Can Dogs Eat Lemons? – American Kennel Club (2024)

For people, there are few things more refreshing than an ice-cold glass of lemonade. In addition, lemons are high in vitamin C and fiber; using them while cooking can be a healthy way to add flavor to your favorite recipes.

But can dogs eat lemons? No, and here’s why.

Are Lemons Safe for Dogs?

While the fleshy part of lemons is not toxic to dogs, this fruit still isn’t something to feed to your dog. If eaten, lemons could make your dog sick. Furthermore, citrus’ sourness is off-putting to most dogs. Dr. Jerry Klein, Chief Veterinary Officer for the AKC, advises, “Dogs can eat lemons, though they do not eat them voluntarily, as they do not like the pungent citrus smell.”

Can Dogs Eat Lemons? – American Kennel Club (1)

©_DeingeL_ - stock.adobe.com

Dogs disliking lemons’ smell is helpful. Lemon juice, which is a more concentrated version of the fruit, contains high amounts of citric acid, which is toxic to dogs. In addition, It’s important to keep your dog away from lemon rinds and skin. The rinds of lemons contain psoralen, which is also toxic to dogs. If swallowed, lemon rinds could cause gastric obstruction. If your dog has eaten a whole lemon or a rind, contact your veterinarian right away.

Similarly, while lemons themselves don’t contain much sugar, humans enjoy sugary, lemon-based drinks and foods like lemonade or lemon tarts; we recommend not giving these products to your dog. Too much sugar can lead to obesity and obesity-related health conditions in dogs.

Avoid Lemon Oils

Although the scent of lemon is pleasing to many people, it can be harmful to dogs. “The aromatic oils are considered toxic,” explains Dr. Klein. Direct contact with essential oils can cause topical irritation, and direct consumption of essential oils can be toxic and dangerous to dogs and cats. The lemon essential oil contains d-limonene and linalool; if ingested, these natural insecticides can harm your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Lemons? – American Kennel Club (2)

©Africa Studio - stock.adobe.com

Consuming lemon oil could cause serious damage to your pet’s liver or lead to gastroenteritis, whose symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting. However, since dogs dislike the smell of citrus, citrus odors are sometimes used in spray dilutions to deter them from chewing.

Fruits Dogs Can Eat Instead

Instead of lemons, your dog can eat limited quantities of canine-safe fruits that are packed with vitamins. Remove seeds and the core before feeding your dog small pieces of apple (an excellent source of vitamins C and A).

Alternatively, try cut-up blueberries (which are rich in antioxidants) or strawberries (which are full of fiber). We recommend avoiding feeding your dog canned fruit, which may be packed with sugary juices or syrups, or dried fruits, which are high in carbohydrates and can be processed with sugar.

Can Dogs Eat Lemons? – American Kennel Club (2024)

FAQs

Can Dogs Eat Lemons? – American Kennel Club? ›

Are Lemons Safe for Dogs? While the fleshy part of lemons is not toxic to dogs, this fruit still isn't something to feed to your dog. If eaten, lemons could make your dog sick.

Is it OK for dogs to eat lemons? ›

Yes, lemons are bad for dogs. Dogs tend to eat things they shouldn't, including grapes, plants and even poop. In minimal quantities, lemons might be fine for a dog, assuming they would be willing to eat it. But lemons are loaded with compounds, essential oils and acids that are toxic to dogs.

Can my dog have lemon bars? ›

For instance, lemonade, lemon bars, or lemon juice may contain high amounts of sugar. While small amounts of natural sugars like honey and fruits are safe, too much sugar can quickly turn into a bad thing. Too much sugar can lead to obesity, tooth decay, diabetes, and further complications as your pup gains weight.

Can dogs eat tangerines in AKC? ›

How to Safely Share Citrus With Your Dog. If you want to safely share a bit of citrus with your dog, give them a small piece of tangerines or orange flesh: just not the peels.

Are lemon seeds toxic to dogs? ›

1. While the seeds of citrus fruits can be toxic to dogs because they contain a trace amount of cyanide, very large numbers have to be ingested before any adverse side effects will occur.

Why is my dog obsessed with lemons? ›

Dogs have a very interesting, love-hate relationship with lemons with more of the latter than the former. They are fascinated by their shape and texture and curious about their unique and vibrant smell but at the same time strongly put off by it and lemon's sour taste.

Is a lemon tree toxic to dogs? ›

First, the bad news: humans can eat lemons, but dogs and cats should be kept away from citrus trees of any kind because they contain essential oils that are toxic to pets. Although the amount is most concentrated in the fruit, the roots contain some of the toxic essential oils as well.

Can dogs smell lemon? ›

Most dogs cannot tolerate the smell of any type of citrus. These fruits give off a specific, very intense smell, easily noticeable by both humans and pets. Usually people appreciate the fresh and invigorating aromas of citrus, but the dog hates it.

Can dogs have honey? ›

Yes, dogs can have honey in small amounts as it's high in sugar. Honey provides antioxidants and can help with allergies in dogs. Some dogs may find the sweetness of honey overwhelming. Ensure honey is pure, without added sweeteners or xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.

Can dogs have a bite of lemon cake? ›

If your dog has a little nibble of lemon cake it probably won't do them any serious harm, provided there are no toxic ingredients. However, it is a very rich and sugary food so it's not good for dogs and eating a lot of it can upset their stomach. Your dog definitely shouldn't eat cake regularly either.

Is cantaloupe ok for dogs? ›

Can dogs eat melon or cantaloupe? Yes, dogs can eat melon or cantaloupe but only in moderation. This fruit is not toxic to dogs, but it is high in sugar so owners should be mindful of how much they add to their dog's menu.

Can dogs have watermelon? ›

Good news: Your pooch can eat watermelon. However, this does come with precautions, according to the American Kennel Club. First, the watermelon must be seedless or you should remove the seeds before giving it to your pet. The seeds could lead to an intestinal blockage, so be sure that you pick a seedless watermelon.

Can dogs eat pineapple? ›

Raw pineapple, in small amounts, is an excellent snack for dogs. Canned pineapple, on the other hand, should be avoided. The syrup in canned fruits contains too much sugar for most dogs' digestive tracts to handle.

What should I do if my dog eats a lemon? ›

Dogs don't usually eat citrus fruit because they don't like the smell. It's more common for pups to get into a batch of lemon bars or some other food that contains lemon extract, oil, or juice. If your furry pal eats lemon or lemon-based foods, the best thing to do is to call your veterinarian.

Can I spray lemon water on my dog? ›

Homemade Flea Repellent: You can make a natural flea spray by cutting up six organic lemons, boiling them in a quart of water and letting them sit to steep for a few hours. Use at least one lemon per pint of water. Strain the lemon water into a spray bottle and lightly spray your pet's fur.

Can dogs eat cucumbers? ›

Can Dogs Have Cucumbers? Cucumbers are perfectly safe for dogs to eat, and offer a low-calorie, crunchy snack that many dogs love. Cucumbers only contain about 8 calories per one-half cup of slices, compared to the 40 calories in a single medium dog biscuit. Cucumbers are also very low in sodium and fat-free.

Are limes toxic to dogs? ›

Limes are high in citric acid. In large amounts, citric acid can cause gastrointestinal upsets for dogs or even central nervous depression and loss of coordination. If your dog eats large amounts of limes, consult your veterinarian right away. The skin of limes is of particular concern.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carlyn Walter

Last Updated:

Views: 6121

Rating: 5 / 5 (70 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carlyn Walter

Birthday: 1996-01-03

Address: Suite 452 40815 Denyse Extensions, Sengermouth, OR 42374

Phone: +8501809515404

Job: Manufacturing Technician

Hobby: Table tennis, Archery, Vacation, Metal detecting, Yo-yoing, Crocheting, Creative writing

Introduction: My name is Carlyn Walter, I am a lively, glamorous, healthy, clean, powerful, calm, combative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.