BOTH SAFEReviewed May 2026
Watermelon vs Cantaloupe for Dogs
Watermelon and cantaloupe are both safe melon treats for dogs. They are nutritionally similar overall but differ in some specifics: watermelon is more hydrating and lower in sugar, cantaloupe is significantly higher in vitamin A and beta-carotene. Which to pick depends on your dog and the situation.
Nutrition Side by Side (per 100 g)
| Nutrient | Watermelon | Cantaloupe |
|---|---|---|
| Water | 92 g | 90 g |
| Calories | 30 kcal | 34 kcal |
| Sugar | 6.2 g | 7.9 g |
| Fibre | 0.4 g | 0.9 g |
| Vitamin A | 569 IU | 3382 IU |
| Vitamin C | 8.1 mg | 36.7 mg |
| Potassium | 112 mg | 267 mg |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg | 15 mg |
| Glycaemic index (approx) | 72 | 65 |
Values from USDA FoodData Central: watermelon raw (NDB 09326), cantaloupe raw (NDB 09181). USDA.
Pick Watermelon When
- You need maximum hydration support (hot day, recovery after walk)
- Your dog needs to keep calorie intake very low (slightly fewer kcal per 100 g)
- Your dog has fructose sensitivity (watermelon is lower in total sugar)
- You want a treat that has minimal odour (cantaloupe smells stronger)
Pick Cantaloupe When
- You want more vitamin A and beta-carotene per portion
- Your dog benefits from a slightly lower-GI treat (65 vs 72)
- Your dog prefers the stronger aroma (some dogs strongly prefer cantaloupe)
- You want slightly more fibre support (good for mild constipation)
Preparation Is the Same
For both fruits the rules are identical: remove the rind entirely, remove seeds (cantaloupe seeds are a similar obstruction risk to watermelon seeds for small dogs), cube to breed-appropriate size, and serve within the 10 percent treat allowance.
- Cantaloupe rind has the same gastrointestinal obstruction risk as watermelon rind.
- Cantaloupe seeds should be removed for small dogs. A handful is not toxic but obstruction risk is real.
- Both fruits are 90 percent+ water and behave similarly when cubed and frozen.
Sources
- USDA FoodData Central watermelon: USDA watermelon
- USDA FoodData Central cantaloupe: USDA cantaloupe
- AKC on cantaloupe for dogs: akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-cantaloupe
- AKC on watermelon: akc.org