Can Dogs Eat Honeydew? Nutrition Facts & Safety Guide
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The sweet and juicy honeydew melon. Delicious with your breakfast, in a fresh fruit salad, or even as a chilled soup. While enjoying your juicy treat, maybe you’re wondering if it’s okay to slip some melon to your dog.
Is honeydew melon safe for your dog to eat? The good news is, honeydew is a safe and healthy treat but only in moderation due to the high sugar content. 
The Healthy Honeydew
The honeydew melon is a fruit that belongs to the muskmelon family and is related to the cantaloupe. It is round with a pale, yellowish rind and light green flesh with a sweet, light and subtle flavor. It contains high water and sugar content.
The honeydew is chock full of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, magnesium, and potassium. It provides an extensive range of health benefits that may contribute to:
- A reduction in high blood pressure
- Promoting healthy bones
- Maintaining eye and vision health
- Repairing and maintaining healthy skin
- Improving blood sugar levels
- Allowing for improved digestion
- Promoting hydration with electrolytes
- Boosting your immune system
The honeydew is available all year round but is at its best from late summer to early fall.
Honeydew and Your Dog
The honeydew has many health benefits for us humans and the same vitamins and minerals can also benefit your dog. The honeydew contains vitamins B6, B12, C and E, phosphorus, and potassium, and because of the high water content, these melons can prove to be quite hydrating for your pet.
Honeydew also contains dietary fiber, which will assist with your dog’s digestive system.
The Downside for Dogs
While the honeydew melon has many benefits for your dog, there are some issues that you should take into consideration.
While dietary fiber is generally healthy for the digestive system, too much melon can lead to too much fiber which can then cause health issues for your dog. If your dog eats too much honeydew, it might lead to stomach upset, including diarrhea and vomiting.
You should remove the rind and seeds of the honeydew as they could be a risk to your dog. While the seeds are not toxic, they could be a choking hazard for your pet. The rind likewise is not toxic but is quite fibrous and tough and could not only be a choking hazard, but if swallowed, it has the potential to block the intestinal tract.
Lastly, one of the hazards of honeydew is the high sugar content. If your dog is diabetic or has weight issues, honeydew should be avoided or given in moderation. You should consult your veterinarian if your dog has diabetes or you’re concerned about his weight before considering feeding him melon.
Some of the signs of high blood sugar in your dog include:
- Excessive thirst
- Increased urination
- Depression
- Weight loss
- Excessive hunger
If you observe any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.
Conclusion
Honeydew melon is a safe treat for your pet as long as you ensure that you’re feeding your dog just small pieces of the fruit and remove the rind and seeds. If your dog eats too much melon, watch for stomach upset or any signs of discomfort or unusual behavior.
The same rule applies to the melons in the same category as the honeydew, namely the cantaloupe. Avoid the rind and the seeds and only feed your dog the flesh in moderation.
Small bites of honeydew on occasion could provide your dog with a sweet, tasty and healthy snack but check with your vet if your dog has any health issues and always follow your vet’s advice to keep your dog healthy and happy.
See also: Can Dogs Eat Pomelo? How Healthy Is It?
Featured image credit: Pixnio
