Dogs can eat different foods that are for human consumption. However, not all foods, especially fruits and vegetables, are suitable for your furry friends. For example, cantaloupes are sweet fruits that both you and your dog can consume.

They are healthy fruits that have many benefits to your dog’s body, especially their gut. Cantaloupes are mostly water and sugar, making them a healthy and delicious snack for your pet. However, before you feed them to your dog, it is essential to know more about the fruit so you can administer it safely.

Are Cantaloupes Safe for Your Dog?

They contain a lot of dietary fiber and are low in calories, making them a great substitute for your dog’s treats. While the fruit has a bit of sugar, the fruit is mostly water, so this is not a huge concern. It is a recommended snack for all dogs but particularly those who are overweight or have diabetes.

In addition to being a good source of hydration for your dogs, which prevents constipation, cantaloupes contain more nutrients that are great for your dog:

Magnesium

It is an essential nutrient that metabolizes proteins. This also assists the body in producing more energy for day-to-day activities. It also helps in maintaining ligaments and bones, contributing to an overall healthy body.

Antioxidants

Cantaloupes contain many antioxidants, including Vitamin A and C, beta carotene, and choline. In addition, they have anti-inflammatory qualities that help in relieving pain when your dog is injured. It also assists in improving the brain’s health and a stronger immune system.

Antioxidants are also important in your dog’s health since they fight free radicals in the body, which lead to the oxidation of normal cells. They also prevent early aging of your dog and heart disease.

Dietary fiber

The fibers in the fruit provide the body with the much-needed dietary fiber. This is important for having a healthy gut, thus improving digestion. It also plays a big part in reducing the chances of constipation which can be severe in dogs.

What Are the Dangers of Feeding Your Dog Too Many Cantaloupes?

While cantaloupes are not dangerous to your dog, too much of them can lead to digestion issues for your pet. Like the treats you feed your dog, fruit should only comprise 10% of your dog’s meals. This is necessary to avoid overfeeding, which could easily lead to obesity if it becomes regular.

Ensure that you peel the fruit before feeding your dog since rinds could lead to indigestion which could upset your dog’s stomach. Not only are the skins difficult to digest, but they are also too hard to pass, so it could also contribute to constipation.

If your dog eats foods and treats fast without chewing, it is good to cut up the cantaloupes into small pieces. It is to prevent choking, especially in small dogs. Ensure that you remove the seeds as well since they can also cause choking.

It is always best to serve very little fruit to your dog and see how they react to it, especially for the first time. In some cases, your dog may react to the fruit just like humans do. If you note the following symptoms in your dog after feeding them cantaloupe, contact your veterinarian:

  • Loss of appetite
  • Bloated stomach
  • Stomach upset
  • Vomiting

How to Safely Serve Cantaloupe to Your Dog

Because cantaloupes are hardly toxic for most dogs, it is easy to feed them without worry. Following the 10% rule for treats, you should not serve your dog more than half a cup of fruit. Clean the fruit, remove seeds and chop it into small pieces to avoid choking.

You can also make cold treats to serve when it is hot. First, blend up the cantaloupe, having removed the rind and seeds. Add the blended mix into molds and freeze. They make a healthy cold treat that your dog can enjoy with meals or as a snack.

Final Thoughts

Cantaloupes are healthy for most dogs, but you should feed them in moderation to avoid undesirable effects. Remember that they are also high in sugar, so do not give them to your dog too frequently. In case of any questions about how healthy cantaloupes are for your dog, it is best to consult your veterinarian.

Advertisement