We all like to treat our Pugs from time to time. But knowing what is and isn’t good for them can be a struggle. And when it comes to fruit, things get even more confusing.
Have you ever wondered if Pugs can eat watermelon?
Let’s go to check it out more about watermelon for Pugs.
Is Watermelon Safe For Pugs?
Yes. Watermelon is safe for Pugs. In fact, watermelon makes for a delicious, hydrating, and cooling treat for your Pug in the summer months. Pugs struggle to regulate their body temperature so they need all the help they can get when temperatures start to rise.
Knowing which fruits are healthy for your Pug will help you liven up their diet with tasty,vitamin-packed goodies. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of Pug friendly fruits.
But for now, we’re talking all things watermelon.
Watermelon is both safe and nutritious for your dog – and it’s great for their waistline too. Watermelon is a unique foodstuff. Neither fruit nor vegetable, it is low in calories with zero fat or cholesterol. It’s also jam-packed with hydrating water content, vitamins and minerals.
Watermelon nutritional information:
- 92% water
- High in amino acids
- Only 50 calories per cup
- Potassium aids kidney function
- Dietary fiber to prevent constipation
- Contains antioxidants like lycopene
- Vitamin C to help fight infection
- Vitamin A for strong vision
- Vitamin B6 for immune response
Did you know? The antioxidant lycopene is thought to reduce the risk of cancer.
If you want to know more about what can Pugs eat, read here.
Should I Take Any Precautions?
Watermelon boasts many health benefits, but there are some precautions we need to take before giving it to our pooches. As with most things in life, moderation is key. Watermelon may be 92% water but, even so, too much could make your Pug feel poorly.
The most common side-effect of overconsumption is gastrointestinal discomfort (an upset stomach, tummy ache, or diarrhea). This is most likely to occur if your Pug has overindulged or is trying watermelon for the very first time.
Something that many Pug owners do not realize is that not all parts of the watermelon are good for your Pug. Though no part of the fruit is poisonous, some parts can be dangerous.
Before feeding watermelon to your Pug, keep stock of these essential precautions.
1. Avoid seeds
If your Pugs eat too many watermelon seeds, they could end up with a painful blockage of the digestive tract. Small dogs, like Pugs, are at greater risk of intestinal blockage than their larger counterparts.
2. Avoid skin and rinds
Rinds and skin should also be avoided. The rind is the watermelon’s firmer inner layer. It is usually a pale green color and is more difficult for your pup to chew. Rinds and hard skins can cause intestinal blockages, that result in tiredness, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting.
3. Natural or nothing
Artificial watermelon is never a substitute for the real deal. Products that mimic watermelon flavors are high in sugars, artificial sweeteners, and contain none of the nutritional benefits of watermelon. They could even make your dog sick.
4. Limit those treats
Watermelon may be nutritious, but it’s still a treat. It contains natural sugars and a lot of fiber. Overindulging could give your Pug a serious case of diarrhea, constant urination from the excess water content, and uncomfortable bloating.
Top-tip: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your Pugs calories per day. If in doubt, contact your vet. They will be able to help you formulate a nutrition plan for your Pug.[/su_note]
How To Prepare Watermelon For Your Pug
With these precautions in place, it’s time to prepare some tasty, watermelon-based, snacks for your pooch. And this need not be boring. There are so many different ways to serve up a watermelon from ‘au natural’ to frozen popsicles and doggie slushies.
Time for the fun part. Here are some of the best ways to prepare watermelon for your Pug.
1. Frozen
Freezing watermelon in the summer months makes it even more refreshing. This is a great way to help your Pug cool down when the temperatures soar. And this applies to other fruits too. Stay tuned for a list of Pug friendly fruit then get creative with some frozen fruit medleys.
2. Raw
Plain and simple. Wash and prepare some fresh watermelon by chopping it into chunks. But remember to remove the skin, rind, and seeds to avoid any problematic tummies afterward.
3. Homemade treats
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a canine chef, it’s time to get creative. There are so many things you can do with watermelon to make fun, healthy, dog treats. Just make sure you’re using all dog-friendly ingredients.
Here are some examples:
- Popsicles – check out the recipe here
- Slushies – check out the recipe here
- Frozen yogurt – check out the recipe here
- Taffy – check out the recipe here
Why not check out this video all about how to make watermelon dog treats:
What Fruits Can I Feed My Pug?
Watermelon is great, but it’s not the only fruit you can feed your Pug. Since Pugs are so prone to weight gain, their ideal snack is low in calories and sugar, but high in dietary fiber. Luckily, alongside watermelon, there are many fruits that fit the bill.
Let’s take a look.
1. Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are fantastic for Pugs. They are perfectly bite-sized and super delicious.
2 or 3 berries make for the ideal healthy snack. Strawberries and raspberries are a great source of fiber, whilst blueberries and blackberries are full of antioxidants.
Berries are great pureed, frozen, or just as they come.
2. Apples and pears
Apples and pears contain plenty of fiber to support your Pug’s digestive health. They’re also full of vitamins that help everything from growth to immune system support.
Try cutting an apple or pear into slices to share as a snack with your Pug. Just remember to set the core aside as it is toxic for dogs.
3. Bananas
Pugs love bananas. Plus, bananas are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals. A whole banana is too large for your Pug, however. Cut it up and offer your pooch a few small pieces.
4. Mango
Who doesn’t love mango? Pugs will go crazy for this deliciously sweet fruit. But a few pieces is enough as Mango is high in sugars. Once again, make sure you remove the peel.
5. Kiwi
Kiwis are an excellent option. They are high in fiber and low in fat and cholesterol. Plus they are seriously nutrient-packed with vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium.
6. Cucumber
We usually think of cucumber as a salad vegetable. But cucumber is a hydrating, low-calorie fruit perfect for Pugs in the warm summer months.
FAQ
1. Can Pug puppies eat watermelon?
Yes, puppies can eat watermelon. Offering watermelon in small quantities as a snack is great. But remember this is not a substitute for your puppies main diet.
2. What should I do if my Pug eats the rind?
If, for some reason, your Pug ends up eating the pips, rind, or skin of the watermelon, look out for signs of intestinal discomfort, diarrhea, or vomiting.
These are all indications that you should visit your veterinarian immediately. They may have an intestinal blockage.
Pugs Love Watermelon
By taking all the necessary precautions, your Pug will be able to enjoy some delicious and creative watermelon treats in no time.
Can Pugs eat watermelon?
Yes, they can and they absolutely love it.
Served correctly, watermelon is delicious, nutritious, and highly hydrating.
It’s time to get creative in the kitchen and add some watermelon-based snacks to your repertoire. Endless fun (and a happy Pug) guaranteed.