Mary Allen
Fruit and vegetables help your dog meet its vitamin needs. Does that mean lemons should also be part of your four-legged friend’s diet? We took a closer look.
When the cold season approaches, we humans like to reach for fruit rich in vitamins. Citrus fruits are particularly popular. The reason for this is the high content of vitamin C. Lemon is very popular.
How do dogs react to lemon?
The lemon is only conditionally suitable for dogs, like all citrus fruits. While lemons are not toxic, the acid they contain can hurt your dog’s health.
The high acidity of lemons can irritate your dog’s sensitive stomach. The consequences are vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach problems. The essential oils contained are also not compatible with your dog. That’s why you should never give your dog pure lemons.
Lemon for dogs
Also, many dogs don’t like the sour taste of citrus. They instinctively avoid the acidity of lemon juice.
Unlike us humans, dogs can produce vitamin C themselves. This process happens in the liver. This produces the vitamin from glucose. Your dog is therefore not dependent on the additional administration of C vitamins.
Citrus fruits like the lemon are rather counterproductive as food for dogs.
Water with lemon for dogs against fleas
However, the lemon has another very interesting effect. Lemons can help get rid of fleas quickly. It is therefore the best natural remedy for those pesky parasites.
To do this, take half a liter of water. Boil this up. Then add a sliced lemon. Let everything simmer for about five minutes. Then remove the pot from the heat and let the lemon water cool. 100 milliliters of vinegar complete the flea remedy.
Put the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray your pet’s fur well with it. Then leave it on for about half an hour. After that, you need to rinse the agent well out of your dog’s coat.
With the water you remove the dead fleas, so to speak. Repeat the procedure daily. After about a week your dog will be free of fleas without any chemicals.
Is citric acid toxic to dogs?
Citric acid is a component of lemon juice. The acid is a natural disinfectant and has an antibacterial effect. The acidic compound is commonly used as a food preservative.
In the household, you can use citric acid in powder form. It is a natural cleaning agent against limescale.
However, when citric acid is ingested in high concentrations, the acid can be toxic. If you are concerned that your dog has eaten pure citric acid, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
In small amounts, citric acid can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs. In higher concentrations, the acid can cause more damage to the body.
Where do lemons come from?
The lemon is a cross between a bitter orange and a citron. Their original homeland is Northeast India. The first records of their existence date back to the times of the Chinese Empire. So long before our era.
With the development of trade, the lemon was brought to Arabia and Persia. Between the 10th and 13th centuries, it found its way to the Mediterranean through seafaring.
In countries like France or Italy, the upper class decorated their gardens with citrus plants. These were often expensive and unusual. Artists discovered the fruit as a motif for their works. At the same time, trade ensured the triumph of the lemon around the world.
Lemons provide a lot of vitamin C
The seafaring era brought with it a disease called scurvy. This is an acute vitamin C deficiency. At the end of the 18th century, the importance of lemons and sauerkraut in this context was recognized. As a result, the regular consumption of lemons was made a requirement on ships.
Today we know that the lemon contains a lot of healthy vitamins. However, there are some other fruits and vegetables that outperform in vitamin C content:
Vitamin C content per 100 grams:
- Rosehip 246 – 1250 mg
- Sea Buckthorn 450 – 600 mg
- Parsley 133 – 160 mg
- Red Peppers 127 – 140 mg
- Strawberry 53 – 55 mg
- Lemon 53 mg
- Spinach 40-50 mg
- Pineapple 20 – 48 mg
In addition, the lemon contains glucose. Fiber ensures healthy digestion. And the bitter substances it contains stimulate digestion.
Lemons are the ideal ingredient for tea, juices, and fruit salads. It has its lovers as a hot lemon combined with water and honey. To what extent the lemon can protect us from the flu and cold is controversial. The fact is, it tastes good and provides vitamins.
This makes the lemon an extremely healthy fruit, just not for dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when dogs eat lemons?
However, essential oils and compounds called psoralen found in lemons are quite toxic to pets in large amounts. Once your dog has consumed a large number of lemons, it can cause diarrhea and other stomach problems.
Is lime toxic to dogs?
All citrus fruits, whether oranges, grapefruits, or limes, but also tangerines and clementines can be eaten by dogs in small quantities. However, be careful with all fruits that the dog does not necessarily eat the seeds.
Are tangerines dangerous for dogs?
Conclusion- the dose is crucial. In principle, tangerines are harmless to dogs. Due to the high content of fruit acids, the dog should stick to an irregular, small snack in between. The many good ingredients help to maintain the dog’s health.
What fruit can my dog eat?
Pears and apples are particularly healthy fruits for dogs, as they ensure balanced digestion with a high proportion of vitamins and the dietary fiber pectin. Pineapple and papaya are also well tolerated due to their enzymes. Most nuts are well tolerated by dogs.
Can a dog eat watermelon?
Dogs generally tolerate watermelons. It should be ripe fruit. With watermelons, as with other well-tolerated types of fruit and vegetables, it depends on the quantity: depending on their size and weight, dogs can tolerate a few pieces of watermelon.
Can a dog eat a banana?
Similar to broccoli, bananas contain potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. All of these ingredients are healthy for your dog. But you shouldn’t eat a banana every day, because these fruits are just as rich in energy and sugar.
Can I give my dog a cucumber?
Cucumber for dogs brings variety to everyday food and provides important nutrients. In addition, the cucumber consists of around 95% water and is therefore ideal for those who drink little and as a small refreshment for the dog on hot summer days. However, cucumbers are also often fed as a light food for the intestines.
Is honey good for dogs?
Honey is not harmful or toxic to your dog in small amounts, but should not be part of the daily diet if unprocessed. The dosage is about ½ teaspoon per week for a small dog up to 20 kg and 1 teaspoon for a 20-25 kg dog.