If you’ve ever wondered can Schnauzers eat watermelon, the answer is yes, they most certainly can! Watermelon is a safe and healthy treat for miniature, standard and giant schnauzers alike. We think it’s best to feed this sweet treat to your Schnauzer in moderation, remembering that the Schnauzer breeds, especially Miniature Schnauzers, are more prone to diabetes than other dog breeds. Also, feed your dog the flesh of the fruit and make sure to remove the seeds and the watermelon rind as these can cause diarrhea or even a bowel blockage.
Why do Schnauzers like to eat watermelon?
Schnauzers like to eat watermelon because it’s a sweet and refreshing snack that makes for a special treat during the hot summer months.
With about 50 calories per cup-sized serving, watermelon is made up of 92% water, making it a great way to keep your Schnauzer hydrated. When it’s hot outside or your dog has been playing hard, offer your Schnauzer a small slice of watermelon to help with rehydration.
Schnauzers may not know it, but watermelon is packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that benefit all dog breeds. Some of the key nutrients in watermelon include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, potassium and lycopene.
Watermelon is also a good source of fiber, which can help keep your Schnauzer’s digestive system healthy. Fiber helps to add bulk to the stool and aids in the movement of food through the digestive tract.
How much watermelon can a Schnauzer eat?
There’s no set amount of watermelon that dogs should eat, but you may not want to feed too much of this sugary treat to Schnauzers because they’re more susceptible to diabetes than other breeds.
A good rule of thumb is to feed a few watermelon cubes or a small, two-inch slice of watermelon.
Feeding small amounts will help your dog get used to the taste and ensure that they don’t experience the diarrhea or other gastrointestinal issues sometimes caused by eating too much watermelon.
There are several ways you can serve watermelon to your dog.
Always start by removing the seeds and the rind. Then…
- Serve up a slice of watermelon or frozen watermelon cubes
- Add small pieces of watermelon to their regular food
- Blend pieces of frozen watermelon with unsweetened plain yogurt to create a refreshing watermelon sorbet. Make sure the yogurt doesn’t contain any additives, including toxic Xylitol
What about watermelon seeds and watermelon rind?
When feeding watermelon to your Schnauzer, it’s important to remove the seeds and rind first. Both seeds and rind are considered to be indigestible. The seeds can be a choking hazard and both the seeds and the rind can lead to an intestinal blockage.
Consider calling your vet if you suspect your Schnauzer has eaten large pieces of watermelon rind.
Can Schnauzers eat yellow watermelon?
Yes, Schnauzers can eat yellow watermelon, which has a yellow interior and a sweeter taste than its reddish-pink cousin. Yellow watermelon still provides excellent hydration for your Schnauzer and a rich combination of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
How to safely introduce other fruits and vegetables into your Schnauzer’s diet
Just as with watermelon, it’s important to introduce other fruits and vegetables slowly when adding them to your Schnauzer’s diet. This will help to ensure that they don’t experience any adverse reactions or gastrointestinal issues.
Some good fruits and vegetables to start with include apples, carrots, broccoli, bananas and blueberries. Be sure to remove the seeds, pits, and stems before giving them to your dog.
What fruits should I never feed my Schnauzer?
Whenever we write about a specific fruit that Schnauzers can eat, we like to remind our readers that there are certain fruits you should NEVER feed your Schnauzer. These include:
- Avocados
- Cherries
- Grapes (includes raisins)
- Tomatoes
As always, it’s best to check with your veterinarian before adding anything new to your Schnauzer’s diet. Your vet can help you determine which fruits and vegetables are best for your dog and how much is safe for them to eat.
Can schnauzers eat watermelon – Conclusion
We hope this article was helpful in answering the question “Can Schnauzers eat watermelon?”.
Watermelon is a healthy and delicious fruit that can provide numerous benefits for your dog. Just be sure to introduce it slowly and remove the seeds and rind before feeding it to your Schnauzer.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your veterinarian for guidance. Thanks for reading!
Sites we like:
American Kennel Club – Breed standards and info about Miniature, Standard and Giant Schnauzers
Wikipedia article about the Schnauzer breed