Can Dogs Eat Grapefruit?
Grapefruit, especially the Texas Rio Red grapefruit, is bright, juicy, and loved by people. But can dogs eat grapefruit the same way people do? While this citrus fruit is packed with vitamin C and has a tart flavor that people enjoy, it can be risky for your pet.
Keep reading to find out more about what grapefruit does to your dog and how to protect them from it.
Key Takeaways
- Pet parents should not feed grapefruit to dogs because this vitamin C-filled fruit may be toxic to them.
- Grapefruit peel, rind, and even the grapefruit flesh have high citric acid content that can upset a dog’s stomach.
- If your dog ingests grapefruit and shows signs of gastrointestinal distress, seek medical attention from a veterinarian immediately.
Can I Feed My Dog Grapefruit?
You might know that you can feed your dogs oranges, but grapefruit is a bit of a different story. Smaller doses of grapefruit may not cause immediate harm to your dog, but it is better to avoid it altogether. Grapefruit is high in citric acid, and this high acidity can upset your dog’s digestive system and cause vomiting.
Grapefruit peels are even worse for your furry friends. These peels contain essential oils that are toxic to dogs and can cause skin irritation for them. In serious cases, grapefruit poisoning can eventually lead to kidney failure and many other health problems.
With all of this in mind, you should avoid feeding your dog grapefruit and stick to healthier snacks.
Signs of Grapefruit Poisoning in Dogs
Most dogs avoid grapefruit because of its tart flavor, but some may get curious and take a bite. As a pet parent, you should be able to identify the symptoms of grapefruit poisoning. If you notice the following signs in your dog, seek immediate medical attention from a veterinarian:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin irritation
- Stomach pain
- Digestive issues
- Excessive drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Sensitivity to light
- Weakness or visible shaking
Are There Any Citrus Fruits Dogs Can Eat?
Not all citrus fruits are as harmful as grapefruit. However, you can only give your dogs a small amount of these other citrus fruits, and without the peels. Too much citric acid can also cause digestive upset, and these fruits should be given with care. Pet parents may offer their dogs the following citrus fruits:
- Oranges
- Mandarins
- Tangerines
- Clementines
Dogs Cannot Eat Grapefruits, But Pet Parents Can
The first step to being a great pet parent is to know what is safe and unsafe for your pet. While grapefruits and large amounts of citrus fruits are generally healthy for you, they can be harmful to your dogs.
Your dogs may not be able to eat grapefruits, but you can still enjoy fresh, juicy Texas Rio grapefruits from Wintersweetz. Our next grapefruit season is right around the corner, so sign up for our newsletter now to be sure you’re in the know when our grapefruit are back in stock
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