Can Dogs Eat Grapefruit?

For many of us, grapefruit is a must-have in our diets. They’re tart, sweet, and citrusy – and best of all, loaded with vitamins and nutrients. But if they’re so good for humans, one can’t help but wonder: can dogs eat grapefruit?

Dogs tend to show an interest in human food if it’s around, but before the temptation to treat your furry friend kicks in, it’s always good to conduct a bit of research first. The last thing you want is to feed your pup food that isn’t good for it.

In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the question of whether dogs can eat grapefruit.

Can Dogs Eat Grapefruit?

Canines can tolerate the flesh of grapefruit in small quantities, but the peel or rind is considered toxic and can cause significant health issues for dogs.

Fortunately, given its bitter, citrus flavor, dogs are not attracted to the taste of grapefruit and likely won’t opt to eat it willingly.

The reason for this is that their taste buds pick up the sour taste of grapefruit, and their natural response is to steer away from it. In a dog’s understanding, something that tastes bad cannot be good for its health.

But with that being said, each dog is unique, and some have peculiar tastes, which is why it’s best to know if grapefruit can cause an adverse reaction in your pups.

Indeed, while grapefruit is an excellent source of Vitamin C and is loaded with antioxidant properties, dogs do not require these kinds of health benefits from grapefruit.

In fact, unlike humans, canines can produce their own Vitamin C, so overfeeding them supplemental vitamins can harm rather than help them.

If, by some chance, your dog insists on having this acidic fruit as a snack, be very mindful that you don’t feed it any of the peel or seeds. They contain essential oils which are toxic to dogs.

Your canine (if insistent) can have small portions of grapefruit flesh, but not frequently, and it’s best to keep an eye out for any symptoms of discomfort or distress.

The Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Grapefruit

Research has shown that there are no real benefits to feeding dogs grapefruit. Any nutritional advantage they may have for your pets is better gained elsewhere, such as through balanced dog food or vet-approved healthy snacks.

However, if your doggo is a fan of grapefruits, the positives of snacking on a bit of this fruit are that it’s a healthy, low-calorie snack that has a high moisture content. Grapefruit is also a known source of vitamins, and a small amount can provide a nutritional boost.

Nevertheless, these benefits can easily be gained from other snacks, fruits, or vegetables that pose far less of a health risk to your dog.

Can Eating Grapefruit Harm My Dog?

While there are some fruits you can give your furry friend as a healthy treat, grapefruit is better left off the list.

Like many other citrus fruits, grapefruit rind and grapefruit seeds contain psoralens, which are toxic to both dogs and cats. In small quantities, psoralens are only likely to cause minor gastrointestinal distress, but they can be fatal when consumed in large amounts.

In addition to this, because of the high level of acidity and citric acid in grapefruit, dogs consuming this fruit may suffer from digestive issues, such as stomach upset and vomiting.

Continuous exposure to this fruit can cause issues with a dog’s kidney functions, as well as depression, weight loss, and lethargy.

Furthermore, grapefruit peels are indigestible for dogs, which can cause digestive tract blockages that may require emergency surgery.

For the reasons above, it’s better to keep unprepared grapefruit out of reach of your canines.

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Grapefruit

If you suspect your pup has ingested grapefruit rind and may be suffering from grapefruit toxicity, seek medical attention as a matter of urgency. They may require a trip to the animal hospital for a procedure that will help them expel any peels or seeds.

Even small portions of the fruit’s flesh, which is not toxic but just very acidic, can cause issues for dogs. If you’ve fed your dog some grapefruit as a treat, keep an eye on them to ensure they are not suffering any adverse effects.

At the first sign of distress, consult your veterinarian. Most dogs recover perfectly well from eating grapefruit, but you can never be careful enough.

Good Alternatives to Feeding Your Dog Grapefruit

As a pet parent, it’s natural to want to spoil our animals with a tasty treat now and then. But, at the forefront, we also need to make sure that we’re not unintentionally harming our pets with snacks that can cause health issues.

In terms of fruits and vegetables, there are plenty of great alternatives to grapefruit that you can feed your doggos in moderation and which are also a lot more palatable for them.  

Blueberries

Blueberries contain plenty of antioxidants that are healthy for dogs, making them a great choice of sweet treat. You can read all about the benefits of feeding your dog blueberries over here.

Bananas

Not only is this a filling snack for dogs, but they also enjoy the taste and texture. No need to worry if your pup snacks on a bit of banana – just avoid giving them the peels.

Apples

Apples are another refreshing, healthy treat you can feed your furry friend without concern. The pips and core should be removed, but a few apple slices in hot weather make for a great treat. Read all about the health benefits of apples for dogs here.

Strawberries

Like blueberries, strawberries are an easy-to-prepare type of fruit that you can feed your doggo as an occasional treat. Just remove the leaves and stem.

Peaches

Peaches have an excellent texture for dogs and are a safe fruit to eat as long as you first remove the hard center pip.

Pumpkin

Our canine companions can safely eat both the flesh and seeds of pumpkin, which is a healthy, convenient treat that most dogs really enjoy. Click here for a tasty dog treat recipe made with peanut butter and pumpkin you can make at home for your pup.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are citrus fruits bad for dogs?

A: The essential oils found in the skin and seeds of citrus fruits are toxic to dogs and should be avoided. That being said, most citrus fruit flesh is not poisonous, but dogs are not attracted to these fruits’ sharp, bitter taste. It’s always best not to force a dog to eat something it doesn’t like.

Q: What fruits cannot be eaten by dogs?

A: If you’re feeding your dogs fresh fruit, it’s always best to first research what they can and can’t eat. Some fruit is safe for dogs if it is prepared first. In other words, you may need to remove the peel, pips, or seeds. Other fruits, like grapes, are very toxic for dogs and should be avoided at all costs.

Q: Can dogs drink grapefruit juice?

A: It is not a good idea to give your pup grapefruit juice. As with grapefruit flesh in general, the high levels of citric acid in grapefruit juice can irritate their digestive systems and cause illness or distress. They are also unlikely to enjoy drinking it as it will not taste good to dogs.

So, Can Dogs Eat Grapefruit?

Technically, yes, dogs can eat grapefruit flesh. However, it is not a good idea to feed it to them, as the cons definitely outweigh the pros.

With little to no nutritional or health benefits for dogs, feeding your pup grapefruit doesn’t serve much purpose, and at the end of the day, they probably won’t enjoy the taste.

If you’re looking to treat your dog to a healthy snack, consider other alternatives that stand no chance of harming them.

If you want to learn more about which fruits dogs can and can’t eat, you can look at our list of articles on this topic here.

Want to learn more about grapefruits? Next, visit our grapefruit trees page to discover information on planting, growing, caring, cooking, and more!