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Can Labs Eat It? Food Safety

Can Labs Eat Watermelon?

By · Updated · 3 sources

Yes, without seeds or rind

Watermelon flesh is safe for dogs in moderation and is about 92% water. Remove the seeds, which can cause choking or a blockage, and the tough rind, which can upset the stomach or cause an obstruction. A cup of diced watermelon has about 46 calories.

Adult chocolate Labrador on a beach at sunset with a tennis ball in its mouth
Photo by Reed Naliboff on Unsplash
On this page (7)
  1. Quick answers
  2. Why watermelon is a good summer treat
  3. The parts to skip
  4. How much?
  5. Serving ideas
  6. FAQ
  7. Sources

Quick answers

Can Labs eat watermelon?

Yes, without the seeds or rind. Watermelon flesh is safe in moderation and is about 92% water. Remove the seeds, which can cause choking or a blockage, and the tough rind, which can upset the stomach or cause an obstruction. A cup of diced watermelon has about 46 calories. Answer page →

On a hot day, a few cubes of watermelon are a great snack for a Lab. It’s mostly water, low in calories and safe, once you take out the seeds and rind.

Why watermelon is a good summer treat

The AKC describes watermelon as about 92% water, with vitamins A, B6 and C and potassium, and no fat. USDA data put a cup of diced watermelon at about 46 calories.

Watermelon is a treat, not a way to keep a dog hydrated. Fresh water and shade still matter most, especially for a Lab who exercises hard in summer (see exercise for Labs).

The parts to skip

  • Seeds. They can be a choking hazard and, in quantity, cause an intestinal blockage (AKC). Choose seedless or pick them out.
  • Rind. It’s tough to digest and can cause vomiting, diarrhea or an obstruction if swallowed in big pieces.

Call your vet if your Lab shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, belly discomfort, loss of appetite or trouble passing stool after eating watermelon.

How much?

The AKC suggests a few bite-size pieces at a time for most dogs, starting small the first time. Keep treats under about 10% of daily calories. By the Merck formula, a 70 lb neutered adult Lab needs about 1,500 kcal a day, so a cup of watermelon (about 46 kcal) fits well within a 150 kcal treat budget. Too much at once can still cause stomach upset from the sugar and fiber. Check your own dog in the calorie calculator.

Serving ideas

  • Seedless cubes, fresh or frozen
  • Pureed and frozen in an ice cube tray
  • Blended with plain, unsweetened yogurt and stuffed into a chew toy, if your dog handles dairy (check yogurt labels for xylitol)

More fruit for Labs: strawberries, blueberries, apples. Foods to never share include grapes and chocolate. See the full Can Labs eat it? list.

Frequently asked questions

Can dogs eat watermelon rind?

It isn't recommended. The AKC says the rind is hard to digest and can cause vomiting, diarrhea or an intestinal obstruction if a dog swallows large pieces. Cut the flesh off first.

What if my Lab ate watermelon seeds?

A few seeds are unlikely to be a problem for a large dog, but many seeds can cause a blockage (AKC). Call your vet if you see repeated vomiting, belly pain, loss of appetite or trouble passing stool.

How much watermelon can a Lab have?

A few bite-size pieces at a time. A cup of diced watermelon is about 46 calories, and treats should stay under 10% of daily calories, roughly 150 kcal for a 70 lb neutered adult Lab.

Sources

  1. American Kennel Club: Can dogs eat watermelon?
  2. USDA FoodData Central: Watermelon, raw (SR Legacy 167765)
  3. Merck Veterinary Manual: Nutritional requirements of small animals (RER/MER)
  • Can Labs Eat Strawberries?
    Yes, in moderation. Strawberries are a low-calorie treat for Labs. How many to give, how to prepare them, and the few things to avoid.
  • Can Labs Eat Apples?
    Yes. Apple slices are a crunchy, low-calorie treat for Labs. Remove the core, seeds and stem first. How much to give and why the seeds matter.
  • Can Labs Eat Grapes or Raisins?
    No. Grapes, raisins and currants can cause kidney failure in dogs, with no known safe amount. Symptoms, what to do and who to call if your Lab ate one.
  • Can Labs Eat Chocolate?
    No. Chocolate's theobromine and caffeine can poison dogs. See how much is dangerous for a Lab by chocolate type, symptoms, and what to do right now.
  • Can Labs Eat Bananas?
    Yes, in moderation. Bananas are safe for dogs but sugary: a whole one is about 105 calories. How much to give a Lab, banana peels, and treat ideas.

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