We love eating them especially poolside on a hot summer day. While some summer snacks may not be okay for your golden to eat. Where does the summertime favorite watermelon fall? Is watermelon a good snack for your golden retriever?
Golden Retrievers can eat watermelon. Watermelon provides nutrients and vitamins for your Golden Retriever. When the proper precautions are taken by removing the seeds, watermelon is a healthy, low-calorie treat.
Even though the fruit is a healthy treat for golden retrievers, you have to be careful to remove all the seeds because they can cause an intestinal blockage. Also, it is not a good idea to allow you golden to chew or eat the rind. This could cause gastrointestinal upset.
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Is Watermelon Good For a Golden Retriever?
Watermelons have quite a few health benefits for your golden retriever. The fruit itself is low in calories and packed with nutrients and vitamins. You’ll find that watermelon contains vitamins A, B6, C, and potassium. It’s also a great way for your pup to stay hydrated. According to watermelon.org the fruit is 92% water. And when you think it can’t get any better watermelon is also packed with antioxidants that can help decrease inflammation.
| 1 cup, diced (152 g) | Calories 46 |
| % Daily Value* Total Fat 0.2 g 0% | Saturated fat 0 g Polyunsaturated fat 0.1 g Monounsaturated fat 0.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg 0% |
| Sodium | 2 mg 0% |
| Potassium | 170 mg 4% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11 g 3% |
| Dietary fiber | 0.6 g 2% |
| Sugar | 9 g |
| Protein | 0.9 g 1% |
| Vitamin A 17% | Vitamin C 20% |
| Calcium 1% | Iron 2% |
| Vitamin D 0% | Vitamin B-6 5% |
| Cobalamin 0% | Magnesium 3% |
Ways To Feed Your Golden Retriever Water Melon
There is a lot of ways you can feed watermelon to your golden retriever. Watermelon is a food that can be served in a lot of different ways:
Watermelon Dog Treat Ideas
Plain Watermelon Slices
The easiest way to feed your Golden Retriever watermelon is to just cut it in slices and serve. Your pup will enjoy the crunch of the melon.
Freeze Watermelon Cubes
Frozen watermelon cubes are an awesome treat for your golden on a hot day. Simply cut some watermelon up and toss them in the freezer.
Watermelon Dog Ice Cream
Another hot summer day treat for the pup! Follow this simple recipe, chop some watermelon, and freeze it. Use a food processor to blend the frozen watermelon cubes with yogurt. Pop in the freezer for a few hours. Give your dog some in moderation. You can refreeze, but consistency will be different.
Watermelon Jerky
This is a different approach when using watermelon for treats for you golden. You will need a dehydrator to make this tasty treat. Cut watermelon into ¼ thick slices be sure not to make them thin or will stick to the trays. Remember to use parchment paper or fruit leather trays to help reduce the watermelon sticking and make clean up easier. Check on your watermelon treats in 12 hours. These can be stored in an airtight container.
How Much Watermelon Can My Golden Retriever have?
When feeding your golden retriever it is important not to feed to much watermelon. Watermelon should only be a treat and not be a large part of your goldens diet. If your pup eats too much watermelon they could have some gastrointestinal upset along with diarrhea. It’s best when first giving your golden watermelon to do so in moderation. When feeding your dog “people” food remember it should only be around 10 percent of their diet. When trying new treats with your golden be sure to check with your vet first.
Tips to Remember When Feeding your Golden Retriever Watermelon
Watermelon is an awesome fruit to feed your golden retriever occasionally. Here are a couple of things to remember when feeding your golden retriever safe when giving them a new treat.
Watermelons are great source vitamins A, B6, C, and potassium.
They are high in fiber that helps reduce the effects of sugar
Watermelon should be given in moderation.
Great for hydrating
Human food should take up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet.
Watermelon is a treat, and you golden will still need their regular feed of dog food.
Try different ways to serve up this delicious treat, there are many ways to include watermelon in your dogs diet
Be sure to check with your vet before trying new food with your dog.
Watch for tummy issue
Stop feeding your dog watermelon if you see any issues that are abnormal
Stop feeding your dog bananas if you see any problems that are abnormal to your dog’s normal behavior.
Avoid giving seeds or rinds
Eating too many seeds could cause intestinal blockage
Watch out for diarrhea when feeding your dog watermelon
In conclusion, Golden Retrievers require a balanced diet, watermelon can be incorporated in that diet. Should watermelon be given every day? I wouldn’t think so, it can be upsetting to the stomach in large quantities.
There are quite a few healthy fruits and vegetables you can give your dog as a healthy treat to help support a balanced diet, but it is important to check with your vet to make sure certain foods are not toxic.
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