Fruit
Can dogs eat grapefruit?
Not really. A little grapefruit flesh isn’t seriously toxic, but it is very acidic and bitter, and the peel, pith and seeds contain oils and psoralens that upset the stomach.
Why Citrus essential oils and psoralens
By Maya HartIf your dog ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
- For cats, or if a lot of peel was eaten, call your vet.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Depression
- Sensitivity to light (large amounts of peel)
How much, how often
Avoid.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Choose a different fruit — apple or blueberries
- Keep grapefruit-scented cleaning products and oils away from cats
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
Not really. A little grapefruit flesh isn’t seriously toxic, but it is very acidic and bitter, and the peel, pith and seeds contain oils and psoralens that upset the stomach.
How much: Avoid.
The details
Grapefruit is one of the citrus fruits most dogs will happily refuse on their own. The flesh is mostly a problem of acidity; the peel and plant carry more of the irritant oils. For cats, any citrus product, including concentrated oils and fragrances, should be avoided.
Grapefruit is also known for interacting with some human medicines. That interaction hasn’t been well studied in pets, which is another reason not to share it.
Safer treats your dog can have instead
Apples
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Blackberries
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Questions owners ask
Can dogs eat grapefruit?
Not really. A little grapefruit flesh isn’t seriously toxic, but it is very acidic and bitter, and the peel, pith and seeds contain oils and psoralens that upset the stomach.
How much grapefruit can a dog have?
Avoid.
What makes grapefruit risky for dogs?
Citrus essential oils and psoralens.
What are the signs to watch for in dogs?
vomiting and diarrhoea, drooling, depression, sensitivity to light (large amounts of peel).
What should I do if my dog ate grapefruit?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. For cats, or if a lot of peel was eaten, call your vet.
Is grapefruit safe for cats too?
No. Citrus oils and psoralens are toxic to cats.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
More foods for dogs
Avocado
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
Apples
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Blueberries
Strawberries
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation