We all love a slice of rockmelon that is refreshing when the weather gets warmer  however, do you want your dog to share in the festivities? If you’re wondering if your dog can enjoy rockmelon, this article is perfect for you.

What Is Rockmelon?

The sweet fruit comes in several names rockmelon western shippers and simply cantaloupes. They all refer all to the exact same concept, a muskmelon type that is part of the Cucurbitaceae family.

The rockmelon is known for its delicate, juicy flesh that is light orange along with the “webbed” skin. It could be thought of as a fruit-based version of the butternut pumpkin. In the human kitchen, most people love fresh rockmelon as desserts and salads or just on themselves. However, can your pet take it in? This is what the research has to suggest about this.

Can Dogs Eat Rockmelon.

Yes. Rockmelon is a good food for your dog as long as you treat it as an occasional treat, not their primary consumption.

Because of its high amount of water, it could be a wonderful treat during the summer months and can offer a little additional hydration to your dog.

Is Rockmelon Safe For Dogs?

In recent years, the rockmelon has been the subject of some controversy. The year 2018 saw 22 cases of listeriosis reported in New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland, and Victoria in the following months, and were later confirmed to be linked to the rockmelons1. The bacteria-borne infection is usually transferred through contaminated food, usually raw and uncooked food items. Seven people were killed in the aftermath of the outbreak.

It could be a good reason to raise some inquiries. Are rockmelons dangerous in general? Are they safe fruit for dogs? As per the NSW Food Authority, the source of the outbreak was the rockmelons from only one farm, and it was caused by heavy rains that raised the levels of listeria. That means that the rockmelons don’t necessarily result in listeria outbreaks among dogs (or humans) in the same way that other fresh fruits and vegetables could.

Despite the initial fear caused by these outbreaks of rashes, rockmelon is a healthy fruit for dogs. There are no harmful compounds in rockmelon when properly cleaned.

If you’d like to gift rockmelon to your dog, do it.

Pro Tip: In order to reduce the possibility of getting sick, Wash the rockmelon thoroughly before cutting them and giving them to your pet. It’s better to cut them up at home as it is more likely to spoil faster when exposed and exposed to elements.

Possible Benefits Of Rockmelon For Dogs.

It’s one thing for us to say this fruit won’t be harmful to your pet. However, is it a good choice for dogs? Much of the research about rockmelon was conducted on mice or humans, which means we cannot make any generalizations about the matter. However, there’s sufficient research on the primary micronutrients present in the rockmelon to make it as a beneficial ingredient in a dog’s diet.

• Rockmelon may aid in water intake: Cantaloupes are almost 90% water, which is way ahead of most dog treats. The dog’s body is made up of water, and, according to the RSPCA, the dehydration of your dog can cause death in Australia’s scorching temperatures. If you think that proper hydration is crucial for your dog’s overall health, drinking water, a refreshing snack, could be a great alternative.
• Awash in prebiotics:. We’ve previously discussed the importance of having a gut that is healthy for the long-term health of your dog. The fruit is a good source of both insoluble and soluble fibers, which feed your dog’s beneficial gut bacteria.
• Could help strengthen dogs’ immune systems: Rockmelon packs around 37 mg of vitamin C for 100 grams, that’s more than half of the amount of oranges. But, unlike oranges or other citrus fruit, there’s virtually no chance that your dog will be suffering from digestive (GI) irritation after having just a couple of bites of the rockmelon. As we’ve already mentioned, vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant. It, when combined with an appropriate diet, may help boost your dog’s immune system4.
• It can help reduce problems with eyes due to aging: 100 grams of rockmelon contains approximately 170 mg of vitamin A, the majority of it in beta-carotene. Beta-carotene, an antioxidant, has been linked to the slowing of the development of macular degeneration, an eye disease that causes old dogs to lose their vision [55. Because vitamin A is unstable, fresh fruits are an excellent way to round the amount of food your dog eats and ensure that they get the vitamin.

This means that even though rockmelon can be thought of as an indulgence, offering some pieces of it here and there may help your dog’s overall health.

How To Give Rockmelon To Your Dog.

What should you do if your dog starts looking at their puppy dog eyes? If you’re looking to offer your puppy some rockmelon, then you must take these steps:

Step 1. Choose the appropriate fruit.

When you give your dog a rockmelon, select the fruit as you would do for humans. It’s important to choose an melon that’s mature enough to be juicy and sweet however, it shouldn’t be too far beyond its prime.

If you feed unripe rockmelon to your pet, it is possible that they will experience an upset stomach, constipation, and even vomiting. Aren’t you sure if it’s mature enough? Test it yourself. You’ll be able to tell when you’re getting too late!

Step 2. Peel and cut.

This may be a no-brainer that you shouldn’t give huge chunks of unpeeled rockmelon to your pet. They don’t have the hands to eat the wedge as we do, which is why they should make their snacking experience more enjoyable and less risky. The skin of the fruit is tough for chewing by dogs and could cause intestinal obstruction in the event that your dog swallows the whole thing.

Peel off the rind and chop the fruit into pieces that are bite-sized (relative to the size of your dog). Make sure all seeds are taken out. This reduces the risk of choking and lets them have a great time with their treat.

Step 3. Two pieces maximum.

While it is generally good for your dog, it needs to only be given in moderation. Like any other food, it is best to only give rockmelon to your dog at least once or twice per week minimum.

The fruit is best thought of as a treat as part of eating a balanced diet but is not the primary source of vitamins or micronutrients.