Lemons are very highly used; we use them to add the citrus flavour to our foods. We use it by sprinkling a few drops of lemon juice on the food. We use it by making the lemon water as a refreshing drink for a sunny day. But many dog owners ask the question, that can dogs eat lemons? The answer is NO. it is never a good idea to give the lemon to the dog. First of all, your dog will not like the lemon taste. And it is not very beneficial for the dog. But if you give too much lemon to the dog, your dog can suffer from health issues.
Nutritional value of lemon
The lemon contains some nutrients. So it can provide some health benefits to the dog. The number of calories in 100 grams is 29. And other nutrients present in the lemon are as follows:
| Nutrients | Value in grams | %age daily value |
| Total fats | 0.3 grams | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 2 mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 138 mg | 3% |
| Dietary | 2.8 grams | 11% |
| Sugar | 2.5 grams | |
| Proteins | 1.1 grams | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 88% | |
| Calcium | 2% | |
| Iron | 3% | |
| Vitamin D | 0% | |
| Vitamin B-6 | 5% | |
| Cobalamin | 0% | |
| Magnesium | 2% |
Can dogs eat lemon safely?
The lemon flesh is safe for the dogs to eat. But it will be difficult for the stomach of the dog to digest the lemon. So, it will not be suitable for the dog to give the lemon to the dog.
Health benefits of the lemon to the dog
The nutrients of lemon can provide some health benefits to the dog. The nutritional benefits provided to the dog by eating lemon are as follows:
- The lemon is a treasure of vitamin C. vitamin C is very important for the excellent immunity of the dog. So, if you provide the lemon to the dog in a very minor amount, your dog can enjoy the benefits of the lemon.
- Vitamin B-6 is also present in the lemon. Vitamin B-6 is essential for the formation of antibodies also regulates the normal function of nerves.
Make antibodies. - There is also calcium present in the lemon. Calcium plays a significant role in bone strengthening and teeth strengthening.
Harmful effects of lemon on the dogs
The lemon can cause some health issues to the dog if overeaten. The harmful effects caused by the lemon to the dogs are as follows:
Stomach upset
The lemon is toxic for the dogs, and giving lemon to the dog is not considered an excellent idea. Because the lemon can cause stomach upset in the dog. As the belly of the dog is not designed to digest these kinds of foods. So, if your dog has overeaten lemon, your dog can suffer from digestive problems.
This stomach upset can lead to vomiting and diarrhea in the dog. And diarrhea can further lead to dehydration in dogs.
Lethargy
Diarrhea and the stomach upset, and vomiting in the dog can lead to lethargy in the dog. And if your dog will be lethargic, your dog can not do some physical activity and feel lazy.
Choking danger
The choking danger can also be considered as the harmful effect of the lemon on the dogs. Because if your dog engulfs a whole lemon, it can stick in the throat of the dog. And it will cause the food pipe blockage in the dog. And this food pipe blockage in the dog can be very dangerous for the dog.
Skin issues
There is psoralen present in the lemon, and this psoralen can cause skin issues in dogs. If your dog has overeaten lemon and after eating a lemon, your dog will go in the sunlight, your dog’s skin will get inflated, and there will be scabs appeared on the dog’s skin.
Can dogs lick the lemon?
Your dog will not be badly affected just by licking the lemon. Because there will not be enough citric acid and the psoralen level taken in, which can cause health issues to the dog. But still, it will not be a pleasant feeling for the dog to lick the lemon because most dogs don’t like the taste of the lemon. So, it will be best if you don’t let your dog eat or even lick the lemon.
Can dogs eat lemon-flavoured foods?
No, you should offer lemon-flavoured foods to the dog because these are also not healthy for the dogs to eat. The reason why the lemon-flavoured foods are not suitable for the dogs are as follows:
High sugar content
When we talk about lemon-flavoured foods, cakes, cupcakes, ice cream, and desserts come to mind. But we all know that these foods contain a high amount of sugar. And if you provide these foods that contain high sugar content, your dog can suffer from diabetes. Similarly, with the lemon water, it is asked that can dogs drink lemon water? The lemon water also contains a high sugar level, so you should also avoid giving the lemon water.
Sugar-free lemon-flavoured food
To solve the problem of high sugar content, people move to sugar-free food. But in the case of sugar-free foods, there is compound xylitol used. The xylitol compound is safe for the human, but it is not suitable for the dog it can cause severe health problems to the dog.
High-fat level and salt level
The fat level in the deserts is very high. And if you provide the lemon-flavoured deserts to the dog, you are serving the high-fat group to the dogs, which can cause obesity in the dog.
There is also a high salt level in the foods available in the market. This salt is used to preserve the food for a long time. The high salt level is also not good for the dog.
FAQs
What happens if a dog eats a lemon?
If your dog has eaten the lemon, then your dog can suffer from stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, and other health issues. So, it will be best if you don’t allow your dog to eat a lemon.
Can I put lemon in my dogs’ water?
Yes, you can add a few drops of lemon to the dog’s water. It can give a refreshing feel to the dog. And few drops of lemon can help detoxify the dog’s body to remove the extra salt from the body.
Conclusion
Lemon is used widely all around the world. It is used to add a citrus flavour to the food. But many dog owners ask the question, that can dog eat lemon? No, you should not offer the lemon to the dog. Because there is citric acid and psoralen in the lemon, which is not suitable for the dog’s health. If your dog has overeaten lemon, your dog can suffer from stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, skin issues, and other health problems.
So, it will be best if you don’t let your dog eat the lemon.
