Can Pugs Eat Watermelon As A Snack?

Share with other Pug lovers!

Most pugs are curious and love to eat, so it’s not uncommon that they’ll walk around scavenging for dropped food or crumbs. Even as a responsible and watchful pug owner, it’s not always possible to catch everything that your dog might eat. 

One fruit that might cause some worry is the summertime favorite, watermelon. It’s refreshing and healthy for us, so is it safe for your pug? Let’s take a closer look and answer the question – can pugs have watermelon?

The Good News

If your frantic search on the web for “can pugs eat watermelon?” has led you here, fear not. Dogs can eat this quintessential summertime snack. So if your pug nibbled on a slice while you weren’t looking, don’t worry!

It’s actually surprisingly common for dog owners to feed their beloved canines watermelon. Take this adorable video trend from back in 2018. It’s not only safe but potentially even entertaining to feed pugs watermelon!  Even better news, eating watermelon can help hydrate your pug and give them a boost of added nutrients.

The Bad News

Unfortunately, there is a catch here. While dogs can eat the fruit in general, you should not feed your dog watermelon rinds or watermelon seeds. These are not poisonous but could upset your pug’s stomach or even cause a blockage. 

We should also point out an ugly truth about fruit: even though it’s natural, it does contain a lot of sugar, and watermelon is no exception. Just like in a human diet, some sugar is fine! But it would be wise to consider moderation when feeding pugs watermelon. 

Since pugs are prone to obesity and even diabetes, moderation is essential whether you’re offering your pug a snack or filling up their food bowl. When in doubt, always consult a vet for advice on feeding your dog something new.

While watermelon is relatively safe and healthy, every dog reacts differently to new foods. When you offer your pug small amounts of watermelon, monitor closely for adverse affects like an upset stomach.

If you suspect that your pug has eaten something toxic, there are some key signs to watch out for. Some are relatively obvious: diarrhea, vomiting, refusing to eat, or generally strange behavior should prompt a phone call to your dog’s vet.

Some more subtle signs are pale gums (potentially indicating internal bleeding), increased thirst (potential kidney trouble), and yellow gums (potential liver trouble). Ultimately, you know your dog–if they seem “off,” it’s better to play it safe and get them checked out.

The Benefits of Watermelon For Pugs

Now that we know that watermelon is relatively safe, why might it be a good idea to consider adding watermelon to your pug’s diet? It probably doesn’t surprise you to hear that watermelon contains a lot of water. Watermelon is 92% water, in fact, and hydration is not only important for us, but also our pets.

Although there is some debate about exactly how much water your pug needs, the general rule is about 1 ounce per pound that they weigh, per day. So if a typical pug weighs 15 or 16 pounds, that’s about two cups of water or two slices of watermelon! We don’t recommend keeping your pet hydrated only by eating watermelon, but it could help in addition to water on a hot day!

Another tip is to try freezing bite-sized chunks of watermelon for your dog so they get the added bonus of a cooling treat. Brachycephalic breeds, in particular, have a harder time cooling down due to their short, smushed snouts.

Other Health Benefits

Watermelon is more than just water, of course. You might also consider your dog’s vitamin intake as you decide if watermelon is worth adding in. The fruit is high in vitamins A and C, which you may know are good for your eyes, skin, and immune system. As it turns out, they benefit dogs in the same way!

Arguably, the nutrients watermelon provides would normally be in standard dog food. But there are plenty of arguments to be made in favor of feeding pugs watermelon as part of a raw diet. Some claim that a raw diet is better for a dog’s overall health, resulting in benefits like increased energy, healthier skin and coat, and cleaner teeth. It’s still a subject up for debate, though, so be sure to do your research! 

Other Pug-Friendly Fruits

Watermelon is a great option, but whether you’re considering a raw diet for your dog as an alternative to dry or wet dog food or simply supplementing their diet, what other fruits can they eat? The answer is a bit complicated because parts of certain fruits are harmful, just as watermelon rinds and seeds are.

As a general rule, remember to avoid fruits with pits and seeds. Specifically, never feed your pug cherries, grapes, avocados, or tomatoes. You’ll also want to avoid feeding them too much of anything with excessive amounts of sugar. Potential hazards are any canned fruits, cantaloupe, mango, pineapples, bananas, cranberries, and strawberries. 

Other than watermelon, some of the healthiest fruits to incorporate into your dog’s diet are pears, apples, and blueberries. All three are great sources of fiber and don’t contain high levels of sugar. Blueberries may be the most tempting option because they don’t require any extra prep like seed removal, plus they contain antioxidants.

Final Thoughts – Can Pugs Eat Watermelon?

If you’re considering whether or not pugs can eat watermelon, rest assured that they can, and it can be a fun and healthy way to share something with your dog. So next time they look up at you with those big brown eyes as you munch on a slice, let him take a (seed- and rind-free) bite!