When it comes to having a fat-free, cholesterol-free, and low-sodium diet, honeydew is a top choice for us. Its vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant properties can benefit both humans and animals. That’s why many of us think, Can dogs have honeydew?
The good news is that dogs can also enjoy the nutrients of honeydew. This fruit is a favorite of many pets for its taste. Consider offering your dog some tiny pieces of honeydew occasionally.
There are some safety concerns that we must keep in mind before providing this melon to our canine friends. Let’s check them out.
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What Is Honeydew?
Honeydew, also known as White Antibes, is one of the sweetest melons that looks oval. It belongs to the species Cucumis melo. This fruit grows on vines and is available in different colours, like orange, yellow, and green. Besides, honeydew is loaded with vitamin B, vitamin C, fibre, and sugar. All these nutrients promote several health benefits that we will discuss later.
Can Dogs Have Honeydew?
Since honeydew has no toxic elements but is an exceptional source of vitamins, it can be a safe treat for dogs. It has soluble and insoluble fibre, adenosine, vitamin C, calcium, zinc, etc. In short, honeydew has all the nutrients that a dog needs. Besides, honeydew can save your dog from several health hazards and improve his immune system.
Well, these results will be inevitable for your dog only if he eats this fruit in moderation. Besides, he must avoid eating its seeds, rinds, and skin.
How Much Honeydew Can Dogs Have?
According to veterinarians, dogs should have 90% dog food and 10% of other healthy treats. Honeydew is a fruit that you can include in your dog’s 10% healthy treat. It means, except for dog foods, you must serve other foods in moderation to your canine friend. However, 3 to 4 pieces of honeydew may not pose any health threats to dogs. But if you have a large breed, you may let him eat 5 to 6 pieces.
How To Feed Honeydew To Dogs?
Before you feed the honeydew to your dog, make sure it is fresh. To prepare the honeydew meal for your canine friend, first wash this fruit thoroughly. Then cut it down and remove all its seeds and rinds, as they can cause choking hazards. In the same way, big-sized honeydew pieces can also block your dog’s intestine. Hence, make the pieces bite-sized. Now you can offer tiny pieces of this luscious food to your dog. If you want, you can add those pieces to other veggies for him.
Benefits Of Having Honeydew For Dogs
Honeydew melon serves many health benefits, thanks to its loaded nutrients. It has ample amounts of vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A will keep your dog’s eye vision normal and boost the immune system. Also, it will keep his body’s organs functioning properly. The vitamin C in this melon will protect your canine friend from free radicals and keep his skin and fur smooth.
You will get some other minerals from this fruit, like calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Calcium will take care of your dog’s bone health, and phosphorus will repair his cells and tissues. Meanwhile, phosphorus will maintain his blood sugar level and prevent the risk of cancer.
Honeydew also contains some antioxidant properties that can reduce your dog’s inflammation and prevent diseases. Again, its fibre content will ensure a good digestive system and a healthy weight.
Risks Of Having Honeydew For Dogs
Honeydew can pose health threats to your dog when you don’t feed it to him. Or maybe he is allergic to it or has other health issues. However, there could be many.
For instance, raw honeydew contains bacteria that can be harmful to your dog. That’s why we always say, Feed your dogs fresh fruits after washing them.
As said earlier, honeydew has a high amount of sugar. Feeding your dog too much can lead him to gain weight and even obesity.
Another problem regarding honeydew is its high fibre content, which may not be safe for a dog with a sensitive stomach. If your dog takes it in high quantities, he may go through diarrhoea and an upset stomach.
When Can Dogs Have Honeydew?
Honeydew may not be a safe choice for dogs who are suffering from Irish wolfhounds or Great Danes. In short, dogs with kidney stones or urinary problems can’t have honeydew. Its caffeine acid can sometimes irritate the bladder and worsen the urinary tract.
Since honeydew is high in sugar, you can’t feed it to your diabetic dog. Besides, dogs with sensitive stomachs may have a worsening condition from eating this fruit, as it is already high in fibre.
Some are allergic to fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods. In that case, too, you can’t feed honeydew to them.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Honeydew?
Can dogs have honeydew or cantaloupe?
Both cantaloupe and honeydew are safe for dogs if taken in moderation. They are sweet and healthy melons that you can occasionally include in your dog’s diet.
Are any melons toxic to dogs?
Not only honeydew but also other melons, are safe for dogs to eat. Just remove their seeds, rinds, and skin; they can be toxic for dogs. But feeding the flesh of melons in moderation will have no side effects.
Can dogs eat honeydew every day?
If you want to feed honeydew to your dog every day, keep the quantity in moderation. For example, eating one small piece of honeydew every day may not be risky for dogs.
Final Thoughts
Since honeydew poses some health threats, you may think, Can dogs have honeydew? Well, dogs can have honeydew, but in moderation. Besides, they should eat this fruit in bite-sized pieces to avoid choking hazards.
Before you think of including this melon in your dog’s diet, ask your vet first. Because sometimes the health records of dogs do not allow them to have certain foods. Also, if your dog ever eats honeydew more than required, observe his symptoms and let your vet know about it.
