Can dogs eat grapefruit?

Updated 13/09/2024

Can dogs have grapefruit?

It's a yes and no - but generally speaking, 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 in particular, take a look below.

Is grapefruit poisonous to dogs?

Grapefruit skin and rind is toxic to dogs, but the flesh is safe for most dogs in very small quantities. The skin and rind contain a compound known as psoralen, which is toxic to dogs, so if you think your dog has ingested either, contact your vet immediately. For more on psoralen poisoning in dogs, take a look below.

And while the citric acid in grapefruit is safe for dogs in small quantities, too much could cause stomach irritation, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.

Symptoms of psoralen poisoning in dogs

Grapefruit rind and skin contains psoralen - a compound 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 to show yet. And just so you’re clued-up, below are the symptoms of psoralen poisoning in dogs.

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Depression
• Photosensitivity (sensitive to light)

Related article: Can dogs eat pecans?

Is grapefruit good for dogs?

Grapefruit is packed with vitamin C, A, folate, beta-carotene (and lots more), but it’s too acidic to be considered good for dogs. While a small morsel is fine for dogs with healthy stomachs, too much could cause irritation. So, never rely on citrus fruits to provide your pooch with the nutrients they need. Instead opt for the dog food fit for their age and breed that your dog consumes daily already. 

Can dogs have grapefruit juice?

No, you shouldn’t be feeding your dog grapefruit juice. Not only is processed grapefruit juice high in sugar (which is always bad news for dogs), it’s also seriously high in citric acid, which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.

Can dogs eat pomelo?

Dogs can try the flesh of pomelo in small amounts, but should never ingest the rind or skin. Like grapefruit, pomelo flesh can be irritating to dogs if over-ingested, and the skin and rind is highly toxic.

Related article: Can dogs eat blackberries?

Is grapefruit essential oil safe for dogs?

Dogs shouldn’t be ingesting grapefruit essential oil, as it often contains extracts from the grapefruit peel, which is toxic to dogs. It also contains linalool and d-limonene which can be toxic, potentially causing liver failure in dogs. 

If you’re thinking about diffusing grapefruit essential oil above a candle, be considerate of your dog’s heightened sense of smell, potentially diffusing in a separate room to your pup or propping open a window.

Topical application of grapefruit essential oil should also be avoided due to the risk of skin irritation and of your dog licking the oil off and ingesting it. 

Related article: Can dogs eat peas?

Health benefits of eating grapefruit for dogs

As we've recommended keeping the portion sizes of grapefruit for dogs miniscule, it's unlikely your dog will ever have enough to reap the health benefits from the vitamins and minerals present. Instead, we advise you 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.

Feeding your dog grapefruit

If your pooch can get past the sour taste, allow them a small nibble of the flesh, with all skin and rind completely removed - never feed in large amounts. And remember, only dogs with healthy stomachs should be trying grapefruit, so avoid altogether if your dog has a sensitive stomach. 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.

Related article: Can dogs eat pickles?

Other citrus fruits

So, dogs and grapefruit are somewhat of a controversial match, but what about other citrus fruits? We advise you avoid feeding dogs 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.

Related article: Can dogs eat asparagus?

Meet our veterinary expert, Lizzie

This article has been checked by veterinarian Lizzie Youens BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS. Lizzie graduated from the University of Bristol in 2011, and has been working in first opinion companion animal practice. She has worked in a variety of clinics across the UK, from large hospitals to small branch practices. She enjoys doing a mixture of medicine, surgery and emergency work. Lizzie currently works in a small rural practice where she enjoys working in a close-knit community. 

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