Watermelon is synonymous with summer season. People definitely adore it, with the per capita consumption in 2022 at 14.12 kilos.1 It’s an historical fruit, with archaeological proof going again 5,000 years. Its title describes its excellent characteristic of being thirst-quenching. While the pulp is scrumptious, there’s a whole lot of waste. However, early Americans found out what to do with the rind. Pickle it!
The different query, nevertheless, is the seeds. Many individuals discover them a nuisance. It’s no marvel that seedless varieties have existed for roughly 50 years. The query stays: Are watermelon seeds fit for human consumption? Can your canine devour them? While swallowing one or two in all probability gained’t trigger a major problem, we don’t suggest giving them to your pet or consuming them your self. The info might shock you.
The Dangers of Feeding Watermelon Seeds to Dogs
Scientists didn’t develop seedless watermelons by means of genetic modification. It’s merely cross-breeding crops with fascinating traits, a observe practically as outdated as agriculture. While many devour numerous nuts with out hurt, fruit seeds are typically problematic. For instance, peaches and apricot pits comprise a chemical that converts to hydrogen cyanide when metabolized. Yes, you learn that proper.
Watermelon belongs to the Cucurbitaceae or gourd household. It contains acquainted and protected meals like melons, zucchini, and squash. Many comprise comparatively giant seeds. That has prompted some researchers to contemplate their viability as meals. After all, producers roast and promote pumpkin seeds. Why not watermelon seeds? We don’t suggest any seeds to your canine, although, and that features watermelon seeds.
Obstruction Risk
The measurement of watermelon seeds is a matter. They are giant and arduous, making them tough for a canine to chew. They are sometimes swallowed complete, which may theoretically current a danger of gastrointestinal obstruction. Your pet’s physique gained’t digest them correctly. Instead, they may doubtless move them complete. Eating too many could cause a blockage, which is a medical emergency. Signs of an obstruction embody the next:
- Loss of urge for food
- Vomiting
- GI misery
- Lethargy
- Abdominal ache
- Bloating
Immediate medical consideration is crucial. Surgery is usually essential to take away GI blockages. It’s definitely not well worth the danger of giving your canine a handful of watermelon seeds. Remember that many canines are indiscriminate eaters. They usually gobble their meals with out a lot chewing, placing them in danger. The greatest prevention just isn’t giving your pet any meals that would trigger a blockage.
Nutritional Issues
Seeds and nuts are tasty, however they’re usually calorie-dense. They need to help the expansion of a brand new plant. Therefore, they naturally are jam-packed with vitamins, together with fats. A 1-ounce serving of watermelon seeds comprises 158 energy. That’s over half the really useful complete day by day caloric consumption for a 10-pound canine. It additionally comprises 13.4 grams of fats. That’s virtually all the minimal quantity for an grownup canine.
Feeding your pet excessive calorie meals will increase the animal’s risk of obesity and its related well being problems, similar to diabetes and heart disease. Treats rely in relation to the energy your pet consumes. They ought to solely make up 10% of your pet’s complete caloric consumption. These seeds may additionally be tough to your canine to digest, regardless of the animal’s dietary variations with domestication.
Possible Toxicity
Our analysis discovered one study that raises one other purple flag about watermelon seeds. Even analysis supporting the usage of these foodstuffs expressed issues over the presence of the so-called anti-nutrients. They are chemical compounds which will intrude with nutrient absorption. The downside with watermelon seeds includes phytoestrogens.
The concern rests with their attainable function as endocrine disruptors. These chemical compounds might have some well being advantages, however they might additionally carry well being dangers that would probably outweigh the professionals of their favor. To be upfront, the examine we discovered concerned rats and never canines. However, we share 82% of our genes with canines and 69% with rats, making genetic overlap attainable.
The researchers fed rats for 21 days on a food regimen of both 2.5% or 5% watermelon seeds. They monitored the rodents for numerous bodily and blood chemistry elements. The seeds didn’t considerably have an effect on the animals’ ldl cholesterol or levels of cholesterol. The consumption correlated with spikes in creatinine and urea ranges, suggesting attainable hostile results on the kidneys in female and male rats.
The group additionally famous abnormalities within the male rats’ sperm, indicating potential hostile impacts on their reproductive system. These findings present proof of the damaging results of phytoestrogens, notably on male rats. Of course, additional investigation is important. However, it’s price noting the comparatively quick time wherein these results occurred.
Conclusion
Humans don’t often eat watermelon seeds. Perhaps the reason being now obvious in one thing apart from aesthetics. Research is ongoing. However, given the danger of gastrointestinal blockages and the findings of the examine we talked about, we don’t suggest giving your canine watermelon seeds.
The results might not cross species traces, however they’re disconcerting sufficient to advise towards this addition to your pup’s food regimen.
Featured Image Credit: Petrucy, Pixabay
