So, my dog has this thing.
He’s cute. He’s cuddly. He eats anything that vaguely smells like meat. But for a while, his coat just wasn’t… well, shiny. You know that healthy, silky, “I drink enough water and take my omega-3s” kind of glow?
Yeah, he didn’t have that. It was more like, “I rolled in the backyard and called it a day.”
That’s when I stumbled on something unexpectedly awesome: Watermelon Ahiflower Gummies. Not for me. For him. Homemade, super easy to make, packed with omega fatty acids, and bonus: he loves them.
If your dog’s coat has lost its shine (or never had it in the first place), or if you just want to feed them something healthy and fun, this recipe might be exactly what you’re looking for.
So let’s dive in.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything that goes into these little coat-shining, tail-wagging treats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- ⅓ cup water (filtered or spring water is best)
- 3½ tablespoons unflavored beef gelatin powder (I use high-quality, grass-fed stuff)
- 4 pumps Ahiflower oil (adjust this based on your dog’s size; I’ll get into that below)
Tools to Make This Recipe Easier
You don’t need fancy kitchen gadgets here, but a few basics will help things go smoothly.
- A blender or food processor
- A small saucepan
- A whisk or sturdy spoon
- Silicone molds (fun shapes optional, but highly recommended)
- An airtight container for storing
- A fine mesh strainer (optional, but great if your dog prefers smoother textures)
A Few Words on Ahiflower Oil
I’ll be real with you — when I first heard about Ahiflower oil, I thought it was a typo. But it’s legit.
Ahiflower oil is one of the richest plant-based sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids out there. Unlike fish oil (which has a strong scent that dogs either love or run from), Ahiflower has almost no smell, which makes it perfect for picky eaters.
It’s also been shown to support:
- Healthy skin and a shinier coat
- Joint health
- Inflammation reduction
- Immune function
And since it’s derived from plants, it’s sustainable and great for dogs who may not tolerate fish oils.
If you’ve been trying fish oil and not seeing results — or just want a cleaner alternative — give this a try. It’s the star of this recipe.
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s get to the actual “how to” part. It’s fast, I promise.
Step 1: Blend the Watermelon
Throw your watermelon cubes and water into a blender. Blend until smooth. If your dog is weird about textures, strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp.
Step 2: Warm It Up
Pour your watermelon juice into a small saucepan. Warm over low heat — don’t let it boil. We’re not trying to cook the nutrients out of it, just heat it enough to activate the gelatin.
Step 3: Whisk in the Gelatin
Slowly add the gelatin powder to the warm mixture, whisking constantly to prevent clumps. Stir until it’s fully dissolved. This takes about 2–3 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Ahiflower Oil
Remove from heat. Let it cool slightly (not cold, just not boiling), and then stir in your Ahiflower oil.
If your dog is small (under 20 lbs), start with 1–2 pumps. Medium dogs can have 3–4. Large breeds can handle 5–6. Always consult your vet if you’re unsure how much is safe.
Step 5: Pour and Chill
Pour the mixture into silicone molds or an ice cube tray. Pop them in the fridge for at least 2–3 hours or until firm.
Step 6: Serve
Once firm, remove the gummies from the mold and store in an airtight container. Give them as treats — one per day is usually perfect depending on your dog’s size.
Pro Tips for First-Timers
Here are a few things I wish I knew before I made my first batch:
1. Use Seedless Watermelon Only Even tiny watermelon seeds can upset your dog’s stomach, so stick to seedless or take the time to manually remove the black seeds. The white ones are usually fine in small amounts.
2. Watch the Heat Don’t boil your mixture. Heating it too much can destroy the healthy fats in Ahiflower oil and mess with the gelatin’s setting power.
3. Silicone Molds Are Your Best Friend Not only do they make the gummies super easy to pop out, but they’re also a breeze to clean. Look for BPA-free, food-grade molds.
4. Store Cold, Serve Cold These are not shelf-stable. Always store them in the fridge, and serve chilled — especially during hot months. Your dog will love the cooling effect.
5. Adjust Portion Sizes Based on Weight Small dogs need smaller gummies. If you have a 100-pound floof, go ahead and give them one of the larger ones. Tiny pups? Use tiny molds or slice up the gummy.
Substitutions & Variations
Here’s where you can get creative (within reason — we’re still talking about dogs here).
Fruit Swaps
- Blueberries: Full of antioxidants. Just blend and strain the same way.
- Pumpkin Puree: Great for digestion. Skip the water and just use ⅔ cup puree.
Gelatin Alternatives
- Agar-Agar (plant-based): Works, but the texture will be firmer and more brittle. Follow the brand’s instructions carefully.
Oil Alternatives
- Flaxseed Oil: Still plant-based, but doesn’t have the full range of omegas that Ahiflower has.
- Fish Oil: If your dog already loves it, this could work, but it will make the gummies smell a little… fishy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Make a double batch and freeze half.
- Store the rest in the fridge for the week.
- Freeze in silicone trays, pop them out, and store in freezer bags. Thaw individual gummies in the fridge overnight before serving.
This way, you’ll always have a stash ready when your dog gives you that “I’ve been so good, please feed me something fun” look.
Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: 5–6 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (store in silicone trays or freezer-safe bags)
If they get slimy or discolored, toss them out. Don’t take risks with spoiled food and pets.
Nutrition Breakdown (per gummy, approx.)
| Nutrient | Approx. Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~10–15 kcal |
| Omega-3 (SDA) | ~200 mg (varies by oil) |
| Protein (from gelatin) | ~1 g |
| Sugar (natural from fruit) | <1 g |
| Fiber | Trace |
Note: This is a rough estimate. Exact nutrition will vary based on your ingredients and portion sizes.
Diet & Allergy Tips
- Grain-Free & Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Egg-Free
- Vegan-Adaptable (use agar-agar and skip Ahiflower if needed, but note that it loses the omega benefits)
FAQ: Because You Probably Have Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought watermelon juice? A: You can, but make sure it’s 100% pure with no added sugar, flavorings, or preservatives.
Q: What if my dog doesn’t like watermelon? A: Try pumpkin puree or even plain chicken broth (low sodium, no onions). Just keep the oil and gelatin ratio the same.
Q: How many can I give a day? A: Usually one per day is plenty, especially for small to medium dogs. Large dogs can handle 2–3 depending on their weight. Ask your vet if you’re unsure.
Q: What does Ahiflower taste like? A: Practically nothing. It’s perfect for picky eaters because it won’t overpower the fruity base.
Wrap Up
So, that’s the scoop on these easy, homemade Watermelon Ahiflower Dog Gummies. They’re fun to make, loaded with nutrients, and my dog legit thinks they’re the best thing ever created. Which, honestly, is the only seal of approval I really need.
Try them out and let me know how it goes. Did your dog love them? Did you make any swaps? Did they instantly start glowing like a shampoo commercial? (Okay, maybe not instantly, but you get what I mean.)
Drop your questions or experiences in the comments. I’d love to hear what you think — and your dog will love that you took the time to make something special just for them.
Keep those tails wagging.
