The benefits of grapefruit seed extract for dogs

Updated 04/10/2024

Grapefruit seed extract (GSE) is a natural supplement that can be used to tackle a number of health problems, both inside and out. Whether your furry friend’s dealing with itchy skin or tummy troubles, GSE might be the secret ingredient you’ve been looking for. Keep reading to discover all the amazing benefits of grapefruit seed extract for dogs, and how it can be used to treat your pup’s ailments.

Grapefruit seed extract benefits for dogs 

Whether you’re looking to prevent certain conditions in the future or alleviate symptoms of existing health problems, there are plenty of grapefruit seed extract benefits for furry friends. But before we dive into GSE benefits, remember, you should always speak to your vet before giving your pup any sort of remedy, natural or otherwise.

External uses of GSE for dogs

Skin infections

GSE can be used as an antiseptic to help fight bacterial and fungal skin infections, including mange. Just mix ten drops into your dog’s regular shampoo, and give your pup a good scrub in the tub. Let the shampoo work its magic for five to ten minutes before rinsing. For a more frequent treatment, you can create a spray by adding 30-40 drops of GSE to a liter of water. A few spritzes on your pup’s coat should help keep skin issues at bay, but be careful not to get any in your doggy’s eyes.

Please always remember though that natural treatments like this must be used alongside conventional medicine prescribed or recommended by your vet. If home treatments are not working, or seem to be making your pet’s skin worse, always speak to your vet as soon as possible.

Ear infections 

Dogs with long, floppy ears are often prone to ear infections, but GSE can come to the rescue! Mix five to ten drops of GSE with a half-ounce of aloe vera gel, and you can use this to gently clean your dog’s ears. Speak to your vet about how often you should clean your dog’s ears - every dog is different and doing it too often can lead to problems as well as prevent them.

Cuts and sores

Grapefruit seed extract can also be used to help speed up the healing process of minor cuts and sores. Mix one to five drops of GSE with 2.5 ml of water, and apply the solution to the wound three to four times a day.

Itchy paws

If your pup’s paws are driving them crazy, a GSE foot soak might be just what the doctor ordered. Mix 30-40 drops of GSE with a liter of water in a large container, and let your dog’s paws soak for a few minutes. Repeat a couple of times a day, and those itchy paws will soon feel some relief. Remember if your pup has an ongoing problem with itchiness, you will need to seek advice from your vet as it may not be something that GSE alone can solve.

Internal uses of GSE for dogs

Upset tummies

Adding GSE to your furry friend’s food can help ease digestive problems such as diarrhea, gas, and general stomach upsets. The acidity helps to alcalize your dog’s blood, creating an environment where harmful microorganisms struggle to thrive. The only thing is, this acidity can also lead to further stomach upsets if not given with food. Adding one drop of GSE to food per ten pounds of your dog’s body weight, twice a day, should be enough to kick tummy troubles to the kerb.

Fungal infections

Fungal infections like candida can also be treated with GSE. Just add three drops of the supplement to your dog’s food twice a day to help keep the fungus under control. This should always be used alongside conventional antifungal treatments. 

Parasites 

There is some thought that GSE may be a natural remedy for internal parasites like giardia, worms, and fleas. GSE is thought to target bad bacteria and microorganisms, and may be continuously effective in the fight against parasites. However, there’s no firm evidence for this, so you should always use conventional prescription parasite treatment recommended by your vet to ensure you avoid your pet catching any bugs or worms!

If you do choose to use grapefruit seed extract for parasites, alongside your pets regular parasite treatment, the recommended dose is 10-15 drops per ten pounds of body weight, three times a day. To keep fleas at bay, use one drop per ten pounds of body weight, twice daily.

Is grapefruit seed extract safe for dogs?

Grapefruit seed extract can be taken in liquid form, capsules, or tablets. It’s generally considered safe for dogs, however, it should never replace proper medical attention, and you should always consult your vet before giving it to your furry friend. If they agree that grapefruit seed extract is the right method of treatment, they will be able to advise you on the correct dosage and form of supplement for your pooch pal.

Getting an in-home dog sitter while you’re away is the best way to ensure your furry family member gets top-notch care. Your loving, verified sitter will provide the personalized attention your doggy deserves, keeping them happy and healthy at home and giving you peace of mind that your furry family member is in safe hands.

Meet our veterinary expert, Holly

This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!