Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
Groundhogs do like watermelon rinds, and they can be a tasty, hydrating treat for them when offered in moderation.
If you’ve ever wondered whether groundhogs like watermelon rinds, the short answer is yes, and many groundhogs actually enjoy them quite a bit.
Watermelon rinds are safe for groundhogs and can make a refreshing snack, especially during the hot summer months when they need extra hydration.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why groundhogs like watermelon rinds, the benefits of feeding watermelon rinds to groundhogs, and how to do it safely.
Let’s explore whether groundhogs like watermelon rinds and how you can serve this treat the right way.
Why Groundhogs Like Watermelon Rinds
Groundhogs like watermelon rinds for several good reasons, and once you understand them, it’s easy to see why this treat works so well.
Here’s why your groundhog will likely enjoy a watermelon rind.
1. Watermelon Rinds Are Hydrating
Watermelon rinds are made up mostly of water, which makes them a naturally hydrating food for groundhogs.
Groundhogs need plenty of water to stay healthy, especially in warm weather.
When you give a groundhog watermelon rinds, you’re offering a snack that helps keep them hydrated while also giving them something crunchy to chew on.
This is one of the biggest reasons groundhogs like watermelon rinds so much.
2. The Crunchy Texture Appeals to Them
Groundhogs are rodents, and like most rodents, they love to gnaw and chew.
Watermelon rinds have a firm, crunchy texture that satisfies that natural chewing instinct.
So when a groundhog bites into a watermelon rind, it gets both flavor and a satisfying crunch.
That combination is why groundhogs like watermelon rinds so much and will often come back for more.
3. Watermelon Rinds Have a Mild, Sweet Taste
The rind is less sweet than the red flesh of the watermelon, but it still carries a mild sweetness that groundhogs find appealing.
Groundhogs have a natural preference for slightly sweet foods, so watermelon rinds fit right into their palate.
If you’ve been asking whether groundhogs like watermelon rinds, the taste alone is a big reason the answer is yes.
4. Groundhogs Are Natural Foragers
In the wild, groundhogs forage for a wide range of plant matter, including fruits, vegetables, leaves, and grasses.
Watermelon rinds fit neatly into that natural foraging pattern.
Since groundhogs are used to eating plant-based foods, watermelon rinds feel familiar to them.
That’s another reason groundhogs like watermelon rinds and take to them so easily.
Are Watermelon Rinds Safe for Groundhogs?
Watermelon rinds are safe for groundhogs when fed in moderation and prepared properly.
The rind itself isn’t toxic, and it offers fiber, water, and a bit of natural sugar.
The key is to keep the portion small.
Watermelon rinds should be a treat, not a meal replacement, because too much sugar or too much fruit can upset a groundhog’s stomach.
You can give your groundhog watermelon rinds a few times a week as a snack, but always pair them with their regular diet of grasses, leafy greens, and pellets.
If you notice any digestive issues after feeding watermelon rinds to your groundhog, cut back and offer them less often.
How to Feed Watermelon Rinds to Groundhogs
Feeding watermelon rinds to groundhogs is simple, but a few steps make it safer and more enjoyable for them.
1. Wash the Rind Thoroughly
Always rinse the watermelon rind under clean water before offering it to your groundhog.
This removes dirt, pesticides, and any residue left on the surface.
A clean rind is a safe rind, so don’t skip this step.
2. Cut It Into Manageable Pieces
Slice the watermelon rind into small, bite-sized chunks.
This makes it easier for your groundhog to chew and reduces the risk of choking.
Smaller pieces also help you control how much your groundhog eats in one sitting.
3. Remove Any Seeds and Excess Flesh
While watermelon seeds aren’t highly toxic, they can be a choking hazard for smaller animals.
Scrape off most of the red flesh and remove the seeds before serving.
This keeps the treat focused on the rind, which is what groundhogs like watermelon rinds for in the first place.
4. Serve It Fresh
Watermelon rinds spoil quickly once cut, so serve them fresh.
If your groundhog doesn’t finish the rind within a few hours, toss the leftovers.
Fresh rinds are safer and more appealing, which is why groundhogs like watermelon rinds best when they’re crisp and cool.
5. Keep Portions Small
A few small pieces once or twice a week is plenty.
Overfeeding watermelon rinds can lead to loose stools or an upset stomach.
Moderation keeps this treat healthy and enjoyable for your groundhog.
Do Groundhogs Like Watermelon Rinds More Than Other Treats?
Many groundhogs like watermelon rinds just as much as other popular treats like apples, carrots, and leafy greens.
That said, every groundhog has its own preferences.
Some groundhogs like watermelon rinds right away, while others may need a few tries before they warm up to them.
If your groundhog turns its nose up at first, try offering a smaller, fresher piece the next day.
You can also offer watermelon rinds alongside other safe treats to see which one your groundhog prefers.
So, Do Groundhogs Like Watermelon Rinds?
Groundhogs like watermelon rinds, and this hydrating, crunchy treat can be a healthy snack when served in moderation.
If you’ve been asking whether groundhogs like watermelon rinds, the answer is yes, and most groundhogs will happily munch on them.
Just remember to wash the rind, cut it into small pieces, remove the seeds, and keep portions small.
That way, your groundhog gets to enjoy watermelon rinds safely and you get to watch them enjoy a treat they genuinely love.