Last Updated on September 20, 2023
If you are a dog owner, the odds are you spoil your pooch with the occasional treat and table scrap. If your four-legged friend is lingering around the table during breakfast, that may mean giving them a slice of cantaloupe. If you are unsure about the effects of this melon, here is everything you need to know about the pro and cons of feeding your dog some cantaloupe.
Is Cantaloupe Safe for Dogs?
Yes, cantaloupe is a safe and good food for the dog to eat. The nutritious and soft flesh makes it a worthwhile snack for canines of all ages. Generally speaking, you can feed your dog fruit, especially after you give it a thorough wash and remove any seeds or rinds.
Your dog digests food differently than you do. One of the primary differences is in the way they handle processed foods. While humans can crush a can of Pringles or devour a dish of cheese, dogs’ bodies do not have the mechanisms to do so, which can lead to adverse reactions.
That is why dog owners should strive to give their pets unprocessed and natural foods. Think fruits, vegetables, and raw meats, etc. While there are always exceptions to the rules, these foods are generally the safest for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe-Related Products?
As delicious as cantaloupe is, it is not that common in cooking. The chances are you and your pet will enjoy your cantaloupe plain or as part of a fruit salad. That said, there are cantaloupe dishes, such as prosciutto and melon, cantaloupe smoothies, and cantaloupe grappa semifreddo.
In all these instances, you would be able to feed your dog the cantaloupe in question safely. This, of course, comes with the usual caveat of not combining the fruit with other unsafe foods and the stipulation of moderation. For instance, cantaloupe grappa semifreddo is a sweet dish, which, unless you are planning on brushing your dog’s teeth shortly after the meal, can speed up tooth decay if consumed regularly.
Health Benefits
Dogs need an essential group of vitamins and minerals in the same way that humans do. Cantaloupe is a robust source for these nutrients while offering low fat and caloric content. Vitamin K, niacin, potassium, vitamin B-6, and magnesium are all nutritional treats offered by fruit.
Two of the most prevalent nutrients in cantaloupe include vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A is particularly valuable when it comes to preserving eyesight, as the compound converts light in the eye into images. It can also support a healthy immune system as it contributes to the production of white blood cells and fortifying mucous barriers that trap pathogens.
Vitamin A is also the nutrient that will have your dog looking and feeling their best. It is an essential part of keeping hair moisturized and lush because it contributes to the growth of body tissue, hair, and skin. That is because Vitamin A is a prerequisite for sebum production, which helps provide an aesthetic “glow.”
While vitamin C is not the common cold cure that many people make it out to be, its properties as an antioxidant are invaluable. Studies show that vitamin C can boost blood antioxidant levels as much as 30 percent, which helps protect the body from free radicals. Vitamin C can also reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and iron deficiencies.
Health Drawbacks
Cantaloupe is a reliable all-around option when it comes to healthy dog snacks. However, it does matter the way that you present the melon. One of the few things to watch out for when it comes to health drawbacks is the cantaloupe rind.
Cantaloupe rind is abrasive and difficult to digest. We highly recommend removing the exterior before serving it to make the digestive process that much easier. If you want to save the rind as a dog dental chew, you should consider products specifically tailored to this need that do a more thorough job of reducing tooth pain, removing plaque, and strengthening the jaw muscles.
Cantaloupe is also high in natural sugar, which can be problematic is you feed your dog melon every day. A single cup of cantaloupe balls has 13.9 grams of sugar. Letting sugary foods linger on your dog’s teeth can lead to cavities and decay.
Summing It Up
Cantaloupe is one of the best fruits for dogs. As a nutritious and straightforward-to-eat treat, it’s perfect whether you have a puppy or a senior dog. The fruit is also non-toxic, so the odds of an adverse reaction are slim to none.
If you do opt to feed your dog cantaloupe, make sure to remove the rind first. That is the section that is the most difficult for canines to chew and digest. Other than that, feel free to enjoy some morning melon with your pooch anytime.
Related: Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
