Pastry Ingredient Safety

Can dogs eat citrus (lemons, limes, oranges)?

Use caution

Short answer: Only a bite of the flesh: the peels, seeds and plant contain oils that irritate dogs.

Also called or found in: lemon, lime, orange, zest, citrus peel

Why it matters

The ASPCA says citrus stems, leaves, peels and seeds contain citric acid and essential oils that can cause irritation, and possibly depression in large amounts. Small amounts of the fruit are unlikely to cause more than minor stomach upset.

The ASPCA lists lemon peel and plant material as toxic to dogs because of essential oils and psoralens.

What owners may notice

Vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness and skin irritation (ASPCA).

This list can't tell you if your dog is OK. Only a veterinarian can.

If your dog ate some

If your dog ate a lot of it, or seems unwell afterward, call your veterinarian or an animal poison line: ASPCA (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661.

In the kitchen

Lemon zest, candied peel and citrus oils are concentrated peel. Keep lemon bars and citrus glazes for people.

Sources

  1. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Checked October 22, 2026.
  2. Lemon (toxic and non-toxic plants), ASPCA. Checked October 22, 2026.

Last checked against these sources: October 22, 2026.

Related guides

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Written by VanillaGoods from the cited sources. Not reviewed by a veterinarian. Not a substitute for veterinary advice.