Your dog is watching you eat cantaloupe and wants to have one too. Could you give in or could it be harmful for dogs to eat cantaloupes? Let’s find out!
Summer is coming, and aside from the sun and the beach, there are several things to look forward to. Any tasty fruit, including cantaloupe, is one of those summer perks! But the question is: can dogs enjoy this melon the way you can? Cantaloupe, melon, and vintage melon are all different names for the same fruit. Whatever you call it, you can be sure of one thing: it is a very healthy fruit for you.
However, that doesn’t necessarily make it good for your dog. Dogs have different nutritional needs than us, so something super healthy can even be dangerous for your dog.
This is why you need to educate yourself before giving your pet anything new and make sure it is safe to share it with them. As you know, we’re here to help you filter out safe and unsafe foods. Today we are reviewing cantaloupe!
Is Cantaloupe Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Yes, cantaloupe is generally safe for dogs and is not toxic in any way. On top of that, it is one of the healthiest fruits a dog can have. We will list all of its benefits later in this article. However, there are still a few things to consider when feeding your dog cantaloupe. First and foremost, it should not be given in large amounts, as most dogs will have loose stools and some will even have a stomachache.
There are also some things to keep in mind when it comes to serving your dog cantaloupe and we will look at those as well.
Can Cantaloupe Benefit Dogs?
Cantaloupe is one of those healthy fruits for you and your dog! It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and beta-carotene, which is considered good for vision.
This melon also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that older dogs, in particular, can benefit from. Cantaloupe can play an important role in your dog’s health when he’s a little older. Since they don’t produce enough vitamin C, they can lead to poor health in some cases and that’s where cantaloupe comes in! Cantaloupe is also rich in:
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Thiamine
- Niacin
- Pantothenic acid
- Folic Acid
- Fiber
However, remember that not all of these benefits can supplement quality dog food. Cantaloupes are rich in several things that they can not meet your dog’s needs. This is why cantaloupe and other healthy foods should only be used on special occasions or as a treat.
How Much Cantaloupe Should I Feed My Dog?
As mentioned, too much cantaloupe could cause stomach issues and diarrhea. As it is one of the sweetest fruits, you shouldn’t overdo it and share too much. Keep most of it for yourself!
If you think about it, your dog won’t have any real use for cantaloupe as it is mostly carbohydrate and almost no protein, which should make up the bulk of your dog’s diet. So – everything is moderate as usual and there won’t be a problem!
Read also: Are Broiler Eggs Good For Your Health Or Not? Properties, Benefits, Which Ones To Choose
How do I serve cantaloupe to my dog?
There are some things to keep in mind when feeding your dog cantaloupe. In no circumstances should you give cantaloupe and ask your dog what to do with it!
First of all, you need to get rid of the skin as it could be very dangerous for your dog. Eating the skin of the cantaloupe should be prevented. The skin is usually filled with pesticides and bacteria – both of which are very harmful to dogs! Washing it will not be enough, you have to remove it completely.
The second thing to do is remove the cantaloupe seeds, as they might cause stomach issues in the long room. Another bad thing about the seeds is that they contain high levels of cyanide – a compound that can be toxic to dogs. This isn’t typical only for cantaloupe – apples and many other fruits have them, too.
Finally, don’t feed your dog large chunks of cantaloupe. Too much is never good, and in this case, it could lead to increased blood sugar levels in your dog’s blood, diarrhea, obesity, and other digestive issues. Giving one or two coins is enough. You can also mix it with something else, but it’s completely up to you.
Can cantaloupe be dangerous for my dog?
Cantaloupe is not harmful to dogs, it may still cause bad reactions under certain conditions. Not peeling the skin or removing the seeds are among the most common causes of bad reactions.
However, some side effects can occur even if you do everything right. Some dogs don’t like it or are allergic to it. If you notice symptoms such as vomiting, lack of appetite or excessive salivation are all signs indicating a food intolerance.
This is why you need to introduce new foods slowly and gradually. So even if your dog reacts negatively to cantaloupe, the symptoms will not be as severe as eating fruit. While most dogs tolerate and love it, cantaloupe doesn’t automatically assume that your dog will, too. Try it slowly and as you know it.
Conclusion
Cantaloupe is generally safe for dogs and is even very healthy thanks to its vitamins C and A and beta-carotene. It’s also high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components, so older dogs could really benefit from this fruit.
When serving cantaloupe, remember to remove the skin and seeds. Also, don’t overdo it as it could cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other problems. And if your dog shows signs of intolerance, stop feeding cantaloupe, not all dogs like or tolerate it!
Finally, remember that this fruit or any other fruit should not be a dietary supplement for your dog’s food. If you are giving your pet top quality food, it should contain all the components necessary for your dog to be happy and healthy. Save cantaloupe and other fruits for special occasions, don’t usually do.
