Can Dogs Eat Honeydew?
Everyone loves a bite of sweet honeydew on a summer day, but what about our dogs? Can dogs eat honeydew melon?
You’re in luck—honeydew is non-toxic for dogs. But there are safety considerations pet parents need to be aware of before letting their dog eat this fruit. Here’s what to know before feeding honeydew to your pup.
Is Honeydew Good for Dogs?
Honeydew is a snack that’s low in calories and high in water content. It’s also a good source of fiber, as well as other micronutrients such as niacin, folate, potassium, and vitamins A, C, and B6.
However, honeydew is also high in sugar, so it should be fed sparingly. The amount your dog can eat won’t provide any health benefits. But if Fido is begging for a bite, honeydew is safe to share in most cases and won’t pack on the pounds as quickly as many other fruits might.
Can Honeydew Be Bad for Dogs?
Because honeydew is so high in sugar, it might not be safe to feed it to dogs with diabetes. This also means honeydew isn’t a good choice for dogs that are overweight. Talk to your veterinarian before adding honeydew to your dog’s diet to make sure it’s appropriate for your pet.
Another major concern about honeydew is the rind, which can cause an intestinal blockage as well as digestive upset. The seeds should also be avoided—while they’re non-toxic, they can pose a choking hazard and are not likely to digest well when fed in large quantities. If a honeydew seed does slip past you, you probably don’t need to worry. But it’s best not to intentionally offer your dog the seeds.
How Much Honeydew Can Dogs Eat?
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Extra-small dog (2–20 pounds) = one 1-inch cube, sliced into smaller pieces
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Examples: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs
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Small dog (21–30 pounds) = two 1-inch cubes, cut into smaller pieces
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Medium dog (31–50 pounds) = three to five 1-inch cubes, cut into smaller pieces
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Examples: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs
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Large dog (51–90 pounds) = up to 10 1-inch cubes cut into smaller pieces
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Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds
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Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) = up to 15 1-inch cubes
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Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards, Great Pyrenees
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How To Safely Feed Your Dog Honeydew
Before feeding your dog honeydew, remove the seeds and the rind. Cut the honeydew into small cubes. You can feed the fruit to your pup as a treat, or:
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Thinly slice the honeydew and use it as a food topper
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Place the cut-up honeydew into a Kong® toy and freeze it
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Add the honeydew to other dog-safe fruits to make a summer fruit salad for your pup
What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
Many—but not all—fruits are safe for dogs to eat. Others you can offer your pooch include:
Featured Image: Adobe/Olivier
