If your dog is always by your side, it is only natural that you share your meals with him or her, especially if your pet keeps begging you for a bite of anything you eat! Of course, not all “human” food is good for our four-legged friends, too, so you need to be careful and think things through before you give your dog anything from your plate.
Fruits and veggies are not always an appropriate choice of food for our canine companions. Some can even do serious harm. The list is long, but we are set on helping you learn which fruit is ok for your dog to eat and which fruit is forbidden in the heaven you created for you and your pooch.
Today we will answer the question: Can dogs eat honeydew? We will also discuss whether honeydew melons are beneficial for our pets or not. Stay tuned to find out all this and more!
Honeydew Defined
Even though your first association might be a flower, honeydew is actually a type of melon. It is also known as Cucumis melo, and it belongs to a Cucurbitaceae plant family. It is one of the largest families in the plant world, including some of the all-time favorite fruits and veggies such as cucumbers, zucchinis, squash, cantaloupe, and other melons.
There is an intriguing nickname for a honeydew melon – a “temptation melon.” It must be due to its hard-to-resist sweetness.
Where Does It Originate From?
Honeydew is most probably a Middle Eastern native that originated in western Asia. No one really knows its exact origin.
Nowadays, you can buy honeydew melons all around the globe, Northern America included. They are best cultivated in semi-arid, warm conditions. In this way, there is less chance that they will become moldy.
It usually takes about 80-90 days to get a ripe honey melon from the seed. How can you be sure that they are ready to be harvested? It is easy – their skin will turn from green to a creamy color. There is no chance you won’t notice the change!
How Does The Honeydew Look?
A typical honeydew is perfectly spherical and smooth. It is creamy-colored and a bit waxy on the outside and pale green and juicy on the inside. The sweet flesh has a cluster of tiny seeds at its core.
Some honeydews have bright orange flesh, but all their other characteristics are the same as the ones of classical honeydews.
How Does The Honeydew Taste?
The name is highly indicative, so you can already assume that honeydew melons taste as sweet as honey. Yet, being melons, they have those refreshing cucumber undertones as well. They have a lovely scent too.
How To Eat Honeydew?
You can eat it raw – simply cut it into wedges and remove the seeds. You can also dice it and add it to your favorite salad or mix it into a chilled soup of your choice. It makes a perfect addition to ever-so-popular smoothies too!
Remember, though: The rind and the seeds are not to be eaten!
What Is The Nutrition Value Of Honeydew Melon?
One cup of chopped honeydew melon (about 177g) contains:
| Calories | 64 |
| Protein | 0.1g |
| Fat | 0.3g |
| Carbohydrates | 16.1g |
| Fiber | 1.4g |
| Sugar | 14.4g |
Honeydew melon is also an excellent source of vitamin C.
How To Select A Honeydew?
Depending on the part of the world you live in, honeydew melon can be called a different name, but you now know what to look for and should have no problem identifying it.
Honeydew melons should not be hard to find no matter where you live. The majority of grocery stores and markets will have it displayed either as a whole or pre-cut. We recommend you to choose a whole melon since it will be the freshest and juiciest!
Choose a melon that is heavy for its size – this rule applies to almost all fruit and veggies. The skin should be smooth and waxy when you touch it. The color can range from creamy-white to a bright yellow. Some ripe melons have bright yellow spots or brown freckles. Do not worry; that is a good sign that tells you a particular melon is likely to have a sweet aroma.
It would be best if you avoided the following signs of decay:
- Dents
- Bruises
- Soft spots
- Powdery mold
How To Store Honeydew?
Once you select a ripe, juicy honeydew melon and bring it home, you need to store it properly. If your melon is ripe and you do not cut it, you can store it at room temperature for about a week. Keeping it in the fridge will prolong its freshness to up to two weeks.
Once you cut it, the honeydew melon has to be refrigerated at all times. You should best store it in an airtight container. It will remain good to eat for about a week or so.
If you want to store the honeydew melon for longer, the freezer is your only option. Once again, use an airtight container, and your melon will be safe for up to six months.
One thing is for sure; a honeydew can help you cool down on a hot summer day! Can it do the same for your dog? Is honeydew safe for dogs to eat? Find out in the following section!
Can Dogs Eat Honeydew? How often?
We have sweet news for you – honeydew is perfectly safe for our canine friends when eaten in moderation!
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has confirmed this too! Your cat can enjoy it as well.
Are honeydews beneficial for our pets?
They can be if you do not overdo it! Honeydew melons contain some vital nutrients that can help your dog feel better and stay healthy, such as:
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
Thanks to the high water content, melon is a refreshing treat that can help keep your dog hydrated. It makes a great frozen summer treat during summer!
How Often Can Your Dog Eat Honeydew Melons?
Fruits should be given to your pet in moderation, or the natural sugars can damage his or her health. Diabetic dogs are at the greatest risk since their condition can worsen if you are not careful.
Honeydew can also cause digestive problems. The high water and fiber content are sure to loosen up your pet’s stools. If you overdo it, your dog can even end up with diarrhea.
Never give your dog any rind or seeds. The rind is indigestible and can thus block your dog’s intestinal tract. A large piece of the rind can even cause choking, so removing it is a must!
The seeds are not toxic to your pet, but they represent a choking hazard as well. It is better to be safe than sorry, so best remove them before feeding your dog honeydew.
Honeydew should never be given as an entire meal! Moderation is key to maintaining your pet’s good health. No matter which fruits and veggies you choose to incorporate into your dog’s regular diet, you need to follow a simple, but highly important rule. This rule is easy to remember: Fruits and vegetables must not make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet.
How To Serve Honeydew For Your Dog?
Honeydew melon is a sweet treat that is safe for our beloved pets, but you want to share it in moderation. Due to high sugar content, it might be a hazard if your dog is diabetic.
If you go overboard, honeydew can be hard on your dog’s digestive system too. Rind and seeds are a big No-No as well!
Simply follow the guidelines we have provided in this text, and your dog can safely enjoy honeydew either as an addition to his favorite meal or as a treat. This refreshing summer fruit can be an ideal hydrating snack for both you and your pet on a hot day.
Learn More: What Can Dogs Eat? A Comprehensive List Of Dog-safe Foods
