Can Dogs Eat Grapefruit? All About Grapefruit Toxicity

It is best to avoid feeding grapefruit to dogs. The flesh of grapefruit is safe for dogs in moderation, but other parts of the fruit are toxic to dogs. You can occasionally give your dog grapefruit flesh as a treat, but only if your dog enjoys it in small quantities and it does not cause harmful side effects, such as problems with your dog’s digestive system.

Grapefruits contain the compound psoralen, which is toxic for dogs. The grapefruit rind, seeds, and pith are the most toxic parts of the fruit. Grapefruit poisoning can lead to digestive issues, poor kidney function, weight loss, photosensitivity, and other health issues for your canine companion. Excessively large doses of citric acid can result in central nervous system depression in dogs, leading to a lack of coordination and even seizures. If your dog has consumed grapefruit, be sure to document any reactions and notify your vet.

The sour, bitter taste of grapefruit is generally disagreeable to dogs. If you safely store your grapefruits on your counter or in your refrigerator, you shouldn’t have to worry about your dog accidentally eating this fruit. Just be sure to clean up and toss out grapefruit peels after cutting up this fruit with your breakfast or as a snack; the rind is poisonous to dogs.

Grapefruits are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them healthy for humans. While a small amount of grapefruit flesh likely won’t harm your dog, the potential hazards outweigh the health benefits. That said, there may be benefits of using grapefruit seed extract topically on your dog’s coat and skin. You can add grapefruit extract to shampoos to help give your dog’s coat an extra shine or to treat dermatitis. Grapefruit seed extract has antiseptic properties, so you can dilute the extract with water and use it on open wounds to clean affected areas. You can also add drops of the extract to your dog’s coat to help combat parasites like fleas or worms.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Your dream of having a dog who understands words like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and—crucially— “no” is just a MasterClass Annual Membership away. The only things you’ll need to train up a well-behaved pup are your laptop, a big bag of treats, and our exclusive instructional videos from superstar animal trainer Brandon McMillan.