Are Grapefruits Good for Dogs (Is It Safe? Do This Now!)

Have you ever asked yourself or your friend if dogs can eat grapefruits or if grapefruits are good for dogs? Is it safe? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.

With all of the fantastic benefits grapefruits provide to humans, it is pretty surprising to hear that parts of these superfoods are actually dangerous for your dog and are probably best if left out of their diet. 

Luckily, the citrus taste of grapefruits will typically deter any pet from wanting to take a bite of these tart treats, but if they do end up chowing down, there is good reason for you to contact a vet, and in this article, we will be discussing all of those reasons and more.

Are Grapefruits Good For Dogs?

Overall, grapefruit’s health benefits are dramatically outweighed by potential side effects and poisoning when offering these fruits to your dog.

Although we often hear how beneficial the tangy fruit is for people, dogs are more likely to suffer from serious health issues if they eat them.

Digestive Issues

The high levels of citrus in grapefruit are very problematic for most dog digestive systems and will, more often than not, cause your pup to suffer from irritated stomach problems such as vomiting and diarrhea.

While the flesh of the grapefruit isn’t technically toxic to dogs, it isn’t ideal for their health either.

Grapefruit Toxicity

The grapefruit rind contains an essential oil that is actually toxic to dogs. If your pet ingests the peel, you may notice symptoms such as excessive drooling, difficulty walking or standing, and sensitivity to light.

These symptoms will get progressively worse as the toxins travel throughout their systems.

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Skin Irritation

Many dogs will also begin to show signs of skin irritation, rashes, and excessive itching due to the allergic reaction they’re having toward the fruit. 

What Do You Do If Your Dog Eats a Grapefruit?

If you witnessed your dog ingest a grapefruit, it is crucial you contact your veterinarian immediately. In grapefruit poisoning, the quicker your pup is treated, the more likely it is for your dog to heal from the toxins. 

If you get your dog to the vet right away, they may be able to induce vomiting, removing as much of the leftover fruit as possible to prevent the poisoning from continuing.

The vet can also administer medications such as activated charcoal to absorb and neutralize the toxins before they can create any more issues for your pet.

If you can get your dog’s medical attention immediately, the chances of a full recovery are highly possible. 

Keeping Your Dog Hydrated

Another extremely important thing to do when your dog eats grapefruit flesh (not the toxic Rhine) and begins to show digestive problems is to provide them with plenty of water, as vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. 

Dogs are Rarely Attracted to Grapefruits

The good news is that dogs are not typically attracted to grapefruits or any other citrus fruit, for that matter.

The smell of citrus is a known deterrent, and most dogs will try and stay away from them. So, unless you are giving your dog the grapefruit flesh, they probably won’t get into it.

Are there Benefits to Feeding Dogs Grapefruit?

Although the adverse effects of grapefruits can be fatal to dogs, eating only the fruit’s flesh can provide some health benefits we can’t simply ignore.

First, grapefruits contain high levels of vitamin C, which is a natural antioxidant good for speeding up recovery as well as aiding in aging diseases such as arthritis.

It is also loaded with Vitamin A, which provides a super boost to your pet’s immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Grapefruits are also known for their more than 90% of water content, making them ideal for keeping your dog hydrated, avoiding dehydration due to excessive panting, extremely hot and humid days, or a reaction to an illness or disease. 

It is also believed that grapefruit can improve your dog’s heart health, reducing the risk of cardiac disease and even hypertension. 

Should You Give Your Dog Grapefruits?

Above is all the important information needed to help you make a decision on whether or not giving your pup a grapefruit is a good decision.

While there are many beneficial properties in these tart fruits, we simply do not believe it is nearly enough to chance the risk of digestive discomfort or grapefruit poisoning.  

If you want to give your dog vitamin and mineral enriched foods that will provide them with tons of vitamin A, vitamin C, extra hydration, and beneficial antioxidants and anti-inflammatory components, there are many other ways to do it without providing them food that could ultimately take their life.

Can Dogs Safely Eat Any Types of Citrus Fruits?

Sure. If you are set on providing a citrus fruit to your pup as an additional vitamin-enriched treat, you can offer them options that are not nearly as high in citrus and aren’t potentially poisonous for your pups, such as oranges and tangerines. Both of these options have a much sweeter taste than dogs may prefer.

It is always essential to make sure you are not giving your dog too many extra calories in the treats provided, so offering them these fruits should only be done in moderation.

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Summing Things Up

While on the one hand, grapefruits can indeed be good for your dog’s overall health as long as they are only eating the flesh.

On the other hand, the extreme toxic reaction your pet can have to the food makes it seem like offering it to them wouldn’t be worth it. 

References

https://simplyfordogs.com/