Can Dogs Eat Melon? A Complete Guide to Cantaloupe and Honeydew for Dogs

Yes, dogs can eat all types of melons! The most popular ones are cantaloupe and honeydew, juicy treats that most dogs love. Just keep in mind that they are high in natural sugar, so it’s best to limit how much you share with your dog!

I don’t know about you, but when we eat honeydew melons in my house, we enjoy them from a big bowl until our stomachs hurt. We do the same with watermelon, and our dog adores both. Lately, we’ve started adding more cantaloupe to salads with goat cheese, arugula, and balsamic vinegar. Let me tell you — it’s a delicious combination. Naturally, our little furry elf had to find his way to the kitchen, so now he’s enjoying cantaloupe, too. In this article, I’ll go over the benefits of dogs eating melons and share some fun facts about honeydew and cantaloupe!

Can dogs eat cantaloupe?

Cantaloupe is a sweet, healthy melon packed with vitamins and beta-carotene, and it’s perfectly safe for dogs! They can eat cantaloupe as part of a balanced diet (following the 90-10 rule, where 90% of a dog’s diet is dog food, and 10% are treats and “human food”).

Beta-carotene is great for eye health and the immune system, and cantaloupe is also a good source of fiber and vitamin C.

What’s cool about cantaloupe is that it’s super hydrating, making it a great treat on hot days. I always eat cantaloupe cold, straight from the fridge, and it’s such a refreshing snack! However, check if your dog can handle cold fruit, as it could cause stomach issues or diarrhea.

And how about honeydew? Can dogs eat honeydew melon?

Yes, dogs can eat honeydew melon! It’s another sweet, refreshing melon, though I find it a bit more watery and hydrating than cantaloupe.

Honeydew is rich in vitamin C and potassium, giving your dog a health boost by supporting their immune system and heart health.

Just remember to serve it in moderation!

Dogs can eat fruits, but only in moderation

When you read about health benefits like supporting the immune system and heart health, you may be tempted to give your dog fruit every day. But that’s not a good idea, as dogs can’t handle too much fiber. Therefore, fruit should be treated as an occasional snack, not something to include with every meal.

Another thing to keep in mind with honeydew melon is that it’s full of sugar. It has more sugar than some other fruits, so if your dog has any health conditions, limit the portions or choose a different fruit.

Comparing melon types: cantaloupe vs. honeydew for dogs

Cantaloupe

Higher in beta-carotene: Cantaloupe contains more beta-carotene, which is great for supporting your dog’s eye health.
Richer flavor: Cantaloupe has a slightly sweeter and more robust flavor, so some dogs might enjoy the taste more.

Honeydew

Slightly lower in calories: Honeydew has a bit fewer calories than cantaloupe, and tastes more exotic, it’s also super hydrating and juicy!
Milder taste: Honeydew’s flavor is more subtle, so there’s a chance your dog will like it more.

Different melon varieties for dogs

Dogs can eat all types of melons, but for your convenience, I found the most popular ones and sorted them by sugar content, from highest sugar to lowest.

Sugar kiss melon

What it is: A type of cantaloupe known for its extreme sweetness and smooth texture.
How it tastes: Super sweet with a soft, almost creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
Where it’s common: Popular in the U.S. and found in grocery stores during the summer season.
How we eat it: Usually eaten fresh or in fruit salads, perfect as a dessert melon.
Safe for dogs: Sugar kiss melon is safe for dogs, but since it’s very sweet, serve it in moderation to avoid giving your dog too much sugar.

Hami melon

What it is: A variety of muskmelon with a sweet, crisp texture.
How it tastes: Very sweet with a crisp texture, like a cross between cantaloupe and honeydew.
Where it’s common: Originates from China, particularly Xinjiang, and is gaining popularity worldwide.
How we eat it: Eaten fresh, often sliced or cubed in salads or on its own.
Safe for dogs: Hami melon is safe for dogs to eat, but you should limit the portions due to its high sugar content.

Tuscan melon

What it is: A type of cantaloupe with more pronounced sweetness and flavor.
How it tastes: Sweet, rich, and fragrant, with a dense, juicy flesh.
Where it’s common: Grown in the Mediterranean and the U.S., popular during the summer months.
How we eat it: Typically enjoyed fresh, in salads, or paired with prosciutto for a sweet-salty combo.
Safe for dogs: Tuscan melon is safe for dogs, but as always, it’s best to serve it in moderation due to the sugar levels.

Canary melon

What it is: A bright yellow melon with firm, sweet flesh.
How it tastes: Sweet with a firm texture, similar to honeydew but slightly tangier.
Where it’s common: Popular in Spain, Morocco, and other Mediterranean regions.
How we eat it: Typically eaten fresh, sliced, or cubed, and added to fruit salads.
Safe for dogs: Canary melon is safe for dogs, but due to its sugar content, it should be served sparingly.

Galia melon

What it is: A hybrid melon, crossbred from cantaloupe and honeydew.
How it tastes: Sweet and aromatic, with a flavor reminiscent of honeydew and cantaloupe.
Where it’s common: Originally from Israel, now grown in many warm climates worldwide.
How we eat it: Best served fresh, either as a snack or in fruit salads.
Safe for dogs: Galia melon is safe for dogs, but you should only give it as an occasional treat because of its natural sugar.

Honey melon

What it is: Similar to honeydew, known for its mild flavor and pale green flesh.
How it tastes: Mildly sweet with a smooth, juicy texture.
Where it’s common: Common in many countries, often found in North American supermarkets.
How we eat it: Typically eaten raw, cubed, or sliced as a snack.
Safe for dogs: Honey melon is safe for dogs, but be cautious of the sugar content and serve it in small portions.

Golden melon

What it is: A type of winter melon with a smooth, golden rind and sweet, white flesh.
How it tastes: Sweet, but not overwhelmingly so, with a refreshing crunch.
Where it’s common: Common in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
How we eat it: Eaten fresh or added to fruit salads.
Safe for dogs: Golden melon is safe for dogs, but only in moderation due to its high sugar content.

Korean melon

What it is: A small, yellow-skinned melon with white flesh.
How it tastes: Mildly sweet with a crisp, juicy texture.
Where it’s common: Popular in Korea and other East Asian countries.
How we eat it: Typically eaten fresh and often enjoyed as a crisp, refreshing snack.
Safe for dogs: Korean melon is safe for dogs to eat, but it should be offered sparingly due to its sugar content.

Orange melon

What it is: A variety of cantaloupe with vibrant orange flesh.
How it tastes: Sweet, with a flavor similar to regular cantaloupe.
Where it’s common: Widely available in many parts of the world.
How we eat it: Eaten fresh, often in fruit salads or as a refreshing snack.
Safe for dogs: Orange melon is safe for dogs, but like other sweet melons, it’s best served in small amounts.

Green melon

What it is: Likely a type of honeydew with green flesh.
How it tastes: Mildly sweet and juicy.
Where it’s common: Common in many regions, especially in North America and Asia.
How we eat it: Best eaten fresh, in slices or cubes, or mixed into fruit salads.
Safe for dogs: Green melon is safe for dogs, but because of its sugar, offer it in moderation.

Muskmelon

What it is: An umbrella term for several melon varieties, including cantaloupe.
How it tastes: Sweet, with an earthy, musky aroma and flavor.
Where it’s common: Popular in many parts of the world, especially the U.S.
How we eat it: Typically sliced and enjoyed fresh.
Safe for dogs: Muskmelon is safe for dogs to eat, but you should limit portions due to its natural sugar.

Yellow melon

What it is: A bright yellow melon with firm flesh, often compared to honeydew.
How it tastes: Mildly sweet and refreshing.
Where it’s common: Found in Europe and parts of the Middle East.
How we eat it: Typically sliced and served fresh.
Safe for dogs: Yellow melon is safe for dogs, but you should serve it in small portions to prevent excess sugar intake.

White melon

What it is: A variety of winter melon with pale flesh.
How it tastes: Mild, not too sweet, with a slight crispness.
Where it’s common: Grown in Asia, particularly in China and India.
How we eat it: Eaten fresh or used in soups and stews in some cultures.
Safe for dogs: White melon is safe for dogs, but only give it occasionally due to the sugar content.

Winter melon

What it is: A large, gourd-like fruit often used in Asian cooking.
How it tastes: Very mild and almost neutral, with a slight watery taste.
Where it’s common: Common in China, India, and other parts of Asia.
How we eat it: Typically cooked in soups or stews rather than eaten raw.
Safe for dogs: Winter melon is safe for dogs, especially since it is lower in sugar compared to other melons. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a less sweet treat.

Can dogs eat melon rind or skin?

No, dogs shouldn’t eat melon skin. The good news is that melon skin is not toxic (in case you’re wondering that) but it’s very tough and can cause intestinal blockage.

All rough fruit peels, rinds, and skin are so hard to chew and digest that they can cause severe discomfort for your dogs.

If your dog ate a whole piece of melon with skin, you shouldn’t worry too much, but you need to monitor for any symptoms of digestive upset and call your vet if your dog seems unwell.

Can dogs eat melon seeds?

They can, but they shouldn’t. Melon seeds are fine; they are not toxic to dogs and are easy to swallow, but dogs shouldn’t eat them.

Can dogs eat dried melons and cantaloupes?

Dried melons and cantaloupes are not toxic to dogs, but they are high in sugar. We mentioned this when we discussed whether dogs could eat prunes, that dried fruit is not a good choice for dogs as it’s full of sugar and fiber, so it can cause diarrhea. Too much sugar, even when it comes from natural sources, is not good for dogs.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

What melons can dogs not eat?

Dogs can eat all types of melons but shouldn’t eat melon skin and whole melons with rinds. They should also stay away from dehydrated cantaloupes and other dried melons as they are high in sugar and not nourishing for their gentle bodies.

Can a dog eat honeydew?

Yes, dogs can eat honeydew! It’s a hydrating and nutritious treat perfect for summer days. You can give your dog a piece or two with their regular meal or as a treat but don’t overdo it, as too much fiber is not good for dogs.

What melon is best for dogs?

Cantaloupe is one of the best melons for dogs. It’s high in beta-carotene, which supports eye health. It’s also hydrating and a good source of fiber. Honeydew is also a good option, but cantaloupe has more antioxidants.

Why do dogs love melons?

Dogs love melon because of its sweet and refreshing taste, especially on hot days. The high water content makes it hydrating, and the natural sugars give it a flavor dogs enjoy. Plus, melons have a soft, juicy texture that many dogs find easy and fun to eat!