Last Updated on March 23, 2022 by Allison Price
Watermelon is a favorite of all, and horses love it too. Watermelon are delicious and healthy, if consumed in moderation.
There are certain situations when watermelon should be avoided for horses. This can lead to serious health problems. You should not give watermelon to your horse if it has any of these issues.
1. Dental problems
Horses can have a variety of dental issues, some even severe. Not all watermelon is dangerous when it comes to feeding your horse. Horses who are unable or unwilling to chew watermelon properly may have difficulty chewing it, especially if there is rind.
Most important, your horse must be able to safely chew the watermelon parts (rind and seeds). Watermelon is a soft fruit that is full of water. Old horses should not have any problems chewing it, even if they have most of their teeth missing.
Cut up watermelon into smaller pieces so horses can swallow them easily. Horses with limited chewing ability should not be fed watermelon rind.
2. Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis
Horses with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis need to avoid watermelon.
Hyperkalemic period paralysis is a rare genetic disorder in horses. It was named after the index case of an Impressive horse.
HYPP, an autosomal dominant inherited disorder, affects the sodium channels in the muscle cells and the ability of the blood to regulate potassium levels. This condition is characterised by muscle hyperexcitability and weakness that can be exacerbated by heat, potassium, or cold. It can also lead to paralysis after uncontrolled shaking.
Equine hyperkalemic periodic parlysis is a condition that affects 1 in 50 Quarter Horses. It can be traced back to one ancestor, Impressive, a stallion.
The inherited disease causes severe muscle paralysis and twitching in horses with the affected horses. HYPP is a dominant gene disorder.
Although horses with HYPP may be treated, the extent of medical treatment that is effective for them varies. It is not possible to cure it and it can cause death. Horses suffering from HYPP can lose muscle control in an attack.
Call a veterinarian immediately if your horse exhibits any of these signs.
- Muscle trembling
- Prolapsed third eyelid: This is when the third eyelid moves across the eye, or covers more than usual.
- Generalized weakness
- A weak hind end (the horse might look like it is dog-sitting)
- Complete collapse
- Awkward whining (because muscles in the voicebox and other muscles are affected)
HYPP causes horses to suffer severely Insulin Resistance is a condition that causes cells to not respond to insulin properly.
Insulin is a hormone which allows glucose to enter cells. It also lowers blood sugar (blood glucose). Insulin is released by the pancreas in response to carbohydrate intake. Insulin resistance means that the same amount of insulin has a different effect on blood sugar and glucose transport.
Insulin resistance can be caused by many factors, but the root cause is not fully understood. Insulin resistance can be caused by obesity, sedentary lifestyles, diabetes in the family, certain medications, and various other health conditions. Insulin resistance is a component of metabolic syndrome. You can measure insulin resistance in many ways, including fasting insulin levels and glucose tolerance tests.
Insulin dysregulation is a common condition in horses with EMS. It is often associated with obesity. This is similar in nature to type II diabetes in humans. Insulin’s ability to act is affected, even though insulin levels are often high. This is mainly because it has a connection to laminitis.
Horses with EMS will respond more strongly to oral sugars. This will lead to an increase in blood insulin levels, or hyperinsulinemia. Hyperinsulinemia is a decrease in tissue sensitivity to insulin or insulin resistance. This includes the liver, skeletal muscle and adipose tissues. Tissue insulin resistance leads to increased insulin secretion which perpetuates this cycle.
There does appear to be a strong link between decreased regular horses diet. You must not give it as a substitute. You should limit the amount of treats you give your horse.
Watermelon nutrition facts
| Calories | 30 |
| Total Fat | 0.2% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 1 mg |
| Potassium | 112 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8 g |
| Fiber | 0.4% |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Protein | 0,6 g |
| Vitamin A | 11 % |
| Vitamin C | 13 % |
| Iron | 1 % |
| Magnesium | 2 % |
Watermelon nutrition facts per 100 grams
Watermelons are not only delicious, but also very healthy for horses. Watermelons, which are rich in water, is essential for nearly all living things, including horses. Watermelon contains more than 90% water.
Watermelon is low in sodium, high in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. Watermelons are high in fiber, which is a key component of a horse’s diet (about 50% of horse diet should contain fiber), because it aids a horse’s digestive system to function well.
Watermelon contains the amino acid citrulline. Citrulline is converted to arginine by the horse’s body. Arginine is used in the production of nitric oxygen, which relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow to specific areas.
Can horses eat watermelon pulp?
Watermelon rinds are safe for horses and provide vitamins and amino acid benefits. Always wash the rind before you give it to your horse to remove any pesticides or other contaminants. Keep rind intake low for horses, just like watermelon.
Watermelon rind has a higher level of potassium and fiber than its inside, making it more beneficial for horses. It is easier to chew the rind, so you should cut it into smaller pieces.
Can horses eat watermelon seed?
Horses can eat watermelon seeds, provided they are given in moderation. Your horse should only consume a small amount of watermelon. This will reduce their seed intake.
Horse owners should not feed watermelon seeds to their horses. Horse owners often feed their horses watermelon seeds.
Watermelon should be fed to horses before you give it watermelon.
- You should eat watermelon in moderation, as with all treats.
- To prevent your horse from choking, only give small amounts of watermelon to him. This is especially important if your horse has difficulty using his teeth.
- Rinse the rind. Wash the rind if your horse loves watermelon skin. All fruits can have a lot of chemicals in their outer layers, which can make it very dangerous for horses if they are not properly absorbed.
- Horses with insulin resistance or horses suffering from HYPP should not be fed watermelon treats.
Conclusion
Horses are just like humans and can eat sweet treats. Watermelon is a great fruit for hot summer days. Watermelons are safe for horses. However, there are certain conditions and problems that require special diets.
Call a veterinarian if you have concerns about your horse’s health.
Sometimes, you may not be able to tell if your horse is having any issues. Do not rush to give your horse any new food if this happens. You can give your horse watermelon, but only a small amount. Watch for changes in behavior and overall health. Any suspicious behavior or changes should be reported to the vet immediately. Your horse should be able to consume watermelon with no problems. Soon, it will want more.
