Watermelon is a popular human food, and it’s also a nutrient-rich fruit Shiba Inus can enjoy.
It’s low in calories, has plenty of water to hydrate your Shiba Inu, and it’s inexpensive. That’s why so many Shiba Inu owners feed their Shiba Inus watermelon, but there are still some questions about whether it’s safe to do so. Let’s talk about whether you can feed watermelons for your Shiba Inus!
The short answer is ‘’Yes,’’ you can feed watermelons for your Shiba Inus. But there are lots of reasons this might not be the best idea for everyone. We’ll talk about those reasons and how you can safely feed watermelons for your Shiba Inu if you decide that it’s the right choice for you and your pet.
Are watermelons safe for Shiba Inus?
Watermelon is a great treat for your Shiba Inu, but you should always introduce it slowly.
The flesh of the watermelon is safe and nutritious, but not the other parts (such as rinds) or even seeds. Never give your Shiba Inu unripe watermelons because they can be toxic. Also, never feed your Shiba Inu the rinds of a watermelon—they contain high amounts of oxalic acid that can cause kidney failure in Shiba Inus who eat them.
If you are feeding for the first time, watch for any abnormal signs. Some Shiba Inus can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction. If you observe any abnormal symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting, stop feeding the watermelon immediately and consult with your veterinarian if the symptoms persist.
Benefits of watermelons in Shiba Inus
Watermelon is a great source of moisture, which is especially important in the summer when it’s hot out.
Watermelon is also a great source of vitamins A and C, which are essential for Shiba Inus’ immune systems.
Watermelon contains vitamin B complex, which helps your Shiba Inu fight off diseases like anemia.
Watermelon contains lycopene, which has been shown to help prevent cancer in humans and animals alike.
Finally, watermelon contains potassium, which is a mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and heart function in both Shiba Inus and humans alike.
Do all Shiba Inus like watermelons?
Unfortunately, not all Shiba Inus like watermelons. Your Shiba Inus may not like the taste of it and might not want to eat it. Shiba Inus have food preferences, just like we do. If your Shiba Inu doesn’t like watermelon, don’t force them to eat it because this could cause an upset stomach and diarrhea.
Instead of forcing your Shiba Inu to eat watermelon, try other Shiba Inu-friendly fruits such as bananas, apples or blueberries etc. Consult with your vet before introducing a new food to your pet’s diet because some Shiba Inus can be allergic to certain foods.
Can my Shiba Inus have watermelons every day?
Yes, you can feed Shiba Inus the recommended amount of watermelon every day if they like it.
But we recommend you to vary the treats because your Shiba Inus can get bored with the same thing all the time.
Also, different treats contain different amounts of calories and nutrients.
Can Shiba Inu puppies eat watermelons?
Yes, Shiba Inu puppies can eat watermelons. However, they should only be introduced to this fruit once they are two months old and have been on a specialized puppy diet.
Puppies have a delicate digestive system and need to be introduced to new foods gradually. Start with just a small bite of watermelon once or twice a week and see how your puppy responds. Consult with the vet before introducing any new food to your puppy’s diet.
How much watermelon can Shiba Inus eat?
The answer depends on your Shiba Inu’s age, size, and activity level. But before you give your Shiba Inu any watermelon, check with your vet first to make sure it’s safe for them to eat.
A general rule of thumb is that smaller pup breeds (<20 lbs) should have 1/2 cup diced watermelon; large pup breeds (>20 lbs) should have 1 cup diced watermelon.
Portion control is important for your Shiba Inu’s diet and treats. Start small and if there are no adverse reactions, you can offer more.
Always follow the rule: your Shiba Inus need a completely balanced diet. All treats should not be over 10% of the total Shiba Inu diet.
How to serve watermelons to your Shiba Inus?
If you want to know how to serve your Shiba Inu watermelons, the first thing you should do is talk with your vet. Watermelons are a great source of vitamin C, but they are also high in sugar and salt, so it’s important to make sure that they’re organic and clean properly if you plan on feeding them to your Shiba Inu.
There are a few different ways you can serve watermelon to your pet.
One is by serving it in chunks—this is probably what most people think of when someone says “Shiba Inugie treat.”
Another option is pureeing the flesh of the melon (minus seeds and rind) for a tasty treat that’s easy for your Shiba Inu to digest.
If you’re looking for something more involved, try freezing chunks of watermelon or making ice cream from them.
You can even dehydrate pieces of the fruit for chewy treats that will keep your pup occupied for hours.
When are watermelons bad for Shiba Inus?
Watermelons, like all fruit, are bad for Shiba Inus if they have underlying health issues. If your Shiba Inu has diabetes or another condition like allergy that prevents them from eating fruit, avoid giving them watermelon and other fruits as well.
Watermelons are also bad for Shiba Inus if they overindulge in the fruit. Shiba Inus can easily eat too much watermelon and get sick, so it’s important to monitor their intake of watermelon and make sure that they aren’t getting too much of it.
The seeds, rinds, and skin of watermelons are all harmful to Shiba Inus. If you’re going to give them watermelon, be sure to remove these parts before giving them any slices.
What happens when your Shiba Inus eat too much watermelon?
Diarrhea: Shiba Inus will have loose, frequent, and watery stools.
Constipation: Can be caused by too much fiber content from the watermelon.
Abdominal pain: Can be mild to severe, depending on the amount of watermelon consumed. Vomiting and lethargy can also accompany it.
Choking hazard: Watermelon seeds and rinds could lead to choking if they’re unable to chew it up before swallowing.
Other human foods Shiba Inus can eat
What other human foods can Shiba Inus eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Shiba Inu can eat.
So, can Shiba Inus eat watermelons?
Yes, Shiba Inus can eat watermelons. Watermelons are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as other antioxidants that can help your Shiba Inu’s immune system. They’re also high in water content, making them a great treat for Shiba Inus during the summer months. But just like people, Shiba Inus need to be careful when they eat too much of one thing.
Remove seeds and rinds before feeding to your Shiba Inu. Remember not to overfeed your Shiba Inu—if you do, he could get sick from it.
You should also follow the 90/10 rule when giving your Shiba Inu watermelon: Give him 90% of his daily food amount from his regular food, then add 10% more from watermelons or other healthy foods like carrots or apples.