Can dogs eat Winter melon?

Overview

Yes, dogs can eat winter melon. Winter melon, also known as Ash gourd or Wax gourd, is beneficial to dogs; it has antioxidants, soluble fiber, and vitamin C. These nutrients help ward off diseases by boosting immunity. But do not let dogs come into contact with unripe winter melons as the fuzzy hairs on the melon could cause skin irritation.

Benefits

Winter melon contains high levels of vitamin C, which helps strengthen a dog's immunity against infections and diseases. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Winter melon has soluble fiber, promoting healthy digestion and slowing down sugar absorption, which helps a dog maintain normal insulin levels.

Risks

Winter melon seeds are a potential choking hazard to dogs.
Young winter melons have fuzzy hairs on their skin; once in contact, it can cause skin irritation in dogs.
Excessive ingestion, especially ingestion of raw winter melon, might cause dogs to have digestive issues such as diarrhea.