Can Dogs Eat Honeydew? (Explained)

Honeydew is a variety of melon with a delightfully sweet flavor. Although it is generally available all year round, it is especially popular from June to October. While humans can gain plenty of health benefits from eating this fruit, is it safe for dogs? Can dogs eat honeydew?

Can Dogs Eat Honeydew?

Yes, dogs can eat honeydew since it does not contain any substance that is toxic to dogs. In fact, this fruit offers several health benefits and could be a good alternative to commercial dog treats. It is important to make sure, however, to only give your dog pieces of ripe flesh and not the seeds and rind.

Benefits to Feeding Your Dog Honeydew

Compared to typical commercial dog treats, honeydew is a whole, natural food. It contains very little sodium and no preservatives. It also has no questionable ingredients, cholesterol, or saturated fat.

Honeydew can help keep your dog hydrated since it is an excellent source of water. It is also packed with fiber, which can be useful in improving digestion and supporting a healthy bowel movement.

Additionally, honeydew contains several beneficial vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium, and folate.

Potential Hazards to Watch for When Feeding Honeydew

Feeding your dog the occasional piece of honeydew is generally safe. But even though this fruit does not contain any substances that are toxic to dogs, there are still some potential risks. Among the most significant are:

Indigestion

Honeydew and other melons are fiber-dense fruits. While that could be good for your dog’s digestive system, too much could lead to indigestion or even diarrhea and vomiting. The seeds and rind are especially difficult to digest.

Sugar

A cup of diced honeydew contains approximately 14 grams of sugar. This sugar content is fructose, which is safer than table sugar. Nevertheless, large portions can severely affect your pet’s health.

Additionally, you should consult your vet before giving fruits to a diabetic dog.

Choking

Large pieces of honeydew could be a choking hazard. When swallowed, the fruit could easily become lodged in your dog’s throat. It could also cause an internal blockage, which could lead to an emergency situation.

Best Ways to Feed Honeydew

If you’re giving your dog honeydew, make sure it’s ripe. Unripe honeydew is hard and more difficult to digest. Additionally, you should only give them portions of the flesh and none of the seeds and rind.

To ensure your dog’s safety, slice honeydew into small pieces and feed them only a piece at a time. The ideal size would depend on the size of your dog, but it’s a good idea to make sure that they can’t choke on the piece if they swallow it whole.

Lastly, given the sugar and fiber content of honeydew, you should give this to your dog infrequently and only in small portions.

Alternative Honeydew Recipe for Dog Treats

As long as you don’t give your dog too much honeydew at a time, it should be perfectly safe. However, to give your dog an even more beneficial treat, here’s something that’s easy to make at home:

Honeydew-Cucumber Probiotic Dog Treats

This recipe tones the sugar content of honeydew down using cucumbers. It also gives your dog the nutritional benefits of Greek yogurt as a wonderful frozen treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cup Honeydew Slices
• 1 medium-sized Cucumber
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt

Procedure:

• Place all ingredients in a blender.
• Blend until smooth.
• Pour into silicone molds or ice trays.
• Place in the freezer.
• Remove from molds and keep in the freezer for a handy, occasional treat.

Final Thoughts

Because honeydew is not toxic to dogs, you can safely give it to your pup as a special treat. Just be sure you control portions to avoid indigestion and glucose spikes.

You should also cut them up into small pieces to avoid choking. As long as you don’t overdo it, honeydew can be a delicious reward for good behavior.

Apart from honeydew, you have plenty of other safe options if you’re looking to give your dog more healthful treats than those you typically find at the pet store. You can make your own fruit snacks, or even treat them with pieces of watermelon and strawberries.