After enjoying watermelon on a hot summer day, you might wonder what to do with all those rinds. Yes, goats can eat watermelon rind, and it's actually one of the best summer treats you can offer them. Watermelon rind is not only safe but also hydrating, nutritious, and absolutely loved by most goats. For more feeding tips, check our complete feeding goats guide.

Many goat owners consider watermelon rind a summer staple for their herds. The high water content helps keep goats hydrated during hot weather, while the fiber and nutrients provide genuine health benefits.

Key takeaways: Watermelon rind is safe, nutritious, and hydrating for goats. The white and green parts are actually more nutritious than the red flesh. It's excellent for summer hydration but should be fed in moderation due to sugar content.

Why Watermelon Rind Is Great for Goats

The rind—the white and green parts we typically discard—offers surprising benefits for goats.

Nutritional Content

Nutrient	Benefit for Goats
Water (92%)	Excellent hydration
Fiber	Supports digestion
Vitamin C	Immune support
Vitamin B6	Energy metabolism
Potassium	Muscle function
Citrulline	Amino acid, heart health

Interestingly, watermelon rind contains higher concentrations of certain nutrients than the red flesh, including the amino acid citrulline.

Hydration Benefits

During hot summer months, watermelon rind helps:

• Prevent dehydration in heat
• Encourage water intake (goats drink more when eating watery foods)
• Cool body temperature naturally
• Replace electrolytes lost through sweating

This makes it particularly valuable during heat waves. See our guides on summer goat care and preventing heat stress.

Watermelon Rind vs. Watermelon Flesh

Goats can eat both parts, but they differ nutritionally:

Factor	Rind (White/Green)	Flesh (Red)
Sugar content	Lower	Higher
Fiber	Higher	Lower
Citrulline	Higher	Lower
Water content	Similar	Similar
Calories	Lower	Higher

For healthier treats, the rind is actually preferable. Learn more about feeding watermelon to goats for complete information.

How to Feed Watermelon Rind to Goats

Proper preparation ensures safe, enjoyable feeding for your herd.

Preparation Options

Option 1: Large Chunks

• Cut rind into manageable pieces
• Goats enjoy tearing into larger chunks
• Good for enrichment and entertainment
• Best for adult goats

Option 2: Sliced Strips

• Cut into long strips
• Easy for goats to grab and eat
• Reduces competition in herds
• Works for all goat sizes

Option 3: Cubed

• Cut into 2-3 inch cubes
• Best for smaller goats or kids
• Easy to portion control
• Mixes well with other treats

Option 4: Whole Halves

• Give entire watermelon half (after scooping flesh)
• Maximum enrichment value
• Goats love digging in
• Only for larger herds

Portion Guidelines

Goat Type	Recommended Portion	Frequency
Pygmy/Nigerian Dwarf	1-2 cups cubed	2-3x weekly
Medium dairy breeds	2-3 cups cubed	2-3x weekly
Large breeds	3-4 cups cubed	2-3x weekly
Kids (8+ weeks)	1/2 cup cubed	1-2x weekly

During extreme heat, portions can be increased to support hydration.

Best Practices for Summer Feeding

Watermelon rind is especially valuable as a summer treat. Here's how to maximize benefits.

Hot Weather Tips

1. Serve chilled - Refrigerate rinds for extra cooling effect
2. Freeze for treats - Frozen rind chunks are refreshing
3. Offer in shade - Prevents rapid spoilage in sun
4. Morning or evening - Avoid midday heat for treat time

Making Frozen Treats

Create cooling summer snacks:

1. Cut rind into chunks
2. Place on baking sheet
3. Freeze until solid
4. Store in freezer bags
5. Offer 2-3 pieces per goat on hot days

Frozen rind takes longer to eat, providing extended enrichment and cooling.

Combining with Other Summer Foods

Create a summer treat mix with:

• Watermelon rind
• Cucumber slices
• Cantaloupe rind
• Celery pieces

This variety provides diverse nutrients while keeping goats hydrated.

Parts of Watermelon Goats Can Eat

Goats can safely consume the entire watermelon:

The Rind (Focus of This Article)

• Green outer skin - Safe, slightly bitter
• White inner rind - Most nutritious part
• Preferred by many goats over red flesh

The Flesh

• Red/pink flesh - Safe but higher in sugar
• Limit quantities due to sugar content
• Seeds are safe - Goats can eat them whole

Seeds

• Black seeds - Completely safe
• White seeds - Also safe
• No need to remove - Goats digest them fine

Unlike some fruits where seeds must be removed (like apple seeds), watermelon seeds pose no threat to goats.

Potential Concerns

While watermelon rind is very safe, there are minor considerations.

Sugar Content

Even though rind is lower in sugar than flesh:

• Don't overfeed - Excess sugar can upset rumen
• Watch diabetic goats - Limit for metabolic issues
• Balance with hay - Ensure fiber intake maintained

For goats prone to weight issues, moderate watermelon treats carefully.

Digestive Adjustments

When first introducing watermelon rind:

• Start small - A few pieces initially
• Monitor droppings - Watch for loose stools
• Increase gradually - Allow digestive adaptation

Most goats tolerate watermelon rind immediately, but gradual introduction is always safest.

Pesticide Residue

Watermelon rinds may have:

• Surface pesticides from conventional growing
• Wax coatings for appearance

To minimize exposure:

• Wash rinds thoroughly
• Choose organic when possible
• Scrub outer green skin

Sourcing Watermelon Rinds

Beyond your own watermelons, consider these sources.

Free/Low-Cost Sources

• Grocery stores - Ask for damaged melons
• Farmers markets - Often have seconds
• Restaurants - May save rinds for pickup
• Neighbors - Announce you'll take rinds
• Events - Watermelon eating contests, parties

Peak Season Strategies

During summer watermelon season:

• Buy in bulk when prices drop
• Ask produce managers about overripe inventory
• Check discount racks for imperfect melons
• Grow your own - Plant extra for goats

A single large watermelon provides enough rind for several treat sessions.

Storing Watermelon Rind

Proper storage extends your watermelon rind supply.

Refrigerator Storage

• Cut rinds - Up to 5 days in sealed container
• Whole melons - 2-3 weeks uncut
• Check daily for any mold development

Freezer Storage

• Freezes well for 2-3 months
• Pre-cut before freezing for easy serving
• Flash freeze on tray, then bag
• Great for winter treats

Signs of Spoilage

Don't feed rinds that have:

• Mold of any color
• Slimy texture
• Off odors
• Significant discoloration

When in doubt, compost it rather than feed it.

Watermelon Rind for Different Life Stages

Adult Goats

• Can enjoy watermelon rind freely in moderation
• Excellent summer hydration source
• No special preparation needed

Pregnant Does

• Safe throughout pregnancy
• Good hydration support
• Don't overfeed (sugar/weight concerns)
• See pregnant goat signs for more care tips

Nursing Does

• Safe while nursing
• Supports milk production hydration
• Watch for loose stools in kids (from milk changes)

Kids

• Wait until eating solid food (8+ weeks)
• Cut into small, manageable pieces
• Introduce gradually
• Excellent for bottle-fed babies transitioning to solids

Senior Goats

• Soft, easy to chew
• Good for goats with dental issues
• Hydration support important for seniors

FAQ: Goats and Watermelon Rind

Can goats eat the green skin of watermelon? Yes, goats can eat the entire rind including the green outer skin. Some goats prefer the white inner rind, but the green skin is completely safe and nutritious.

Is watermelon rind better than the red flesh for goats? In many ways, yes. The rind has lower sugar, higher fiber, and more of the amino acid citrulline. Both are safe, but rind is arguably healthier as a regular treat.

How often can I give my goats watermelon rind? During summer, 2-3 times per week is appropriate for most goats. During heat waves, daily small portions can help with hydration. Always ensure adequate hay intake.

Can watermelon rind cause diarrhea in goats? Excessive amounts can cause loose stools due to high water content. Start with small portions and increase gradually. If diarrhea occurs, reduce quantity.