Pugs will eat pretty much anything you put in front of them. However, this doesn’t mean that all fruits and veggies are good for them. As a Pug owner, you need to know what Pugs can eat safely. In this article, we answer the question “can Pugs eat grapefruit” and everything you need to know about it.
Can Pugs Eat Grapefruit?
No, dogs should not be fed this acidic fruit as it contains essential oils that can be harmful to cats, dogs, and horses. Grapefruits also contain a compound called psoralen that is toxic for dogs.
I’ve put together a chart of what fruits Pugs can eat, that will help you keep your four-legged friend safe.
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding What To Pugs Grapefruit?
This fruit is very nutritious for humans, so it’s easy to think that it can benefit your dog. However, dogs don’t need to consume the same vitamins as humans.
As long as you’re feeding them high-quality dog food, they will get all the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals their bodies require.
According to the ASPCA, there are no benefits of feeding this fruit to your pooch.
In fact, if your pooch has eaten any grapefruit, you should consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Fun Grapefruit Facts
This fruit is a part of the Rutaceae family and grows on trees mostly in the United States, Israel, Argentina, Cuba, Mexico, and Southern Africa.
The origin of the fruit originated in Barbadoes as a cross between a pummelo and sweet orange.
A grapefruit tree can live up to 50 years.
Nutritional Facts
Nutrients found in one half of a medium-sized grapefruit:
- Magnesium: 3%
- Protein: 1 gram
- Vitamin A: 28% of the RDI
- Vitamin C: 64% RDI
- Carbs: 13 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Thiamine: 4% of the RDI
- Potassium: 5% of the RDI
- Folate: 4%
- Calories: 52
As you can see, this is incredibly healthy food for humans, as it contains powerful antioxidants.
Are Grapefruits Safe For Pugs?
No, grapefruit flesh is very acidic and can cause lead to digestive issues if ingested.
The rind itself contains essential oils that are known to be harmful to dogs. Grapefruits contain an ingredient called Psoralen, which is extremely dangerous and even fatal to dogs.
Psoralen is found in the peel, seeds, and pith. Removing the seeds, peel, and pith does lower the toxicity level, but it’s NOT worth risking your pet’s health.
What Parts of A Grapefruit Are Toxic?
As I mentioned above, this entire fruit is dangerous for dogs.
Different parts of grapefruit contain different levels of toxicity. Below is an image of the different parts of a grapefruit.
Use this chart to determine which parts of grapefruit are toxic for Pugs.
| Parts of a Grapefruit | Safe for Pugs |
| Peel | No, it contains harmful essential oils |
| Pith | No, it contains Psoralen |
| Leaves | No, citrus plants are dangerous to pets |
| Flesh | No, as it also contains smaller amounts of Psoralen |
Symptoms Of Grapefruit Poisoning
Symptoms will vary depending on your dog’s weight, the amount they eat, and other factors.
Some of the symptoms you should watch for are:
- Depression
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Behavioral Changes
- Photo-Sensitivity
What To Do If Your Pug Eats Grapefruit
If you’ve noticed that your Pug has eaten any part of a grapefruit, you need to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your veterinarian will want to know how much they consumed, what part, and what type of grapefruit they ate.
Your dog’s veterinarian will be able to diagnose and determine what type of treatment they will require.
Treatment of Grapefruit Toxicity
The type of treatment your dog requires will be based on the symptoms they are experiencing. If your pooch has recently ingested any part of the fruit, the vet may induce vomiting to rid the contents from the stomach before it is digested.
If too much time has passed since your Pug has eaten the fruit, they may administer activated charcoal. The charcoal will help neutralize the toxins before your pet’s body absorbs it.
The vet may also want to start administering fluids, especially if your four-legged friend is dehydrated from vomiting.
For extremely severe cases of poisoning, some dogs may require blood transfusions. Hopefully, your dog will never be in that type of situation.
Alternatives To Grapefruit For Pugs
I know some people enjoy sharing their food with their pets. If your Pug enjoys eating fruit, you may want to consider feeding them some that will actually benefit them.
The fruits listed below are not only yummy for dogs, but won’t cause any issues (if fed in moderation):
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Grapefruit
Many citrus fruits are not safe for dogs and grapefruit is one of those fruits. If you enjoy eating this fruit every morning or live in an area where there are citrus trees, you’ll want to keep your dog from ingesting them.
References And Further Reading
Merck Veterinary Manual – George M. Barrington, DVM, PhD. DACVIM – Photosensitization in Dogs
Petfinder – Dr. Lauren Brickman – Do Dogs Need Vitamins?