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Can Dogs Eat Cantaloupe?

Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Yes, dogs can eat cantaloupe of all types, as long as their pet parents remove the seeds and rind first. Cantaloupe, an orange-fleshed type of muskmelon, is low in calories and high in water, making it a tasty and refreshing treat. As always, consult your veterinarian before adding new foods to your pup’s diet to ensure it’s an appropriate snack for your pet.

Once you see how excited your pup gets about the taste of cantaloupe, your next question might be, “can dogs eat lots of cantaloupe?” While cantaloupe can become a favorite treat, it shouldn’t be fed in large quantities or be an integral part of your pet’s daily diet. Like most fruits, cantaloupe contains a lot of sugar, which isn’t good in excess and can be especially dangerous for diabetic dogs. Remember, treats—and cantaloupe is in this category—should make up no more than10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

Health benefits of cantaloupe for dogs

This wholesome treat option for dogs has some healthful properties, including:

  • It’s an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamin B6, niacin, folate and potassium
  • It’s low in calories and has a high water content, making it a tasty way to rehydrate without packing on the pounds
  • Vitamins A and C in cantaloupe are great antioxidants, which may reduce the risk of certain diseases
  • The high water and fiber contents of cantaloupe also promote digestive health and hydration

How to feed cantaloupe to your dog

How can dogs eat cantaloupe melon?” The answer is, simply. Cut away the rind and remove the seeds to avoid potential choking hazards and gastrointestinal complications.

As cantaloupes are roughly 90% water—almost as much as watermelon—freezing chunks of this melon can also make for refreshing treats on hot days.

» MORE: Learn about fruits and vegetables that dogs can and cannot eat.

FAQs About Feeding Your Dog Cantaloupe

Yes, dogs can eat cantaloupe melon and honeydew. Cantaloupe is one variety in a whole family of melon fruits that also includes watermelons and honeydew. Watermelon and honeydew are also OK for dogs to eat, and they need to be prepared with similar precautions by removing the rind and seeds and cutting it into appropriately sized chunks. For all other melons, consult your veterinarian before feeding it to your pet to help ensure your dog’s safety.

No. The peel (or rind or skin) can be a choking hazard for your dog and potentially cause gastrointestinal issues or a blockage. It also probably won’t taste very good.

If your dog does manage to eat a small section of cantaloupe peel, monitor their behavior. A small amount shouldn’t be a problem, but contact your veterinarian if you perceive any changes in behavior.

The fruit people sometimes refer to as green cantaloupes are more commonly known as honeydew melons, and these are similarly OK for dogs to eat. If you’re unsure of exactly what type of melon you have, be cautious when feeding it to your pet. Most varieties of melon are harmless for dogs to eat after the seeds and rind have been removed, but talk with your vet first and start with a small amount to ensure it doesn’t give your dog an upset stomach.

Cantaloupe is not a balanced meal for your dog and the answer to “can dogs eat lots of cantaloupe?” is no. It should be regarded as a treat, and all treats combined should make up no more than10 percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake.

Like most fruits, cantaloupe does contain a lot of sugar, which isn’t good in excess and can be especially dangerous for diabetic dogs. Use caution and skip it altogether if your pup has diabetes.

No, eating cantaloupe itself won’t hurt your dog as long as it is prepared correctly. The potential dangers come from the seeds and rind, which can be a choking hazard and cause gastrointestinal distress.

The seeds are a choking hazard and can cause GI obstruction. The rinds are unsafe for dogs to eat because they can be a choking hazard, cause gastrointestinal upset or even create blockage in your dog’s digestive tract.

While it’s not likely, it is possible. Similarly to humans, excess sugars in a canine diet have been known to cause digestive issues, and sudden changes in food can upset your pet's stomach. If your dog seems to have had a bad gastrointestinal reaction to cantaloupe, discontinue feeding it to them. If the issue persists, contact your veterinarian for help.

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Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Petco’s ACE team is a passionate group of experienced pet care experts dedicated to supporting the overall health & wellness of pets. The ACE team works to develop animal care operations and standards across the organization and promote proper animal care and education for Pet Care Center partners and pet parents, while also ensuring regulatory compliance.