Can dogs eat watermelon? Any good pet parent knows there are lots of human food that dogs can eat ... and almost as many foods dogs can’t eat. And when it comes to fruits and vegetables dogs can and can’t eat, the answers aren’t always obvious. So we asked the experts.
With a couple of precautions, yes! Watermelon is perfectly safe to give to dogs and can actually be a healthy treat for them. “It’s got a lot of beneficial substances in there,” says Dr. Tate. “It’s also fairly low in calories and has a lot of fiber, so if you have a dog that’s trying to lose some weight, it’s a good go-to treat.”
But while the red watermelon flesh is fine for dogs, it’s important to know that the fruit’s hard seeds and fibrous rind (厚皮) can be dangerous. “Sometimes seeds can cause a little tummy upset (反胃), and in some dogs, it can even cause a slowdown or an obstruction of the gut, ” says Dr. Hawkins. Watermelon rinds can also be troublesome. “While some dogs might be able to tolerate it, I can’t tell you how many dogs will eat the whole rind in one piece, and then we see that as an obstruction that doesn’t pass,” says Dr. Hawkins.
While dogs can eat watermelon, eating too much watermelon can be a different story. “Just like anything, you want to try not to overdo it,” says Dr. Tate. “If they eat more watermelon than they should, they can get diarrhea (腹泻) from the excess fluid. There can also be a lot of sugar in watermelon, and it can change the pH of the gastrointestinal tract (胃肠道).” Dr. Tate suggests no more than 2 to 3 cups for larger-breed dogs, 1 to 2 cups for medium-breed dogs and 1 cup for small breeds. “You want to keep it within reasonable limits,” she says.
In general, even when dogs can eat fruits like watermelon and the others, keep in mind that “any time you’re giving your dog a food that’s not their normal diet, there can always be a risk of a little tummy upset,” says Dr. Hawkins. “And different dogs respond to things differently. I always recommend checking with your vet about your particular dog.”
奇速英语 原创编写 版权所有 侵权必究! 每日更新 个性化阅读 英语飙升!分享奇速时文小程序加客服可领取九十九元单词速记软件!