Can Dogs Eat Grapefruit

Can Dogs Eat Grapefruit

Author WDF Staff

13.08.2021.


Yes, dogs can eat grapefruit. However, only some parts of this delicious fruit are safe for our dogs to eat. Some parts of it should be avoided because they are very toxic to dogs. In most cases, dogs will avoid eating it because it smells weird to them. Your dog will use their sense of smell to understand which fruits are safe for them to eat and what they should avoid.

Generally, dogs smell grapefruit once and turn their noses away. However, some owners might think there are health benefits to feeding their dogs grapefruit and still want to trick them into eating it. Here is what you should know about dogs and grapefruit.

Is grapefruit safe for dogs?

The fleshy part of the grapefruit is safe for dogs. However, they will mostly refuse it. Dogs can easily taste bitter flavors, and unlike us, they are not huge fans of it. Still, if you have a dog that doesn’t mind the bitter taste, make sure you give only tiny pieces to them.

half of grapefruit

Which parts of it are not safe?

As we mentioned earlier, some parts of this fruit can be very toxic to dogs. The grapefruit plant, pits, and rind contain essential oils that will cause grapefruit poisoning. If that happens or you suspect your dog ate a toxic part of the fruit, it is best to immediately call your vet and tell them what happened.

Grapefruit poisoning in dogs

Grapefruit poisoning is rarely fatal in dogs, but it can cause unpleasant health issues for your dog. Most symptoms of it are connected to the dog’s gastrointestinal tract and demeanor. The main symptoms of grapefruit poisoning are;

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Even though this type of poisoning is not as serious as alcohol or raisin poisoning, you should take your dog to the vet. If the issue is left untreated, it can lead to further complications.

So, should you feed grapefruit to your dog?

The best possible answer and advice we can give you is - No. Dogs usually don’t like the taste, and there is absolutely no significant health benefit for your dog. Humans can benefit from grapefruit because it is packed with vitamin C, but the amount is too big for dogs. Dogs produce their own vitamin C, and such a large amount can lead to too much of it in your dog’s body. We simply cannot see a valid reason for feeding your dog grapefruit. Instead, try giving your dog bananas, watermelon, or apples.

World Dog Finder team

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