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Citric acid

A representation of Citric acid
Citric acid on a yellow background. Selective focus.nature

Citric acid is an organic acid found in many fruits, especially citrus fruits such as lemons. It has many applications in the food industry, in the household and in medicine. But how does it affect dogs? Is it harmful or beneficial to them? In this article you will learn more about the ingredient citric acid in relation to dogs.

What is citric acid?

Citric acid is a weak acid that lowers the pH value of solutions. It is a natural preservative that inhibits the growth of bacteria. It is also used as a flavor enhancer, acidifier and antioxidant. Citric acid is found in many foods, such as soft drinks, jams, cheese, yogurt, wine and sweets.

Citric acid can also be produced synthetically, for example by fermenting sugar with a mold called Aspergillus niger. Synthetic citric acid is mainly used in industry, for example as a cleaning agent, descaler or metal polish.

What are the benefits of citric acid for dogs?

Citric acid has several benefits for dogs when administered in small quantities. Firstly, it can strengthen the immune system as it contains vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that protects cells from free radicals and promotes wound healing. Secondly, citric acid can serve as a natural flea repellent, as it kills and deters parasites. To do this, you can boil a lemon in water, leave to cool and spray the lemon water onto the dog's coat. After half an hour, the product should be washed out again.

What are the disadvantages of citric acid for dogs?

Citric acid also has some disadvantages for dogs if it is administered in large quantities or if the dog is sensitive to it. Firstly, it can irritate the gastrointestinal tract as it is very acidic. This can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Secondly, it may contain the essential oils of lemon, which are toxic to dogs. The essential oils can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems and allergic reactions. In addition, the pesticides and chemicals used on citrus fruits can be harmful to dogs.

How much citric acid can a dog consume?

There is no precise indication of how much citric acid a dog can consume. This depends on various factors, such as the dog's weight, age, state of health and tolerance. In general, however, dogs should not be given pure lemons or lemon juice. The pulp of the lemon can be given in very small amounts as a treat or as an addition to food, but not more than one teaspoon per day. The peel and seeds of the lemon should be avoided.

 

To summarize, citric acid is a natural acid found in many fruits. It has some benefits for dogs, such as strengthening the immune system or fighting fleas. However, it also has some disadvantages for dogs, such as irritation of the gastrointestinal tract or poisoning by essential oils or pesticides. Therefore, you should only give your dog very small amounts of citric acid and pay attention to its reaction. If the dog shows signs of discomfort, the citric acid should be stopped immediately.

Learn even more about Citric acid

If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.

Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊