Watermelon Nutrition for Dogs ? Are You Crazy?

The benefits of watermelon include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B-1 and B-6, potassium and magnesium. Pink watermelon is also a source of the potent carotenoid antioxidant, lycopene.

Watermelon is actually packed with some of the most important antioxidants in nature which travel through the body neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals are substances in the body that can cause a great deal of damage.

I don't know about you, but I crave this melon every summer day I work outside, and have since I moved to the South. Watermelon helps me feel hydrated.

Since it's June, I thought I'd share how to use an entire watermelon without waste! (Except the skin.) I eat the red/pink part and a little of the green rind, then I cut off the skin and put the pieces of watermelon rind in a bowl for snack time.

If the watermelon has been out too long and starts to smell just a tiny bit off, we just share the whole thing.

Did you know watermelon rind is packed with nutrition too? Yes, there are more of some nutrients there than in the flesh of this fruit. I always say I'm going to put it through the juicer but by the time I get around to it, it's too late.

Last summer I gave the dogs each a small piece and they thought it was pretty cool. Then I did a little research to see if it was okay to give them. The only part that no one should eat is the skin because it may still have remnants of pesticides.

Because fruit is metabolized much faster than other foods, I don't feed it to the dogs at mealtime. Instead its a snack at least an hour before or after a meal.

What made me think to tell you about it? This morning, Helen came to my desk while I was writing a page and sat looking at me patiently. When I asked what she wanted, she gently took my hand in her mouth and led me to the kitchen where a new uncut watermelon was sitting on the counter. I wish I'd had a camera!

Like any new food, I suggest you start in small quantities to avoid diarrhea. Now go ahead and try it. Mine love cantaloupe too!

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