Cantaloupes, which are a type of melon, are not just tasty, but they’re packed with vitamins like B-6, A and C and are high in fiber. And we aren’t just talking about for our benefit — they’re safe for dogs to eat, too.
(Even though cantaloupe is generally safe for your pet, always consult your vet before introducing a new food item to their diet.)
According to Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian, cantaloupes are low in calories and high in fiber (which encourages a healthy gut) and water content. They’re also packed with other nutrients, including:
However, treats like cantaloupe should never be more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Dr. McCullough says that the amount of cantaloupe your dog eats is unlikely to make a massive difference in their overall health — including preventing dehydration and constipation.
Always talk to your veterinarian before introducing a new food into your pup’s diet. If your dog struggles with underlying conditions, like diabetes, veterinarians may tell you to avoid giving cantaloupe to your dog.
“Not all dogs will tolerate cantaloupe and may develop gastrointestinal upset in the form of vomiting, diarrhea and a decreased appetite,” Dr. McCullough says. If this happens to your pet, stop feeding them cantaloupe and call your vet for advice.
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Cantaloupe seeds, skin and rind are super fibrous and can be more challenging for dogs to digest. They’re also a choking hazard for dogs, so it’s important to remove them before serving, Dr. McCullough says.
Puppies need different nutrients than adult dogs, so it’s good to check with your veterinarian before giving them a bite of cantaloupe.
A larger dog breed can likely eat more than a smaller dog, so Dr. McCullough recommends asking your veterinarian about the correct serving size of cantaloupe for your best friend. “Pet parents can offer a small amount of cantaloupe cut into small pieces sparingly, so it does not unbalance their main diet,” she adds.
We’re confident that cantaloupe isn’t the only human food your dog would love to sink their teeth into (cue the drool). Check out our series “Can dogs eat ... ?” to learn more about which human foods are off-limits and what’s fair game.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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