Can German Shepherds Eat Watermelon?

Yes! According to US Service Animals, giving your dog some watermelon is perfectly safe. In fact, it offers a variety of health benefits. However, before you give your German Shepherd some of this refreshing fruit, make sure you’re well informed of the proper way to do so.

Benefits of Watermelon to Dogs

1) It’s good for hydration

Watermelon is 92% water. That makes it a fun and nutritious way to keep your German Shepherd hydrated. Additionally, consuming chilled or frozen watermelon can help your dog cool off and avoid overheating during the hot summer months.

2) It’s rich in lycopene

According to the Watermelon Board, this fresh fruit is remarkably rich in lycopene, which is a potent antioxidant that helps prevent a number of serious illnesses and also promotes healthy aging.

3) It’s rich in vitamins

Watermelons are high in vitamins C, A, and B6. Combined, these vitamins help boost your German Shepherd’s immune system, promote good eye health, and maintain proper nerve function.

4) It’s high in potassium

Potassium is one of the major electrolytes your dog’s body requires to function properly. This mineral helps in proper hydration and muscle function.

How to Safely Give Watermelon to Your German Shepherd

1) Remove the rind and seeds

Just as you’d eat it, make sure you remove the rind and seeds before feeding your GSD some watermelon. These are difficult to digest and could cause blockages as well as severe stomach pain and bloating.

2) Cut up into small pieces

Cutting up watermelon into smaller pieces before you feed it to your German Shepherd will help you make sure you’ve removed all the seeds. It’ll also make it easier for them to chew and digest.

3) Exercise portion control

German Shepherds who love watermelon tend to overindulge if you don’t control it. Generally, the digestive system of adult GSDs can handle up to 1/2 cup of watermelon cubes, while puppies should be limited to much less.

Final Thoughts

So can German Shepherds eat watermelon? Yes, whether fresh or frozen, watermelons are definitely a refreshing snack that most German Shepherds enjoy.

As long as you feed them this fruit responsibly, there’s plenty that they can gain from eating watermelon and is definitely better than commercial dog snacks in moderation.

Other fruits that you can give to your German Shepherd as a snack is passion fruit, oranges, bananas, and blueberries.