Kiwano melon, also known as the horned melon, jelly melon, African horned cucumber, hedged gourd, melano and blowfish fruit, is a popular snack in Africa, Australia and New Zealand. A ripe melon’s exterior is yellow-orange with prominent spikes.

Once you open the fruit it has an edible interior that tastes like a cross between a cucumber, zucchini, kiwifruit and a banana. Recently this melon has been gaining popularity in the States. If you come across this truly interesting treat, can you offer some to your pup?

No. Some varieties of kiwano melon are toxic to dogs. Even if you are assured that the specific variety of kiwano you have acquired is non-toxic, there is still another deterrent. The seeds in the fruit are a choking hazard and internal blockage risk. This fruit cannot be deseeded. 

While kiwano melon may be an exciting new food for you to experience, it should never be offered to our furry friends.

To ensure your pet will live a long and healthy life, it is always a good idea to invest in pet health insurance. Preparing for the unexpected guarantees money is never an issue in keeping your pup healthy.