What Are The Benefits Of Eating Watermelon For Dogs
Not all dogs will eat watermelon, but those that do can derive some health benefits from it. So long as they aren’t eating the seeds or the rind, a bit of watermelon, relative to your dog’s size, is quite good for them.
According to Nutritiondata, watermelon is low in cholesterol, saturated fats, and salt. For overweight dogs, it is also low in calories, which makes it a good choice for a treat.
One cup of raw watermelon balls contains a mere 46.2 calories and is 92% water, which can help your pup feel full even when they haven’t eaten much.
A further benefit is that the high-water content can keep your pup hydrated on a hot day and help avoid heatstroke.
Watermelon is also relatively high in potassium, with 173 mg per cup. Potassium is vital for your dog’s nerve impulse control, cell signals, and muscle contraction. Too little can result in poor growth, weakness, and even paralysis.
According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials, a dog’s diet should contain about 1.5g of potassium for every kilogram of food or about 1g for a dog that weighs around 30 pounds.
This means that a cup of watermelon balls can give a canine a healthy potassium dose, but not a dangerous amount.
Another plus about watermelon for dogs is that it is very high in Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid. This is often an overlooked part of a dog’s diet.
Unfortunately, there have not been any follow-up studies to confirm whether Vitamin C is helpful for joints, but it certainly is worth noting.
What Level Of Grooming Does A German Shepherd Norwegian Elkhound Require
As this mixed breed has a double coat, you can expect a fair amount of shedding. If your pup takes after their German Shepherd parent, you will have to contend with a lot of shedding.
Your dog may also blow their coat a few times a year. At this point, the shedding will increase for a short time. Then, your dog will grow a new coat for the new season.
Despite all this, the grooming techniques for a German Shepherd Elkhound are rather simple. Regular brushing is key here. Normally, brushing your dog three times a week or so should help to keep the shedding under control.
When your German Shepherd Elkhound blows their coat, try to brush them every day. There will be less of a mess around their house.
For the best results, use three different types of brushes. A slicker brush helps to get rid of matting and most of the loose fur. This can be used for each brushing session. An undercoat rake works to get rid of loose hair in the coat closet to the skin this can be used more occasionally.
A de-shedding brush is a great tool to have during the shedding season. It makes it easier to get rid of large amounts of loose hair in a shorter time.
The German Shepherd Elkhound doesnt have to be bathed very often. If your pup takes after their Elkhound parent, you will find that their fur is highly resistant to dirt and grit.
Watermelon Is High In Potassium
Watermelon is high in potassium. Its an essential mineral and electrolyte important for regulating blood pressure, fluid balance, muscle and nerve system, and other bodily functions.
While watermelon is not the best food source of potassium, it does contain an adequate amount of potassium to boost your German Shepherds health. Its estimated that one cup of diced watermelon has around 170 grams of potassium.
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How Cute Are They
German Shepherds are adorable, good-looking dogs but at times they may look intimidating. They are loyal, fiercely protective, and have very expressive eyes. They are one of the most popular family dogs chosen for this reason! They are playful, agile, swift, and fiercely protective. A German Shepherd puppy may look like a cute ball of fur but as an adult dog German Shepherds make hefty lap dogs. With good care, grooming, and a strict exercise regime these dogs remain adorable forever.
What Are Some Risks From Eating Watermelon For Dogs
Unlike us, dogs’ digestive systems are not made to eat large quantities of fruit, so watermelon may come with some risks.
The seeds can get stuck in their intestines, and the rind can cause gastrointestinal upset, but too much of the fruit can also be a problem.
In high doses, the very things that make watermelon healthy for your dog can also make them sick, from giving them gas to vomiting and diarrhea.
For instance, while the fiber in watermelon insulates the sugar and prevents it from being released too quickly into their bloodstream, too much fiber can interfere with the absorption of nutrients and cause stomach upsets.
Likewise, the high sugar content can still be difficult for your dog to digest. Some of the nutrients, such as Vitamin A, can cause a range of health problems when fed in excess, including dehydration, joint pain, or even artery degeneration.
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Vegetables That German Shepherds Can Eat
As mentioned previously, German Shepherds are not carnivores they are omnivores this means that a certain amount of non-meat foods, including vegetables, should form part of their diet. Vegetables provide your German Shepherd with important minerals and vitamins which they cant get from meat.
German Shepherds can eat most vegetables. They should never eat large quantities of these vegetables, and you need to make sure that you serve them correctly. Some are better raw, and others are better cooked. If you cook vegetables for your German Shepherd, or you want to share your own with your dog, you have to remember to cook them without fats or seasonings.
Most vegetables are high in fiber, which is beneficial to your German Shepherds digestive tract. However, the high fiber content also means that vegetables will cause diarrhea in your German Shepherd if the quantities are not moderated.
Additionally, some individual German Shepherds can be intolerant or allergic to vegetables that are supposed to be safe for them to eat. Introduce each vegetable to your dog slowly and always watch them for an hour or so after they try a vegetable for the first time to make sure it is not adversely affecting them.
Nightshade vegetables should be treated carefully as they contain a chemical called solanine, which is toxic in high doses.
| Vegetable |
Eagle Pack Power Adult Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Pork Meal, 3. Ground Brown Rice, 4. Peas, 5. Chicken Fat
The power-packed recipe is balanced with nutrition derived from an excellent combination of high-quality ingredients. The proportions of protein, fat, and carbs in this crunchy kibble not only helps your German Shepherd maintain a healthy weight but also helps in developing stamina and muscle tone for sustained endurance. The flavor-dense formula ensures excellent nutrition for active adult dogs.
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How Should You Feed Your Dog Watermelon
Before you feed your dog watermelon or any other human food, you should ask your veterinarian or nutritionist about how much you should feed your dog, if any, and how often. Many dogs have different dietary needs, and some have medical conditions that might make watermelon a bad choice.
Once you have the okay from your vet or nutritionist, make sure you remove any seeds or rind from the watermelon before giving it to your dog. Cutting them up into small, chewable cubes is the simplest way to prepare watermelon for dogs and makes for a nice, easy treat.
You can also freeze watermelon to make an extra refreshing summer treat, but make sure your dogs teeth are healthy enough to chew frozen food without being damaged.
If youre feeling extra creative, you can mix watermelon with other safe and healthy ingredients like blueberries to make a fruit salad or smoothie for your dog.
Follow any safety tips your vet gives you for feeding your dog safely.
Have you ever fed your dog watermelon? Do you have any recipes for watermelon dog treats? Let us know in the comments below!
What Behavioral Traits Can You Expect From A Norwegian Elkhound German Shepherd
German Shepherd Elkhounds are true family dogs. They are loyal, affectionate, and have high guarding instincts when it comes to their loved ones. These dogs can be slightly aloof with strangers but will warm up to them after a while. Proper socialization can help your dog overcome any shyness or wariness.
If the pup takes after their German Shepherd parent, the love for their family can be quite extreme. It can even extend to , something you will have to train your dog out of while they are still young.
This is not a breed that can be left alone for too long. They enjoy being around people and may become agitated or destructive when apart from their humans for more than 4 to 6 hours at a time. They do best in homes where there is almost always someone present.
The German Shepherd Elkhound has a strong, confident personality and the parent breeds of this dog have been bred to be independent. Due to this, the mixed breed will have a similarly bold personality and may try to be dominant if you dont establish your position in the household.
It is important to be wary of German Shepherd Elkhounds around small children. On the one hand, they may be quite good with kids, even protective of them. At the same time, if the Elkhound genes are dominant, these pups can be quite dominant around smaller children.
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Why Seeds Are Dangerous
Like the rind, dogs shouldnt eat watermelon seeds because they are indigestible and may cause obstruction. Small dog breeds are particularly vulnerable, while large ones may manage to expel the seeds with their feces.
It is true that one or two seeds accidentally swallowed may not cause any harm, and blockages may occur if your dog ingests so many of these seeds.
Therefore, always ensure you remove all watermelon seeds before offering it to your canines or go for the seedless watermelon variety.
The seedless varieties are the best if your dog loves watermelons since they have very few seeds or those that have not matured enough to cause intestinal blockages. However, ensure you check on the actual seed volume and size before offering them to your canine pal.
The Correct Way Of Feeding Apples To German Shepherds
A few steps must be followed when feeding apples to your dog. First and foremost, wash them properly. Commercially grown apples may contain traces of pesticides and other chemicals that can make your dog ill.
Check for allergies by giving him a small slice of the apple first. If he is okay, then you may continue without any worries.
Cut the apples in half for big dogs and into 5-6 smaller pieces if he is small. Remove the core and all the seeds. As mentioned before, apples should not be the primary diet, and you must never offer more than one apple at a time to your dog.
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Benefits Of Watermelon For German Shepherds
Now that you have already the answer to the question CAN GERMAN SHEPHERDS EAT WATERMELON, you have to know how it can be beneficial to them. Watermelon is considered one of the best and healthiest food options for your dogs. This is because of the number of benefits it has to offer. Some of the benefits of watermelon are:
Typical Feeding Requirements For German Shepherds
German Shepherd puppies need more food than an adult German Shepherd. This is because they have boundless energy, and they need plenty of good calories to keep them healthy, happy, and to keep that energy up.
When a puppy is weaned, its good to start it with wet food, at around 8-10 weeks old. Puppies also need to eat about three to four for smaller meals a day for about six months, and then that can be reduced to one to two meals a day.
At about 12 weeks old, if you decide you want to feed your German Shepherd dry food, you can start transitioning. Start with about 10% dry mixed in with the wet, and then increase that by about 10% each week.
Ensure that you are feeding your puppy food that is specifically made for puppies, as those provide the necessary vitamins and nutrients for them to grow up healthy and strong.
At about four months old, a German Shepherd puppy can be introduced to live animal products, such as bones, pieces of liver, and eggs. Remember to not give them too much, though, because that can mess up their digestion and health.
Puppy food is a lot different than adult food because manufacturers put more emphasis on the different nutrients puppies need while theyre developing their internal, muscular, and skeletal systems.
An older dog will also be better able to digest other foods, so those can be introduced more often. Remember, German Shepherds require a large amount of protein, and a fair amount of fat as well.
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Animal Proteins That German Shepherds Can Eat
Animal proteins are an important part of your German Shepherds diet. Even though they are omnivores, the majority of their diet should be comprised of protein, and you find this to be the case with most of the high-quality kibbles.
Proteins provide amino acids, which are considered the building blocks of the body.
You may be tempted to cook your German Shepherds animal proteins with a little oil, butter, or seasoning, but this will only make it more appetizing to you. It can make it unhealthy or even harmful to your German Shepherd.
Plain cooked is the best way to serve your dog cooked animal proteins.
Raw red meat is full of vitamins, minerals, and iron that are great for your German Shepherd, and as will all foods, cooking red meat will cause it to lose some of those nutrients.
However, if you feed your German Shepherd raw meat, only feed them high-quality, fresh raw red meats that you are certain are free of parasites and bacteria.
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Bones are a great source of minerals and fats for your German Shepherd. Raw bones need to be fresh because they can carry bacteria and parasites just like raw meat.
However,you should never feed your German Shepherd cooked bones as they can splinter and perforate the digestive tract.
You should never feed your German Shepherd bones from smaller animals. Bones from smaller animals like poultry, pork ribs, and fish splinter easily, even when raw, and are choking hazards.
How To Properly Feed Watermelon To Your German Shepherd
Its essential to know the correct way of feeding watermelon to your German Shepherd. However, its not rocket science, it would help if you looked after the steps mentioned below before feeding the watermelon-
Before eating watermelon, we always remove seeds as its hard to bite and difficult to digest. Make sure you follow the same practice before feeding watermelon to your GSD. In case you forget it, your dog might end up having severe stomach pain, bloating, or even blockages!
The best way to make sure you remove all the seats is to cut the watermelon into smaller pieces. It also makes it easy for your GSD to chew and digest watermelon.
Your dog might crave watermelon more than his limit of eating healthy fruity sugar. An adult German shepherd can have ½ cup of watermelon cubes, whereas a puppy should be given a lesser quantity.
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Can Dogs Eat Banana
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. In moderation, bananas are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. Theyre high in potassium, vitamins, biotin, fiber, and copper. They are low in cholesterol and sodium, but because of their high sugar content, bananas should be given as a treat, not part of your dogs main diet.
How Often And How Much Should You Feed Your Gsd
Naturally, the growingGSD pups are more ravenous than their mature counterparts. This is because theyhave higher energy levels and require a lot of calories to stay healthy andhappy. You should feed your German Shepherd puppy at least 500 calories perday. As soon as he becomes a young adult, increase it to 1,500 to 1,700calories per day.
Its best to start withwet food for weaned puppies, at around seven weeks old. Puppies younger thanfour months should be served four meals per day. At about four months, reducethe meals to 3 per day until about nine months. This is the ideal time to startintroducing your dog to live animal products such as eggs, liver, and bones.Avoid giving them too much of these foods.
After nine months, yourpuppy should be able to eat fewer meals 2 to 3 per day. You may also givethem more live animal products at this age. If youre not sure the total amountof food to feed them per day, ask your vet for advice.
When your GSD becomes ayear old, his metabolism willstart to decrease slowly. At this point, they need less food, and you can servethem one large meal per day, or two regular-sized meals per day.
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Interested In Training Your German Shepherd The Right Way
If you havent trained your German Shepherd properly, then this is the perfect time to start. Whatever bad behavior your shepherd has, whether its barking at night or other bad behaviors, using the right training program is the key to having an obedient and happy pup.
The training program I love and highly recommend is Brain Training For Dogs.
With Brain Training For Dogs youll save yourself a ton of time and effort. Instead of banging your head against the wall trying to figure out why your dog wont listen, youll follow a path that has been tried, tested, and most importantly, thats given proven results. Not to mention the fact, youll be able to fit the course around your schedule, not fit your schedule around a trainer or obedience class.
So instead of worrying about whether theyre going to be well-behaved or not, youll only have to worry about how much fun youll have with them!
And in most cases its still going to be:
- Cheaper than hiring a professional.
- Cheaper than replacing everything they might break.
- And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone.
Just imagine how great it will feel to finally be able to trust your German Shepherd completely and never worry whether theyll be naughty or not. Instead, youll have the peace of mind that you have a well-behaved pup, and the boundaries you set for them, will always be there, EVEN IF YOURE NOT.