Cantaloupe is a refreshing and healthful summer fruit that you can find yourself snacking on during summertime or in a fruit salad. Most likely, your dog will want to eat whatever you are putting in your mouth. Some fruits are safe for dogs to eat, some are toxic, and some carry unwanted risks. As dog parents, you will want to know exactly what is safe for your dog to eat and what can't your dog eat. Can dogs eat cantaloupe? Is eating cantaloupe safe for dogs? Is cantaloupe good for dogs?
This guide below will explain everything you need to know about feeding dog cantaloupe.
Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?
The short answer is yes, cantaloupe is a safe fruit for a dog to eat but in moderation! A dog can eat ripe cantaloupe and benefit from this healthy and delicious fruit packed in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Health Benefits Of Cantaloupe
Water
Cantaloupe is in the same family as watermelon, honeydew melons, and cucumber. This means cantaloupe consists of 90 percent water, and this makes cantaloupe a great hydrating dog treat for your pup, especially on a hot summer day.
Antioxidants
Cantaloupe is packed in antioxidants, including vitamin A and vitamin C, along with selenium, beta carotene, lutein, choline, and zeaxanthin.
Antioxidants are known for their anti-inflammatory properties, promoting healthy cell function, protecting your dog's cells against free radicals, and preventing disease.
Potassium
Cantaloupe is a good source of potassium, which is vital to your dog's health. Potassium aids healthy kidney, nerve, and heart function, maintains healthy bone density, regulates fluid levels, and helps muscle development.
Too much potassium can cause your dog to experience arrhythmias, weakness, or collapse.
Niacin
Niacin helps break down sugars and fats into energy. The deficiency of niacin can cause anorexia, weight loss, ulceration, and even death.
Magnesium
Magnesium helps maintain normal nerve and muscle functions, supports a healthy dog's immune system, and helps maintain healthy bones. It also helps metabolize protein and fatty acids.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is an essential vitamin used to metabolize calcium into bones and aids in blood clotting and coagulation.
Vitamin C
Cantaloupe is packed in Vitamin C, an important antioxidant. One cup of cantaloupe contains 100% of recommended daily value.
Folate
Also known as folic acid, it is an essential mineral that supports normal metabolic function.
Manganese
Manganese is a micromineral that your dog only needs in small amounts. It helps absorb and digest protein and carbohydrates and makes fatty acids and energy.
Dietary Fiber
The flesh or the meat of the cantaloupe is packed with dietary fiber. And like a human, dogs also need dietary fiber to have a healthy gut and improve digestive health.
Dietary fiber is essential for healthy digestion, keeping things moving, reducing diarrhea, and protecting against constipation. However, too much fiber can be hard on your dog's digestive system.
Risk of Feeding Cantaloupe
Cantaloup Rinds
Like watermelon and other types of melons, avoid feeding your dog the rind. Cantaloupe rinds can cause an upset stomach or tummy ache, and you should avoid removing them before serving the fruit.
Cantaloupe Seeds
Cantaloupe seeds are indigestible and can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Be sure to scoop out the middle part of the cantaloupe before feeding your dog.
Choking Hazard
Any food can be a choking hazard or cause blockage in your dog's stomach if not prepared correctly. Smaller breeds face a higher risk of choking, but larger dogs who gulp their food also face the same amount of risk. When feeding cantaloupe to your dog, remove the rind, and cut the flesh into small bite-size pieces.
Risk Of Obesity and Diabetes
As with any fruit, cantaloupe contains higher sugar content than other foods. One cup of cantaloupe contains 12 grams of sugar, which has more sugar content than some other treats. Dog owners should feed as an occasional treat, and too much cantaloupe on top of a healthy diet can risk obesity and diabetes. If you have diabetic dogs or overweight dogs, best to avoid this fruit.
If you are unsure whether your dog should be having any cantaloupe or not, check with your veterinarian first. high sugar content
How To Feed Your Dog Cantaloupe Safely
Cantaloupe should only be fed in moderation and shouldn't be given daily. If you are unsure how much cantaloupe your dog can eat, as a general rule of thumb, your dog's food should make up 90% of your daily caloric intake. Treats and snacks should only make up 10% of your dog's diet.
To safely feed the delicious fruit to your dog, be sure to remove the grind and cut the flesh into small pieces. You can give the small bite-sized pieces as is to your dog or freeze them as cool summer treats. You can also mix it with other fruits like strawberries, pineapple, or watermelon.
Like feeding too many treats, too much cantaloupe can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Be sure to feed in moderation.
When introducing cantaloupe as a new treat, be sure to start slowly to make sure your dog can digest it.
