Can dogs eat cantaloupe?

Updated 19/04/2024

On a hot day, nothing quite beats a refreshing, juicy bowl of melon straight from the fridge. And with all kinds of varieties on the market offering all sorts of health benefits for us humans, it might leave you wondering - can dogs eat cantaloupe like they can watermelon, or should the rough-skinned, orange-fleshed melon be avoided in the canine world? Well it turns out that cantaloupe is a safe treat for dogs, and we're sure they'll be thrilled it's on the menu. With that said though, cantaloupe is high in sugar, just like other melons, so should only be fed as an occasional treat for your pup. For more on the health benefits of cantaloupe for dogs and the best ways to feed it to them, take a look below. 

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Is cantaloupe poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat cantaloupe safely if it's fed in any way, shape or form, or can the fruit sometimes be toxic to dogs? Well like music to your doggo's ears, cantaloupe doesn't contain any toxic compounds for dogs (or humans), so it shouldn't cause any unwanted reactions in your pup, so long as it's only served in small amounts (but more on that later).     

Is cantaloupe good for dogs?

So now that we’ve settled the question - can dogs eat cantaloupe - you might be wondering if the fruit has any kinds of health benefits when fed to dogs, just like it does with us humans? Well certainly - cantaloupe for dogs can benefit all kinds of canine bodily functions in the same way that it does for their humans. Like other fruits though, cantaloupe is pretty high in sugar (which is why it's so naturally delicious to us!), which means that your canine companion should only be munching on small amounts of the stuff (we're talking a couple of small cubes per week). And if your pooch is known to have diabetes, they should steer clear of fruit altogether - the additional sugar can wreak havoc on their blood sugar control. And while the seeds of the cantaloupe don't contain cyanide like watermelon seeds, you should be careful to remove them to avoid your pup choking on them.  

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Health benefits of eating cantaloupe for dogs  

As we said earlier, cantaloupe melons are packed with nutrients that your pup can certainly reap the benefits from if your vet doesn't specifically advise against feeding the fruit. And like with any fruit, your pooch will only benefit from a small amount of the nutrients as such a titchy portion of the fruit will be served in the name of avoiding sugar overload. So without any further ado, let's take a look at some of the health benefits that cantaloupe can offer your doggo. 

• Hydration. You probably already know that melons are made up of mostly water, which means they pack a hydrating punch as a snack for both you and your canine companion.
• Fiber. Fiber is an essential part of your dog's diet, so it can benefit their digestive system if fed in small amounts.
• Vitamins A, B complex, and C. Dogs need a full range of vitamins and minerals to live a healthy life.

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Feeding your dog cantaloupe melon

When it comes to feeding your dog cantaloupe melon, you should check with your vet first. It may be that for some health-related reason, sweet fruits aren't the best snack option for your furry beloved, and instead you should be reaching for dog treats. And when it comes to how much cantaloupe your dog can have, well that really depends on your dog's size, so again, you should check with your vet. If you'd like a rule of thumb though, think about fruit as a treat for dogs, and only share one bite-size cube every now and then. For how to prepare the melon itself and for answers to some of the most common questions on the topic, take a look below.

Preparing cantaloupe melon for dogs

Once you've got the go-ahead from your dog's vet, you'll need to prepare the cantaloupe properly so that it's safe for your pooch to eat. Firstly, remove all the skin and rind - this is far too tough for dogs to eat. Then, remove all the seeds as these pose a choking hazard, and in large numbers can also get stuck in or damage part of your dog's gastrointestinal system. Then, cut into small chunks that your pup will be able to easily enjoy without the risk of choking.  

Can dogs have cantaloupe skin?

Always cut off the skin when preparing melon for dogs - it's seriously tough and hard to digest, so it could cause an intestinal blockage if eaten. 

Can dogs eat cantaloupe seeds?

Unlike watermelon seeds, cantaloupe seeds don't contain any cyanide. Despite this, they should never be fed to your pup as they not only pose a choking hazard, but in large amounts can get stuck in your dog's gastrointestinal system, needing surgery to remove.

Can dogs eat honeydew melon?

Honeydew melon is a seriously hydrating snack for dogs. Like with other melon varieties, remove the rind and seeds, and serve in small chunks as a treat. 

Can dogs eat watermelon?

Watermelon is perfectly safe for dogs - just remove the seeds and rind, cut into small pieces and only serve as a (very hydrating) treat on occasion. 

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Other melon products

Now that you know dogs can safely eat cantaloupe melon, your mind might be wondering about other melon-based products and whether they're okay for dogs to eat. Well as a rule of thumb, never feed your pup anything with added sugar, sweeteners or anything highly processed. And if you're simply not sure, reach for purpose-made dog treats instead. 

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now you know that dogs and cantaloupe are in fact a tail wag-inducing mix, what are the other foods your pooch can enjoy safely? Take a look below to get started and explore our blog for more foods dogs can eat.

• Cheese
• Oranges
• Salmon

Related article: Can dogs eat yogurt?

Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.