Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe? Yes they can. In fact in the correct amounts fruits such as cantaloupe can be very beneficial to your dog.
Just as us humans gain many nutrients from eating a healthy diet contain fruit, so will your dog… in moderation of course.
Can dogs eat cantaloupe – Benefits
- Like most fruits, cantaloupe is highly nutritious. The list of vitamins that cantaloupe contains is long.
- A small amount of this delicious fruit and your dog will benefit from a vitamin boost of A, B and C. There’s also fiber, magnesium, thiamine, niacin, pantothenic acid and folic acid – not bad for one fruit.
- Cantaloupes also contain concentrated amounts of beta-carotene. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A. These nutrients are said to help maintain healthy eyesight.
- The benefits of allowing your dog to eat cantaloupe continue – a recent study showed that consumption of a vitamin A-rich food like cantaloupe is good for the lungs.
- Cantaloupes contain potassium, an important mineral needed for almost all the processes within the body. Important for muscle and heart contraction, potassium also aids in the proper function of the gastrointestinal tract.
- The vitamin C in cantaloupes will act as an antioxidant when consumed by your dog. Vitamin C will strengthen their immune system by stimulating white blood cells, which are vital for fighting infection.
- Many dogs love cantaloupe, and it is easy to feed a small amount as part of a snack, meal or treat.
Can dogs eat cantaloupe – Preparation
- Clean the cantaloupe thoroughly before offering it to your dog.
- Small amounts, as a little treat is best.
- If your dog does not want to eat cantaloupe at first, try mashing it into their main dog food or adding it as an ingredient in homemade dog treats.
- As we have already said, you must ensure that your dog does not eat the seeds. Pick them out before feeding your dog any cantaloupe.
Can dogs eat cantaloupe – Precautions
So your dog can eat cantaloupe and benefit greatly for it. However, before you start heaping great chunks of the fruit into their bowl, it is important to realize a few precautions you must take.
It is important to introduce your dog to new foods slowly. Most dogs need a transition period to tolerate new types of food.
Even when your dog is used to eating cantaloupe, only give them the fruit in small amounts. Fruits are high in natural sugars, and while most dogs can cope with this, it should be avoided for any dog with diabetes.
While cantaloupe is safe for your dog to eat, the seeds on the other hand can be dangerous. Fruit seeds contain cyanide, which is poisonous. So always make sure you remove them.
If you see any signs of gastrointestinal irritation after feeding your dog cantaloupe, (common symptoms are loss of appetite, drooling, vomiting or diarrhea) seek veterinary advice immediately.
Resources
- For an interesting article on the signs of diabetes in dogs, head here.
- For the details of the nutritional value of cantaloupe, head here.
- For an article on the dangers of fruit seeds, head here.
- Can dogs eat pineapple?
- Can dogs eat applesauce?
Comments
Can dogs eat cantaloupe? If you have any comments on your own experiences with feeding your dog cantaloupe please leave them below.