Is Watermelon Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)

No treatment is needed for seedless, rind-free flesh. Remove seeds and rind before offering it as a treat, and if a pet has swallowed a large piece of rind, watch for vomiting or reduced appetite over the following day.

Watermelon is not known to contain toxic compounds harmful to dogs, cats, or horses.

Watermelon is confirmed non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA — the flesh is a popular hot-weather treat thanks to its high water content. The seeds and rind are where the real (non-toxicity) risk lies: both are hard to digest, and the rind in particular is tough enough to pose a choking or intestinal blockage risk if swallowed in large pieces.

Scientific name

Citrullus lanatus

Family

Cucurbitaceae

Also known as

Watermelon

Typically found

both