My two dogs shared a pomelo — the bigger one ate most of it while the 3 kg chihuahua had only a

Short answer

The 3 kg chihuahua is actually at greater risk because citrus oils affect smaller dogs more intensely even from a few segments. Pomelo flesh in tiny amounts is tolerable, but the peel, pith and seeds contain higher concentrations of essential oils that can irritate a small dog's stomach. Watch the chihuahua closely over the next 12 hours for vomiting, drooling or mild diarrhoea, which are the most common signs of citrus sensitivity. Contact your own vet if those symptoms appear or if your dog seems unusually lethargic.

Pomelo — Food safety facts

Feed with care · Dogs · full breakdown on the linked food page

Citrus oils again. Flesh in tiny amounts only.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Pomelo is not poisonous to dogs, but it is easy to over-feed. Rich fat, salt or seasoning can bring on vomiting or diarrhoea within a day, and repeated large portions are a recognised trigger for pancreatitis.

If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.

Pomelo can turn up now and then, but not as a daily habit: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged and watch the next walk and the stool that comes with it.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Pomelo food facts page.

Open the full food page: Pomelo food facts →

My two dogs shared a pomelo — the bigger one ate most of it while the 3 kg chihuahua had only a few segments — who is at greater risk?

Pomelo — Food safety facts

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