Although small in size, Chihuahuas are just as active as other dog breeds, if not more. They are intelligent creatures and can thrive with proper training. However, when it comes to their diet, most pet parents are afraid of their small and fragile bodies.
While other dogs are considered strong and sturdy, Chihuahuas are a more vulnerable dog breed. Thus, we often wonder what to feed them. Should we strictly stick to store-bought dog food, or can we treat them with some of the fruits as well? If yes, which fruits are safe for them? What about watermelons?
Can Chihuahuas eat watermelon? Yes, Chihuahuas can eat watermelon. Watermelon is a storehouse of nutrients and can act as a healthy and tasty treat for your canine friend. However, you should take care of two things: removing the seeds and the rind (skin) carefully before feeding them these. Also, feeding them too many watermelons can lead to health issues in your Chihuahua. Thus, it is best to stick to moderation.
If you are wondering what the health benefits of watermelon for your little pet are and how to best feed them these treats, we’ve got you. Read on to discover everything you should know about treating your Chihuahua with watermelons.
Do Chihuahuas like eating watermelon?
All dog breeds have a weakness for sugar, and Chihuahuas are no exception. They are drawn to sweet fruits such as watermelon and eat them with great enthusiasm. Moreover, watermelons have high water content and can make a refreshing treat for your Chihuahua on a hot summer day.
Is watermelon healthy for Chihuahuas?
Watermelons are not just delicious but also healthy for your pet friend. We’re going to tell you all about the nutritional benefits of watermelon for Chihuahuas in this section.
Vitamin A
Watermelon is rich in fat-soluble Vitamin A, which improves your Chihuahua’s eyesight and supports their bone development. Vitamin A also has a positive impact on the reproductive health of dogs.
Vitamin B6
Also known as pyridoxine, Vitamin B6 is present in abundance in watermelon. Pyridoxine is healthy for Chihuahuas since it is involved with the chemical reactions that produce amino acid in their body. Amino acid reduces the risk of tooth decay and improves the fur health of your Chihuahua.
Vitamin C
Watermelon contains Vitamin C, which is an essential antioxidant for Chihuahuas. Vitamin C reduces cognitive aging and inflammation in your pet.
Fiber
Watermelon has a high fiber content. These fibers prevent the sugar from hurting your Chihuahua’s health.
Fat
Unlike other store-bought treats for your Chihuahua, watermelons are fat-free and prevent your pet from gaining unnecessary weight.
Sodium
Too much sodium can lead to several health issues in your Chihuahua, such as tremors, vomiting, depression, etc. Fortunately for your pet, watermelon has a very low sodium content.
Potassium
Watermelon is rich in potassium, which ensures the smooth functioning of Chihuahua’s heart, kidney, muscles, and is essential for normal digestion.
Water
About 92% of watermelon is water. That’s why it helps to keep your pet hydrated even on the hottest days.
Can Chihuahua eat watermelon rinds?
The outer skin of watermelon doesn’t contain any substance that is toxic to your pet. However, the skin is tougher than the fruit, and Chihuahuas have trouble digesting it. Therefore, it is best to cut the outer skin away before feeding watermelons to your Chihuahua.
Are the watermelon seeds safe for Chihuahuas?
Unlike the seeds of an apple, the watermelon seeds do not contain any toxic compound that can harm Chihuahuas. However, the seeds can often lead to intestinal blockage in dogs, especially the smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas. Thus, you should carefully remove all the watermelon seeds before feeding them to your pet friend.
Can Chihuahuas eat frozen watermelon?
Yes, Chihuahuas adore frozen watermelons and can eat safely. If you want to make a frozen watermelon treats that both as well as your Chihuahua can enjoy. Here is a super easy recipe for it.
Frozen watermelon treat recipe
To make frozen watermelon treats, you need to remove all seeds from the fruit first. Once you are done, add a cup of coconut milk to the seedless flesh and blend it. Then, pour the blended flesh into ice cube trays and let them freeze. Your frozen watermelon treat is ready to serve.
Can Chihuahua puppies eat watermelon?
Yes, Chihuahua puppies can eat watermelon. However, due to their fragile and developing digestive system, they should be fed an even smaller quantity of watermelons than their adult parents. You can feed them one spoon of seedless watermelon twice a week.
Feeding watermelon to chihuahuas: serving ideas
The best and simplest way to feed watermelon to Chihuahuas is by cutting them into small bite-sized cubes and serve them to your pet.
Frozen watermelon treats are also a great option, especial in the summers. If you want to mix it up a bit, you can also make a fruit salad for them, using other fruits such as apples, bananas, etc. However, always remember to remove the seeds first.
What happens if Chihuahuas eat too many watermelons?
We’ve already how watermelons are nutritious and healthy. However, no matter how nutritious, these fruits are still primarily human foods. Therefore, they should only be used as an occasional treat for your pets.
If you feed your Chihuahua too many watermelons too often, they might suffer from diarrhea, stomach ache, and other gastrointestinal issues. Watermelon is also rich in sugar and can lead to diabetes and toothache in your pet.
Other fruits you can treat your Chihuahua with
While watermelons make a great treat for your little friend, they aren’t available in all seasons. And even if they were, wouldn’t you want to feed your pet a variety of treats instead of sticking to one? Here are a few of the other fruits that you can safely use as treats for Chihuahuas.
Blueberries
Chihuahuas absolutely love these little berries. They are also rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients such as anthocyanins. Moreover, blueberries are good at repairing cell damage and are believed to fight cancer.
Bananas
A great source of potassium, bananas are ideal for improving the health of the kidney and heart of your pet.
Kiwi
Kiwi is rich in Vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. It also contains antioxidants such as carotenoids and flavonoids to strengthen the immune system of Chihuahuas.
Apple
Apple is an excellent source of fiber for dogs. It is also rich in vitamins A and C and works as a perfect crunchy treat for Chihuahuas.
Mango
Mango is rich in vitamins, trace minerals, and potassium, and makes a sweet and healthy treat for your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay if I feed my Chihuahua once in a day?
No, feeding your Chihuahua once in a day might not be enough for their needs. Most veterinarians recommend feeding pet dogs twice a day: in the morning and in the early evening.
Can Chihuahua eat peanut butter?
Yes, Chihuahuas can eat peanut butter in moderation. However, you should be careful about buying peanut butter that contains Xylitol, a compound that is toxic to dogs.
Can I feed my Chihuahuas eggs as a treat?
Yes, by all means. Eggs are rich in protein, amino acids, and fatty acids. Boiled eggs often help in improving their upset stomach.
Is cheese unhealthy for my Chihuahua?
Not necessarily. When fed in moderation, cheese doesn’t harm your pet. However, you should always try to feed them low-fat cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
Which oil is the best to add to dog foods?
If you want to add oil in dog foods, you should go for canola, soybean, or corn oil.
Conclusion
Coming back to our original question: yes, Chihuahuas can eat watermelons. Rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these watery fruits are ideal treats for your canine friend. However, if fed too much, it can lead to an upset stomach and even diabetes. Thus, you should feed your Chihuahuas watermelon in moderation.