Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

The post Can Dogs Eat Watermelon Seeds? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Watermelon is synonymous with summer. People certainly love it, with the per capita consumption in 2022 at 14.12 pounds.¹ It’s an ancient fruit, with archaeological evidence going back 5,000 years. Its name describes its outstanding feature of being thirst-quenching. While the pulp is delicious, there’s a lot of waste. However, early Americans figured out what to do with the rind. Pickle it!

The other question, however, is the seeds. Many people find them a nuisance. It’s no wonder that seedless varieties have existed for roughly 50 years. The question remains: Are watermelon seeds safe to eat? Can your dog consume them? While swallowing one or two probably won’t cause a serious problem, we don’t recommend giving them to your pet or eating them yourself. The facts may surprise you.

The Dangers of Feeding Watermelon Seeds to Dogs

Scientists didn’t develop seedless watermelons through genetic modification. It’s simply cross-breeding plants with desirable characteristics, a practice nearly as old as agriculture. While many consume various nuts without harm, fruit seeds are sometimes problematic. For example, peaches and apricot pits contain a chemical that converts to hydrogen cyanide when metabolized. Yes, you read that right.

Watermelon belongs to the Cucurbitaceae or gourd family. It includes familiar and safe foods like melons, zucchini, and squash. Many contain relatively large seeds. That has prompted some researchers to consider their viability as food. After all, manufacturers roast and sell pumpkin seeds. Why not watermelon seeds? We don’t recommend any seeds for your dog, though, and that includes watermelon seeds.

Obstruction Risk

The size of watermelon seeds is an issue. They are large and hard, making them difficult for a dog to chew. They are often swallowed whole, which can theoretically present a risk of gastrointestinal obstruction. Your pet’s body won’t digest them properly. Instead, they will likely pass them whole. Eating too many can cause a blockage, which is a medical emergency.

Immediate medical attention is imperative. Surgery is often necessary to remove GI blockages. It’s certainly not worth the risk of giving your dog a handful of watermelon seeds. Remember that many dogs are indiscriminate eaters. They often gobble their food without much chewing, putting them at risk. The best prevention is not giving your pet any foods that could cause a blockage.

If your dog is showing any of these signs, we recommend speaking with a vet.

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