Can Dogs Eat Grapefruit? A Total Guide for Pup Parents
Grapefruit is a yummy, tangy, and refreshing citrus fruit that many people love. It’s great for breakfast, in salads, or as a juice. But can dogs eat grapefruit? Is it safe for our pups?
You need to know some important things before feeding your pooch grapefruit. In this blog, we’re going to go through everything – from dangers and quantities to possible benefits. Here’s what you need to know!
In Short – Can Dogs Eat Grapefruit?
In small amounts, it’s safe to feed your pup grapefruit flesh. But, as is the case when feeding dogs oranges and other citrus fruits, too much can cause digestive troubles because of the high levels of citric acid.
What’s more, the pips, pith and rind of grapefruit are toxic to dogs due to the essential oils they contain. You should never feed your pup any part of a grapefruit that’s not the plain flesh.
Can Dogs Eat Grapefruit?
Yes, technically, dogs can eat grapefruit flesh. In small amounts, it’s safe to feed them grapefruit segments. There are, however, better alternatives you could feed your pup. Check out the BarkingTalk food page for more healthy treats.
Whilst the fleshy fruit is safe, it can be difficult for dogs to digest in large amounts. The citric acid in grapefruit can cause some serious digestive issues, including vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, weight loss and even poor kidney function (when consumed in large amounts).
Other parts of the grapefruit (that aren’t the flesh) are toxic to dogs and can cause some other, serious issues such as nervous system depression and seizures.
Can Dogs Eat Grapefruit Peel?
No. Dogs should not eat grapefruit peel. Grapefruit peel contains natural essential oils that are toxic to dogs. The only part of the fruit that dogs can safely consume in small amounts is the flesh.
Are There Any Benefits to Feeding Dogs Grapefruit?
Grapefruits are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidants. They’re also full of water which can help to keep your pup hydrated.
However, there are plenty of other fruits and vegetables, such as peas, pears, and dragon fruit that are a safer option for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Pink Grapefruit?
Just like other types of grapefruit, it’s safe to feed your dog pink grapefruit flesh. It’s also not safe to feed them pink grapefruit peel, pips, or pith.
Can Dogs Drink Grapefruit Juice?
Just like the flesh of a grapefruit, grapefruit juice is safe to give your pup in small quantities. However, due to the high levels of citric acid, too much grapefruit juice could cause your dog to have an upset stomach.
It’s best just to give your pup water to keep them healthy and hydrated. It doesn’t contain anything that will upset their stomach or excess sugar.
Do Dogs Like Grapefruit?
Just like lemons, you may find that your dog doesn’t like the taste or smell of grapefruit. For most dogs, it’s too acidic and they’re unlikely to want to eat it. So, even if you want to give your dog grapefruit, they may not want to eat it!
How Much Grapefruit Can Dogs Eat?
Dogs should only eat very small amounts of grapefruit flesh. Eating other parts of the fruit, or too much flesh can lead to grapefruit poisoning which can be very serious in pups.
Dogs should have a diet of balanced dog food that’s ideal for their age, activity levels, and weight. 10% of their daily calorie intake can be made up of healthy human treats but, in our opinion, it’s best to opt for other fruits and veg rather than grapefruit.
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Grapefruit?
If your dog eats a small amount of grapefruit flesh, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. However, if they eat a large quantity or any other part of the grapefruit, it’s important to monitor them and contact your vet.
Based on your pup’s symptoms and how much they ate, they’ll tell you whether they need to come in for treatment or not.
Alternatives to Feeding Your Dog Grapefruit
It can be really tempting to feed your pup what’s on your plate. You love them, and you want them to enjoy whatever you’re enjoying too. And there are many safe alternatives to share with pups.
Some great lick-mat recipes use fresh fruits and veggies that can be spread over a fun lick-mat for dogs to enjoy. Not only do these recipes help get extra nutrients into your dog’s diet, but they’re also great for mental stimulation.
Lick-mats keep pups entertained and offer rewards in the form of yummy, lickable treats!
Conclusion – Can Dogs Eat Grapefruit?
Grapefruit flesh isn’t toxic to dogs and they can safely eat it in small amounts. But, too much flesh could cause a stomach upset due to the high levels of citric acid.
What’s more, grapefruit rind and the white pith are toxic to dogs due to the essential oils they contain. You should never feed your pup any part of the grapefruit that isn’t the flesh.
Although it’s safe to feed dogs grapefruit flesh, there are many other fruits and veggies that are safer and yummier to feed them.
