Goosemoose Pet Portal

I know giving oranges to rats can be harmful, and I just noticed the strawberry banana flavored baby food I've been using to mask medicine had citric acid in it. Is this just as bad?

Interesting question. This page from the RMCA notes that it's the D-limonene in orange peel that causes cancer in male rats:

http://www.rmca.org/Articles/oj.htm

Citric acid is a common additive in people and pet food (to give things a more sour, fruity taste I guess). It doesn't sound like it would cause the same problems as orange peel.

No.  And in my opinion, it would take an extraordinarily large dose of orange peel/oil for even a male rat to be effected in any way.  D-limonene in the peels of oranges and other citrus fruits causes kidney problems/carcinogenic effects in male rats but d-limonene is mainly in the peel/rind oil of the fruit and in small quantities in mechanically juiced fruit (commercial O.J.) -- this substance which binds to proteins which accumulate in the kidneys in males is thought to eventually build up and cause cancer. - But truthfully- it would take a lot of juice. -Basically replacing water.   The actual inside of the fruit is thought to be OK.

*If you are concerned about d-limonene and male rats -- be aware that MANGOES are even higher than orange juice in this substance and it may apply to the whole fruit rather than the rind only.


-- the watchword for all fruits is sparing.  One inch pieces, no whole glasses of juice  ;)   

Citrus acid as a food additive is NOT MADE FROM FRUIT. It is far too expensive to use citrus acid in this way. Most of it is made from a fermented mold alcohol. Try that on for tastey.

On a different note, I was wondering how much d-limonene would affect the rats as I've wanted to let them try the orange flavoured yogurt drops. I guess they must be ok then since its only a small treat.