Can Dogs Eat Xigua – Watermelon?

Xigua Is Chinese For Watermelon

Apparently, it means “western fruit”, because watermelon is not native  to China.  Ok, I have to admit that I had a hard time finding a dog friendly food that started with X for the Blogging (Snacking!) from A to Z April challenge.  So I’m reaching a bit today.  But you have to admit, that cheating a bit for one day out of the 26 isn’t so bad!

I can’t believe that the A to Z challenge is already almost over.  It’s been a particularly crazy month, blogging almost daily.  I didn’t share this here before.  Hey, I didn’t want to complain!  But my laptop actually blogged its last around a week into the April challenge.  I’ve been using my partner’s desktop since then, which is awesome, but a bit frustrating because my partner also works from home.  So basically, I’ve been nocturnal for most of April – blogging and working from my partner’s computer at night when he’s done with work.  But I digress…

Summer Is Coming.  Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Chilled watermelon is one of my favorite summertime snacks.  Of course at our house, you can’t eat without an audience.  If I’m eating something healthy, and pet safe, I’ll often share a bite or two of my snack with my little buddies.  I had pet rabbits long before I ever got my first dog, and most of my rabbits over the years have loved watermelon.  Sometimes I seriously wonder if Kit thinks he’s a bunny.  He begs for fruit and veggies just as enthusiastically as he does meats.

Well luckily for Kit, watermelon is safe for dogs.  You should feed your dog the red part of the melon, aka the part people also enjoy, and avoid feeding seeds or rind.

What Are The Benefits Of Feeding Dogs Watermelon

As the name suggests, watermelons are mostly water.  This is one of the reasons why they make such good summer snacks.  Munching on watermelon is a sweet way to re-hydrate when it’s hot outside.

Watermelon is also a source of vitamins A, B, and C.  It also contains antioxidants and amino acids.  Lycopene and choline in watermelon may help to reduce inflammation.  Watermelon contains fiber that can help the GI tract function normally and Vitamin A helps to support healthy skin and fur.

How To Feed Watermelon

Easy enough – I just cut it into pieces and feed it plain.  Don’t overdo it – too much of anything, even fruit, can cause GI upset.  Like I already mentioned, avoid feeding seeds and watermelon rind.

Looking for more ideas for healthy “human” foods you can share with your dog?  Check out my other blogging from A to Z challenge posts!

Have you ever let your dog try watermelon?  Does he/she like it?