. If he doesn’t like watermelon, don’t force him to eat it! Instead, try other Maltese friendly fruits like bananas, apples or blueberries. If he’s still not eating them, then consult with your vet before introducing a new food to his diet.
Can my Maltese have watermelons every day?
There’s no rule on how often Maltese can eat watermelon. But we recommend you to vary the treats because your Maltese can get bored and like a treat every day. Also, different treats contain different nutrients, so it’s good for your Maltese’s health to change up their menu a bit.
Watermelons are very healthy for Maltese, but we should only feed them in moderation because they have sugar in them. If your Maltese gets too much sugar in their diet, it can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems.
Can Maltese puppies eat watermelons?
Yes, Maltese puppies can eat watermelons!
But wait a couple of months. Your puppy’s digestive system is still developing, so it’s important to give them a specialized puppy diet during the first two months. Once they’re past that milestone, you can start introducing new foods to their diet in small amounts and see how they react.
Puppies have delicate digestive systems, so be careful when introducing new foods—and consult with your vet before changing your puppy’s diet.
How much watermelon can Maltese eat?
Maltese love watermelon, and it’s no wonder. Watermelon is full of vitamins A and C and antioxidants that support a healthy immune system. It also contains lycopene, which helps to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
But there are some things to consider before giving your Maltese too much watermelon. First, let’s talk about size. Smaller pup breeds (<20 lbs) should have ½ cup diced flesh, while larger pups (>20 lbs) should have 1 cup diced flesh. You’ll also want to consider the activity level of your Maltese. If your pup is very active, offer them less than if they’re more sedentary.
And remember: portion control is important for your Maltese’s diet and treats. Start small and increase serving sizes as needed if there are no adverse effects from eating too much watermelon (such as diarrhea).
How to serve watermelons to your Maltese?
For serving watermelons to your Maltese, the important thing is to make sure you’re feeding them organic and cleaning them properly.
Once you’ve done that, there are plenty of things you can do with a watermelon—and some of them are even good for your Maltese!
One option is to serve the flesh in chunks. Maltese love the taste and texture of these treats. It’s also easy to chew, so it’s especially good for older Maltese or those with fewer teeth. If you want something really easy to chew, pureeing the flesh makes for an excellent option. You can mix it with other ingredients like yogurt or peanut butter for added flavor and nutrients, or just give your pup a spoonful straight from the blender.
If you want something more creative (or if your Maltese has allergies), try making watermelon ice cream by combining frozen chunks with yogurt or peanut butter until smooth. This will give you a creamy treat that will stay soft enough for even the most delicate bites.
You could also dehydrate the fruit (minus seeds and rind) into chewy treats that are great for teething puppies but still provide plenty of nutrition
When are watermelons bad for Maltese?
Watermelons are a great treat for your Maltese, but only if you give them in moderation.
If your Maltese has an underlying health issue, watermelons can exacerbate it. For example, if your Maltese has diabetes and you give them watermelon, they could experience a spike in blood sugar levels that could be dangerous.
It’s also important to note that too much watermelon can be harmful to your Maltese. A single serving is about one cup of cubed or diced watermelon—and that’s it! If you give your Maltese more than this amount, it could cause stomach upset or diarrhea.
Watermelons also contain seeds which are not good for the Maltese to eat. These seeds can get stuck in their throat or intestines and cause blockages that may require surgical removal.
Finally, the rinds of watermelons are difficult for Maltese’ digestive systems to break down completely—so ensure you chop it off.
What happens when your Maltese eat too much watermelon?
Diarrhea: Your Maltese may have diarrhea, which can be uncomfortable. If you see signs of bleeding, contact your vet immediately, as it can indicate something more serious.
Constipation: Your Maltese may have constipation, which can cause pain and discomfort. If there is no blood in their stool and they are not vomiting, then it’s probably just a case of constipation. Treat with a vet recommended laxative for Maltese.
Abdominal Pain: Your Maltese may experience abdominal pain if the watermelon seeds get stuck in their stomach or intestines. This doesn’t happen very often but can cause discomfort for your pet until the seed passes through their system or is removed by a vet.
Choking hazard: When your Maltese eats the seeds, they could get stuck in their throat and cause choking.
Other human foods Maltese can eat
What other human foods can Maltese eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Maltese can eat.
So, can Maltese eat watermelons?
Yes, Maltese can eat watermelons. Watermelons are rich in vitamins A and C, minerals and lycopene, making it an excellent treat for the Maltese. However, be sure to remove seeds and rinds before serving them for your Maltese.
Besides being a good treat, you can also use watermelon as a cooling agent on hot days. Simply slice up some melon and freeze it.
It’s important not to overfeed your Maltese watermelon—follow the 90/10 rule when feeding your pet anything new (90 percent of his normal diet and 10 percent of the treats).