Can dogs eat grapefruit?

Updated 25/04/2024

Like their citrusy cousins, grapefruits are jam-packed with vitamin C and antioxidants - boosting our immune systems and helping us to fight off diseases. So as such a nutrient-packed power house, we wouldn't be surprised if you've found yourself wondering - can dogs eat grapefruit? It's a yes and no - grapefruit isn't the best fruit choice for dogs. The skin and rind are highly toxic, while the flesh is on the acidic side, so may irritate your dog's stomach. To nail down whether grapefruit is safe for your pooch, take a look below (and stick to dog treats 100% pup safe if you're worried).

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Is grapefruit poisonous to dogs?

So, can dogs eat grapefruit in some form, or is the fruit somehow toxic to dogs? Well luckily for your snack-curious pal, only part of the fruit is toxic to dogs, and we'd imagine it's not the part you'd consider eating yourself or sharing with your doggo anyway. The skin and rind contain a compound known as psoralen, which is toxic to dogs. So, if you ever think your pup's curiosity has gotten the better of them and they've managed to swipe grapefruit peel from the bin, be sure to contact your vet immediately. Try to know when and how much of the skin or rind was ingested - this will help your vet to decide on the best course of action. Below, find the symptoms of psoralen poisoning in dogs, and make sure to contact your vet even if symptoms haven't started cropping up yet.

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Symptoms of psoralen poisoning in dogs

As we've mentioned, the rind and skin of grapefruit contain the compound psoralen, which is highly toxic to dogs. If you suspect your pup has nibbled on part of the grapefruit they shouldn't have, contact your vet immediately, even if symptoms of toxicity haven't begun.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Photosensitivity

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Is grapefruit good for dogs?

While there’s certainly no denying that grapefruit is packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidants, can dogs eat grapefruit and get these health benefits, or is it simply too risky? Well there's no straight answer for this, sadly. As you might already know, grapefruit is highly acidic, which means it can be highly irritating to canine stomachs if too much is consumed. And if your pup has a sensitive stomach, it's best to avoid citrus fruits altogether. And as for the skin, well not only is it toxic to dogs, it's also incredibly hard to digest, and is therefore prone to causing intestinal blockages. The takeaway message? A small piece of grapefruit flesh is unlikely to cause any adverse effects in your pup, but we don't recommend making a habit of it. Dogs should also not be given grapefruit juice.

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Health benefits of eating grapefruit for dogs

So, grapefruit is a powerhouse of nutrients, but will your pooch benefit? Well as we've recommended keeping portion sizes miniscule, it's unlikely your furry friend will ever be given enough of the fruit to really reap the benefits from the vitamins and minerals present. With that said though, the vitamins A and C, the fiber and the range of minerals - potassium, magnesium and lycopene can certainly be found in good quality dog food. And as you might expect, we'd advise you to rely on your dog's food to supplement their diet with all the nutrients they need, instead of experimenting with potentially irritating fruits like grapefruit.

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Feeding your dog grapefruit

Firstly, it's highly likely your furry friend won't be in any way interested in grapefruit - acidic fruits don't exactly give off an enticing aroma to our furry friends, not to mention its bitter taste if your pup has braved a nibble. And if somehow your pooch is interested in trying grapefruit, be sure to avoid altogether if they’ve got a sensitive stomach - your pup should solely be eating foods formulated for dogs in this case. Otherwise, allow your pooch to try a small nibble of the flesh, with all skin and rind completely removed. And if you’re worried about grapefruit irritating your pup’s stomach but you’d like to satisfy their curiosity, try them with a safer fruit like apple or banana.

Other citrus fruits

So, dogs and grapefruit are somewhat of a controversial match, but what about other citrus fruits? We'd advise avoiding lemons altogether - they're seriously high in citric acid, while oranges on the other hand are a safer bet. Either way, citrus fruits can be irritating to our canine pals' stomachs, so chat with your vet first if you're unsure and always keep portions minimal.

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So now we've settled the question - can dogs have grapefruit - why not explore other foods easier on your pup's stomach? What 'human' foods can dogs eat? Check out those below to get started.

• Dates
• Wheat
• Tofu