Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?

Yes — safe in moderation

Yes! Seedless watermelon flesh is a refreshing, low-calorie treat most dogs love — it’s 92% water and rich in vitamins A and C. Just skip the rind and seeds.

The details: why this verdict

Watermelon flesh is genuinely good for dogs: hydrating, low in calories (about 30 kcal per 100 g), and a source of vitamins A, B6 and C plus lycopene. It makes an excellent summer treat, frozen into cubes or served fresh. The two parts to avoid are the seeds, which can cause intestinal blockage in small dogs if eaten in quantity, and the rind, which is tough to digest and can trigger vomiting or diarrhoea.

How much is okay?

Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. For a medium dog that means a cup or so of cubed watermelon flesh is plenty. Introduce it slowly the first time — any new food can cause a loose stool in sensitive dogs. Use our Dog Food Calculator to see how many calories your dog needs per day.

When to be careful

Safer alternatives

Other safe fruits include strawberries, blueberries and bananas — all in moderation.

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet has eaten something potentially harmful or shows symptoms, contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately. Full disclaimer.