Grapefruit is a type of citrus fruit that, like grapes, grows in bunches and can be either sweet or sour depending on the variety. People sometimes use it to make fruit drinks, put a sour twist on sweets, or just eat it as a snack. It’s one of the recommended servings of fruit and vegetables for people, but can we assume the same for our canine and equine companions?
Should dogs avoid grapefruit or is it okay for them to eat? This article tells you all you need to know about grapefruit and dogs.
Grapefruit: good or bad for dogs?
Both, actually. Grapefruit flesh is safe for dogs to consume in very little quantities, but feeding large amounts is not recommended since the fruit’s acidic nature can irritate the lining of the gut and lead to gastrointestinal troubles. As the grapefruit skin contains compounds that are poisonous to dogs, it should never be fed to your pet. The peel of a grapefruit, which dogs cannot digest, can cause a clog in the digestive tract if ingested. Dogs should be sent to the vet immediately if their owners suspect they have ingested any part of grapefruit, including the rind.
Grapefruit juice: safe for dogs?
It’s not a good idea to give your dog grapefruit juice because of how rich in citric acid it is, which can cause stomach upset in dogs and even cause them to throw up or have diarrhea. Store-bought grapefruit juice from the grocery store probably also includes extra sugars that are bad for your dog.
Canine grapefruit consumption: yes or no?
Vitamins A and C, along with other minerals like fiber, potassium, lycopene, and choline, are found in grapefruit, but your dog already gets them from his regular meal, so there’s no need to give him more. In addition, the high acidity of grapefruit flesh might irritate the digestive systems of dogs with weak stomachs.
Grapefruit for dogs: a feeding guide
Do not be shocked if your dog refuses to eat grapefruit or other citrus fruits because of its unpleasant flavor. If you want to try feeding your dog grapefruit, just remember to start slow and not give them too much at once, since the citric acid might irritate their digestive tract and lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Dogs shouldn’t eat the rind or the seeds since they contain substances that are poisonous to canines.
What, therefore, should we remember from this piece? Grapefruits aren’t particularly tasty to dogs, and they might cause stomach upset owing to their high citric acid content and the possible toxicity of the seeds and rind. This suggests that you should probably try giving them more reliable fruits, such as apples or bananas.