Who doesn’t love the taste of watermelon in the hot summer days? And of course with your GSD, it is important to know how to feed watermelon and in what amount.
According to the US Service Animals, watermelons are a refreshing fruit and is the best fruit for summer season.
Watermelons have high water content. It is the best fruit you can enjoy during summer season.
Can German Shepherds eat watermelon?
German shepherds can consume watermelons as it is very low in calories and sodium, and do not contain fat.
Watermelons are healthy which will make a tasty treat for your dog and also it will help to lose weight.
Feeding watermelons to German shepherds is a healthy alternative and can keep your dog hydrated during summer season.
Watermelon has benefit of vitamin A, C and fiber which is very much beneficial to your dog.
Why are watermelons good for German shepherds?
Not only for German Shepherds but watermelon is good for human beings as well. They have many nutritional properties. It keeps us hydrated and protects from heat.
Fresh watermelon is definitely the best but German Shepherds can eat frozen watermelon as well. Dogs really enjoy eating watermelon as it is a sweet fruit and easy to consume.
German Shepherds gather 10% of calories from snacks and treats, basically we have to include 20% calories through fruits and vegetables in their diet. That means, a healthy German Shepherd should be able to eat 150 grams of watermelon in a day. Do not give it at once, rather divide it into portions and feed them throughout the day.
What health benefits does watermelon offer for German Shepherds?
Watermelons have uncountable health benefits, some common are mentioned below:
- It has 92% of water, making it a source of water in German Shepherds body.
- It helps cool down the heat during summers.
- It helps dogs keep hydrated.
- It is full of antioxidants which helps German Shepherds prevent lot of illness.
- Watermelon promotes healthy aging in German Shepherds.
- It is rich in vitamin A, B6 and C which boasts the immune system of German Shepherds.
- Eating watermelon will promote good eye sight.
- It helps German Shepherds regulate proper nerve function.
- Watermelon is high in potassium which is important for dogs muscle function.
What precautions should we take while giving watermelon to German Shepherds?
Watermelon is undoubtedly a good choice for German Shepherds but still if we don’t take precautions or don’t know how to feed them watermelon, it can cause health risks.
- Never let your dog eat watermelon seeds. For some reason, the seeds of all the fruits are toxic for German Shepherds, and if taken regularly, it can cause serious health issues in them such as stomach pain, and blockage in the stomach.
- The skin also should not be fed to German Shepherds, as it is not good for their health.
- Always cut fruits into small pieces to avoid choking, same goes for watermelon.
- German Shepherds love watermelon and they tend to overeat. It is not good for their digestive system, so make sure you control the proportion.
- An adult German Shepherd is able to eat up to two cups of watermelon but it is not same for German Shepherd puppies.
- Never give a whole big watermelon to a German Shepherd. If they properly chew it, it’s fine to offer them more, but if they just gulp it down, then it can cause digestive problems like diarrehea and vomiting.
Read: What can German Shepherds not eat
What to do if your German Shepherd has eaten watermelon seeds or skin by mistake?
There are high chances of your dog eating the seeds or skin by mistake from the trash. Do not panic, eating only a small amount will not cause any serious health issue.
Some symptoms you might see if they eat seeds of fruits by mistake:
- Diarrehea.
- Choking.
- Vomiting.
- Abdominal pain.
As soon as you see these symptoms visit your vet, he will be able to diagnose if it was because of these substances or something else.
How to serve watermelon to German Shepherds?
You cannot just give your dog to eat the whole watermelon as it is. There are proper ways of feeding fruits to dogs.
- Cup the watermelon into small bitable pieces.
- Remove the skin and seeds.
- Put it in a cup and serve them.
How to make frozen watermelon?
Frozen watermelons are the best treats during the summer and you can make it this way.
Blend one cup of watermelon with one cup of water and transfer it into ice tray. Freeze it for approximately two hours and feed them right from the fridge whenever it is time.
Conclusion
Watermelon is one of the best fruits recommended for German Shepherds. It is full of antioxidants and minerals which is good for German Shepherds health.
Read: Best Dog Food For German Shepherds
The best time for watermelon is during summer when the heat is at its peak. The watermelon acts as a cooler for dogs.