Watermelon is the perfectly crisp, yummy and healthy sweet treat not only for you, but your furry friends too! It can hit the spot after spending a long, hot day at the park playing with your pets. Although you can find it year-round in grocery stores, watermelon hits peak season from May to September. Whatever the occasion or season, consider sharing a slice with your pets next time you enjoy this succulent fruit.
What are the benefits?
Sharing an animal-safe snack with your pet is always fun, especially one that is ripe with as many benefits as watermelon. This fruit is 92% water, making it a great source of hydration for you and your pet, according to PetMD. It’s also rich with vitamins, including vitamin A, B-6 and C. According to the Mayo Clinic, vitamin A is important because it helps your immunity, cell division, vision and has antioxidant properties. Similarly, vitamin B-6 also has antioxidant properties and helps your body function properly. Vitamin C is also necessary for your body to form bones, blood vessels, muscles, collagen and cartilage. It can also support your body’s healing process. In addition to being full of vitamins, watermelon also has no fat or cholesterol, according to PetMD.
How to share it with your furry friend
Although dogs can eat watermelon, pet-owners should be mindful of the seeds and rinds because they can pose as choking hazards. Additionally, the rind can cause intestinal blockages, and the seeds could lead to an upset stomach. The ripe red fruit inside the rind is safe for your pawsome pal to eat every so often, as long as they do not have diabetes, sugar sensitivities or have obesity.
The best way to treat your dog with this fruit is by cutting it up into small cubes, depending on the size of your pet. However, keep in mind that treats like watermelon should be given in moderation, according to PetMD. Keeping your pet on a healthy diet of dog food is important, but it’s OK to treat them sometimes!
Next time you slice up a watermelon, cut up a cube or two to share with your furry friend!
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