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Watermelon is a delicious fruit. Even Yorkies like them. Watermelons are a powerhouse of nutrients.

But the question is, can Yorkies eat watermelon without any negative impact on their overall health?

Is it safe for them?

The short answer to this question is yes, they can.

But there are some things you should know before feeding your terrier with watermelons.

Watermelon is a refreshing fruit. It is made up of 90% water. It has plenty of nutrients and vitamins that are beneficial for a dog’s health.

However, as we know, excess of anything is bad. Consuming this fruit in large quantities can be harmful. Its seeds and rinds can cause health problems in dogs.

But there are some safe ways.

Note: Before feeding a dog with human food, including watermelons, you must ask your vet.

yorkie beside a watermelon

Benefits of Feeding Watermelons to Yorkies (And Dogs in General)

Watermelon is one of the healthiest fruits. It is full of nutrients and vitamins, which help boost the immune system. Watermelon is rich in vitamin c, vitamin B6, A, E, and potassium. It is low in calories. 

Water content is high in watermelon, which keeps a dog hydrated and refreshed on hot days. Moreover, it is high in fiber which is good for digestion. It kills hunger and thirst and keeps the stomach full for a good time. It is low in sodium and cholesterol-free, so it is a healthy treat for dogs

Overall, watermelon is really great for a dog’s bones and eyes. 

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When is Watermelon Bad for Yorkies?

Feed your Yorkie with watermelons in a moderate quantity along with their regular dog food. But, not too much. Eating too many watermelons can cause gastrointestinal infections. That’s because there are certain parts of watermelon that are dangerous. 

Parts of Watermelon That Are Dangerous 

The seeds and rinds are not safe to eat. In fact, eating watermelons along with seeds can cause blockage in the digestive tract. As for the rinds of watermelons, they’re hard and difficult to chew. Dogs may swallow rind without completely chewing it, which can result in blockage in the intestine. 

If a dog eats seeds or rind, it may show signs of constipation, lethargy, or vomiting. Smaller dogs like Yorkies are more at risk than larger dogs. This is because large dog species may be able to pass the seeds without any problems. 

Precautions Before Feeding Dog With Watermelons 

There are some safe ways to feed your dog with watermelons. These are: 

  • Remove the rind and seeds before feeding the dog with watermelons.
  • Cut watermelon into small bite-size pieces.
  • Feed your dog with 2 or 3 small slices per day.
  • Avoid giving your dog watermelon in winter as the fruit can cause cold or shivers to dogs.

Seedless watermelons are the safest option. Their seeds are not mature enough or are less in numbers. So fruit has less risk of health problems than mature heavy seeds variety.

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Is it Fine for Yorkies to Eat Watermelon Rinds?

Watermelon rinds don’t have any toxic substances.

However, they do consist of thick fiber tissues that Yorkies are unable to break down which results in gastrointestinal obstructions that need to be prevented.

A Yorkie struggles to break down the rind because it’s much harder to digest as compared to other foods such as meat.

Due to this, you have to always cut the outer rinds of the watermelons before giving them to your Yorkie.

Can Yorkies Digest the Seeds of a Watermelon?

While seeds of watermelons don’t have any possibly toxic materials, you have to be careful because they can induce harmful gastrointestinal issues in your Yorkie.

So prior to feeding your Yorkie a watermelon, please keep in mind to extract all of its little seeds.

Can Yorkies Digest Watermelon Leaves?

Leaves of Watermelons are not toxic to Yorkies but they contain a high level of molecular weight cellulose composition that is tough to consume and can form obstructions in Yorkies which leads to health concerns.

How Much Watermelon is Safe for Yorkies?

A medium-sized Yorkie can ingest 4 to 7 little portions of watermelon each meal, contributing to about 10% of its daily calorie consumption.

Watermelon can be served as a snack instead of as a main course, but don’t constitute it for over 10% of your Yorkie’s daily calorie or food consumption.

Parts of Watermelon that are Dangerous

The seeds and rinds are not safe to eat. In fact, eating watermelons along with seeds can cause blockage in the digestive tract.

As for the rinds of watermelons, they’re hard and difficult to chew. Dogs may swallow rind without completely chewing it, which can result in blockage in the intestine.

If a dog eats seeds or rind, it may show signs of constipation, lethargy, or vomiting. Smaller dogs like Yorkies are more at risk than larger dogs.

This is because large dog species may be able to pass the seeds without any problems.

Can Yorkies Consume Unripened Watermelons?

Unripened watermelon has substantial levels of malic and citric acids, which can induce dehydration and discomfort in Yorkies.

As unripened watermelons contain a higher level of acidity, so you should avoid feeding your Yorkies with them.

Can You Give Watermelons to Yorkie Puppies?

Watermelons must not be fed to Yorkie pups that are 12 weeks old or younger because their intestines are currently growing and it might trigger harmful gastrointestinal problems.

Watermelons can be consumed in moderate amounts by Yorkie pups that are older than 12 weeks.

As we have said earlier, don’t constitute it for over 10% of your Yorkie’s daily calorie or food consumption

Can Yorkies Drink Watermelon Juice?

Yorkies can drink plain watermelon juice in reasonable quantities without any extra additives or sweeteners.

Although, branded watermelon drinks might induce gastrointestinal problems that have to be prevented

Never provide your dogs with fruit juices and purées that you did not make personal. But if you do then don’t sweeten it.

Is It Possible For Yorkies To Be Allergic To Watermelons?

Although Yorkies are often not allergic to watermelons every Yorkie is different. A few might be sensitive to certain types of fruits that are generally thought to be good for dogs.

So if you’re a Yorkie owner, you need to give little pieces of watermelon slowly over time to watch how your dog responds.

Please keep in mind to consult your vet if your Yorkie shows unusual signs of discomfort after consuming a watermelon.

Is it Safe for a Diabetic Dog to Eat Watermelons?

Watermelons are roughly 92% water, and even though they contain sugar, feeding your dog a slice of an average watermelon pulp will not cause any issues.

This needs to be considered in moderate quantities and with caution. However, if you still have any doubts, then talk to your veterinarian.

However, as watermelons contain a considerable amount of sugar in it, so it should not be given to diabetic and overweight dogs in particular.

If you want to offer your Yorkie a snack, so keep in mind to give them at least 1-2 hours of outside play.

We firmly suggest giving sugar-free foods to your diabetic dogs. Diabetes is not a joke anymore and you should never try to give new foods to your dogs without talking with your veterinarian first.

Precautions Before Feeding Watermelons to Your Dogs

There are some safe ways to feed your dog with watermelons. These are:

  1. Remove the rind and seeds before feeding the dog with watermelons.
  2. Cut watermelon into small bite-size pieces.
  3. Feed your dog with 2 or 3 small slices per day.
  4. Avoid giving your dog watermelon in winter as the fruit can cause cold or shivers to dogs.
  5. Seedless watermelons are the safest option. Their seeds are not mature enough or are less in numbers.
  6. So fruit has less risk of health problems than mature heavy seeds variety.

Can A Yorkie Eat The Whole Watermelon?

No, it is not a good idea to give a whole watermelon to your dog. It can be poisoning. Feed your dog with watermelon as a treat along with its regular food. Overeating watermelon can cause many health issues. These problems can be stomach ache, diarrhea, or vomiting.

This is because dogs cannot remove rinds and seeds by themselves. So, it is better to avoid giving a whole watermelon to your dog. However, watermelons have high sugar content and fibers. It can be beneficial when given in a moderate amount. 

yorkie puppy looking at a watermelon

Can Yorkies Get Diarrhea From Eating Watermelons?

Yes, based on the quantity of watermelon they consume, few dogs can get diarrhea and gastrointestinal discomfort.

A watermelon’s pulp has 92% water which is suitable for all dogs. But its peel, seeds, and rind might induce digestive issues and diarrhea in your Yorkie.

However, if your Yorkie vomits and gets diarrhea after eating a little piece of watermelon, you have to immediately take it to a veterinarian.

There are 3 main reasons that might lead your dog to vomit and have diarrhea after consuming watermelon.

  1. Your dog’s overall health condition
  2. The condition of the watermelon
  3. The quantity of watermelon your dog has consumed

Diarrhea and vomiting might be symptoms of underlying problems, particularly if your dog vomits even after eating a little bit of watermelon.

It’s difficult for your dog to digest the peel and rind correctly, particularly for pups and elders. Hence it’s best to cut them entirely as it might develop stomach obstruction.

Even though the fruit is nutritious, eating too much of anything is bad. Remember, feeding your Yorkie in ample quantities is highly important.

Why Does My Yorkie Like Watermelons?

Like us humans, Yorkie Terriers love the taste of watermelons. It is sweet and soft in texture. It has high water content. Dogs love this additional hydration on hot summer days. Some of them even love to play with watermelons.

Can Yorkies Consume Frozen Watermelons In The Summer?

Even Yorkies will love eating frozen fruits including watermelons during the intensive heat of the summer.

Prior to freezing the watermelon, just cut off the rinds and take out the seeds and slice them into little pieces.

However, keep in mind to give it in moderate quantities to your Yorkie.

Best Ways To Feed the Dogs With Watermelons 

It is always better to talk to your vet before feeding your dog any fruit. Generally speaking: 

Method 1

Introduce the fruit in small quantities first, along with regular dog food. 

Method 2

Considering the high nutritional value of watermelons, give them a treat to your dog. But remove the rind and seeds before feeding your dog.

Method 3

Cut watermelon into small pieces and freeze them in a tray for 2 to 3 hours. Dogs love frozen fruit. Frozen watermelons have unique flavors and textures.

Method 4

You can make a watermelon jerky with the help of a dehydrator. Cut watermelon into strips. Remove the seeds from the watermelon and dehydrate them. It will give a leathery texture. Reward your dog with these pieces of watermelon jerky. Entertain them with this healthy human food. 

Method 5

Make a smoothie or watermelon juice for your dog. 

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Natural Watermelon Only 

Do not feed your dog with any artificially watermelon-flavored product. They are usually full of sugars, chemicals, and other harmful substances. They can cause health problems in dogs. Artificial sweeteners can be toxic to your dog.

Do not feed your dog with canned watermelon. Avoid watermelon that is packed in syrup. Sugar content is too high in these things. Canned food has preservatives that can sometimes be deadly to dogs.

What Do Other Fruits Can Yorkies eat?

You can feed your dog a variety of human foods. Choose foods that are safe for dogs. Always give fruits to your dogs in moderate quantities. Add human food to their regular dog food. 

Some of the safe fruits for dogs are: 

  • Strawberries
  • Mango (cut into small pieces)
  • Oranges ( peel them and give them in small quantities)
  • Blueberries
  • Bananas ( peel before feeding to dog)
  • Apples ( remove its seeds before giving to dog)
  • Cucumber
  • Peaches

Toxic Fruits for Dogs

Grapes and raisins are very harmful to your dog. In some cases, they can cause kidney failure. Other fruits that are not safe for dogs when given in large quantities are:

  • Avocado 
  • Green tomatoes 
  • Coconut
  • Any fruit nectar
  • Cocoa

Watermelon: A Healthy and Delicious Treat 

Watermelon is both healthy and delicious. As dogs enjoy eating sweet things, Yorkies love having watermelons. However, feed watermelon to your dog in small pieces as a treat. It will keep the Yorkie happy and healthy.

After all, a healthy dog is a happy dog.

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