It is a well-known fact that dogs have an increased affinity for the food you eat. Your dog would be keen to get a bite of whatever it sees on your table. It may be a cute sight, but eating things that it shouldn’t wouldn’t be safe for your dog.
If your dog has just had enough of his kibble and is getting fussier about his food day by day, then the time has come to make mealtimes interesting. When considering adding fruits and veggies to your dog’s diet, always opt for the ones that are safe for your pet.
If you have a fondness for cantaloupe and plan to include tender, juicy, and soft fruit in your dog’s diet, you must also know its boons and banes. Read on to know more.
Is Cantaloupe Good For Dogs?
Yes, cantaloupe is good for dogs when eaten in moderation. It’s a healthy fruit and a good source of several nutrients. There are a lot of boons associated with this fruit.
It is low in calories, with just 53 cal in a single serving. The melon also has an increased water content, around 89%, making it a good energy source. Eating in measured amounts will help your dog remain hydrated without being at risk of piling on the extra pounds.
Cantaloupe is an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which are noted for their antioxidant properties that help combat free radicles and prevent damage to the body. When your dog eats food rich in antioxidants, it will help boost his immune system and lessen the chances of allergic reactions.
The melon is also a good remedy for dogs suffering from constipation because of its high fiber and water content. Giving your dog cantaloupe in measured amounts might help its bowel movements get better.
The Dangers Of Eating Cantaloupe
We spoke about the goods. Now let’s get to the adverse effects associated with your dog eating cantaloupe:
- Just like watermelon rinds, cantaloupe rinds are also unsafe for dogs. It’s difficult to digest and will hurt your dog’s digestive tract. The rind may trigger stomach problems. They may even result in intestinal blockage when consumed in excessive amounts.
- The rinds could also lead to a choking hazard because the skin has a fibrous and tough texture. The same goes for the seeds, which aren’t toxic but could choke your dog, particularly if it has had too many seeds at once,
- True that cantaloupe has low fat and a lot of water. But its sugar content cannot be ignored. One cup of cantaloupe contains 13 grams of sugar, higher than some healthy fruits. So if you have a diabetic dog, cantaloupe isn’t the perfect food choice for him. Also, if your dog is prone to obesity, then you’d have to be cautious about the quantity. Else, it could result in weight gain.
How Many Cantaloupes Can Dogs Eat?
As already mentioned, moderate amounts of cantaloupe are fine for your dog. Ensure the cantaloupe you feed your dog is cut into bite-sized pieces. The pieces should be no big than ½ inch cube. The amount of cantaloupe to feed your dog depends on its size and weight. What’ll be safe for your big dog, might not be alright for your small dog.
| Weight of The Dog (in Pounds) | Amount of Cantaloupe (in Pieces) |
|---|---|
| 2-20 | 1-2 |
| 21-30 | Not more than 3 |
| 31-50 | Not more than 5 |
| 51-90 | Not more than 6 |
| Over 90 | 7-8 |
What If Your Dog Ate Too Much Cantaloupe?
If your dog has eaten too much cantaloupe and is showing signs of discomfort, as an owner, the onus lies on you to act at the earliest. Your proactiveness may save your dog from serious health hazards. You must do these things from your end upon sensing that your dog has eaten more cantaloupe than he should.
1. Remove the Source
Suppose you spot your dog finishing an entire bowl of cantaloupe that you kept on the breakfast table, in the kitchen, or elsewhere. In that case, the first thing you must do is take the bowl away from its sight. Then your pup won’t get access to any more of it. If it has spilled some on the ground, you can shift your pup to the other room as you clear the mess. Thus, you will save your dog from eating more of it.
Also, make sure in the future you do not keep leftovers on your plate after a meal. Put them away in the trashcan immediately and put your plate in the kitchen.
2. Watch Out For The Symptoms
If your dog has eaten too many cantaloupe pieces in a go, he might fall sick. You could make it out from his overall health., He may show some of these symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Lessened appetite
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Distended or painful abdomen
- Feeling of restlessness
If you notice these symptoms in your dog, contact a vet immediately.
However, suppose your dog has overeaten cantaloupe and appears alright. In that case, you should watch your dog closely for at least 24 hours. If you notice anything unusual, then talk to a vet at once.
5 Ways to Feed Your Dog Cantaloupe
It would help if you remembered a few things while feeding your dog with cantaloupe. Firstly, cut, rub, and wash the exterior wall. Then, discard the seeds and rind. Slice the cantaloupe into an inch of a bite-sized wedge. Here are some interesting ways to feed your dog cantaloupe:
1. As A Food Topper
Take two to three slices of cantaloupe, mash it well, and add it to your dog’s kibble as a food topper. If your dog is a fussy eater, then a dollop of cantaloupe topping would fascinate him, drawing him towards his food.
2. Fruit Smoothie
If you wish to add more than one fruit to your dog’s diet, what could be better than a delicious smoothie? Besides cantaloupe, you could add other fruits as well. These include bananas, strawberries, apples, and blueberries. If you wish to treat your dog for doing a task or listening to you, a little bit of smoothie in his bowl wouldn’t be a bad idea.
However, when you add too many sugary fruits together, ensure you give your dog the smoothie in a limited amount. You should give 2 tbsp of smoothie per 10 pounds of your pet’s weight.
3. Yogurt
It’s another unique idea. You would have to mash cantaloupe at first. Then, add the yogurt. For the yogurt, you can make it at home. If going for store-bought ones, opt for plain, unflavored yogurt. Also, ensure the yogurt isn’t sweetened with the artificial sweetener xylitol. Consuming a little bit of the same can be toxic for dogs. You can even include other fruits like apples and strawberries in the yogurt for added taste.
If you want to make some delicious popsicles or ice cream, then freeze the cantaloupe-yogurt mixture in a popsicle tray or ice cube.
4. Dehydrated Cantaloupe
While dehydrating the cantaloupe, wash and scrub it using warm water. Then dry the melon and peel it well, removing the rind and discarding all the seeds. Cut it into small slices, and put it inside a dehydrator (if you have one). Set the temperature to 135° F, and leave the fruit inside for around 16-18 hours.
You could even dehydrate the cantaloupe in an oven or air dryer. Dehydration leads to the concentration of sugar.
Making dehydrated cantaloupe at home is better than buying it from outside. It’s because the store-bought ones have increased sugar and preservatives.
5. Cantaloupe Salad
Besides the small cantaloupe slices, you can add other fruits like sliced strawberries and blueberries. If you have a small dog, add 3-4 pieces of each fruit at the most. For medium dogs, 5-6 pieces of fruit, while for large dogs, 6-8 pieces would be ideal.
FAQ’s
Which other melons can your dog eat?
Besides cantaloupe, you can also give your dog other melons like watermelon and honeydew. Remove the seeds and rind them; otherwise, they could cause choking hazards.
Can cantaloupe cause harm to your dog?
No, cantaloupe isn’t harmful to your dog till it has it in moderate amounts. Overconsumption could cause stomach problems, alongside other health issues. Moreover, if your dog eats the seeds and rinds, it could cause choking, as mentioned earlier.
Conclusion
Give your dog a chance to enjoy this delicious fruit, though the lesser, the better. However, before introducing any new food, the thumb rule is to have a word with your vet. Start with small amounts, and watch your dog’s symptoms. If he responds to the food well, then you could continue.
Elena Gherman is a highly skilled and knowledgeable animal care expert. At the start of her career, she gained practical expertise with multiple animals. In addition to that, she works as a DVM veterinary editor for Joy Pet Products, which focuses on offering reliable information on pet health and wellbeing. She meticulously reviews each piece of writing before it is published to make sure pet owners get the most precise and updated information possible.