Can dogs or cats eat cantaloupe?

Ah cantaloupe, the fruit salad ingredient that (mercifully) is not honeydew. And here's some more good news: Cantaloupe is safe for dogs to eat in moderation, and it's packed with beneficial nutrients.

Cantaloupe is rich in vitamins A (crucial for bolstering the immune system) and C (important for eye health). It's also extremely hydrating due to its high water content, which makes it a perfect snack during warm weather.

The natural fruit sugars in cantaloupes are not harmful to dogs in moderation. (This stands in stark contrast to the refined sugars found in candy, which are indeed harmful, or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which are downright toxic.) Of course, we do need to place heavy emphasis on the word 'moderation" here. For dogs, overconsumption of melons like cantaloupe can lead to digestive problems like diarrhoea due to the fruit's high sugar and fibre content. Actually, cantaloupe tends to have even higher sugar levels than some other fruits, so feeding your dog too much cantaloupe over a long period of time can contribute to problems like diabetes.

As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first. If your dog eats cantaloupe (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, dog insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.