Who doesn’t like the sweet, tangy oranges? If you love them and want to add oranges to your dog’s diet, you must wonder: can dogs eat oranges?
The answer is your favor! Yes, Dogs can eat oranges in moderation. Oranges can benefit your dog in several ways, but there are also some drawbacks. Here, we have explored the benefits and risks of feeding your dog oranges.
Are Oranges Good For Dogs?
If you serve oranges in small quantities to your dog, it can bring multiple benefits such as:
1. Fiber for good poop
Oranges have enough fiber content to make them better than unhealthy dog treats. The fiber can help your dog get the best poop, making the digestion and bowel movements smooth. However, please do not overfeed oranges for their fiber, which can lead to digestive problems.
2. Vitamins and minerals
Oranges are rich in essential vitamins and minerals for your dog’s health. They contain:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Potassium
- Low in sodium
- Phosphorus
- Manganese
3. Low in calories
Where store-bought orange-flavored treats are preserved and are packed with fats, oranges can be a great alternative. It does not add much weight to your dog because of its low calories. So if you and your dog are on a diet to lose weight, oranges will be your solution to “ah- I want to have a cheat treat, but can’t right now.”
4. Hydration
Last but not least, oranges are a great source of hydration. Especially if your dog enjoys time at the beach, oranges will be a new best friend.
What Part of Oranges Can Dogs Not Eat?
To avoid all your confusion about this sweet-tangy fruit, here are the parts and by-products of oranges that your dog CANNOT eat!:
1. Orange juice
You should not feed your dog orange juice, as most commercial ones include tons of sugar content, preservatives, and flavoring. This will not benefit your dog in any way; instead, it can be a nightmare for a diabetic dog.
Alternatively, you can serve your dog small amounts of homemade orange juice without adding sugar, coloring, or flavor. Generally, you should ask your veterinarian before feeding your diabetic dog anything sweet.
2. Orange peels
It would be best if you did not feed your dog orange peels. They do not contain any toxins to harm your dog but can cause choking hazards. If your dog ate a small amount of peel, and it passes through their poop, then you should not worry about it.
But if your dog shows signs of choking, breathlessness, or gagging, you should consult your veterinarian.
3. Orange’s pith
By no means! We repeat – by no means you should not feed your dog orange wrapped in the pith. The skin and pith of the oranges contain toxin compounds that harm your dog’s health. Always peel the orange, remove the skin, pith, and seeds, and then only feed your dog the flesh of oranges.
4. Orange seeds
The same goes for the orange seeds! The seeds contain a harmful compound called cyanide, which can poison dogs. But if your dog swallowed a few seeds, it should not be a problem.
Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Your Dog Oranges
Now that you know all the good stuff about oranges, here are some things you should keep in mind when you feed your dog oranges:
1. Treats only!
When feeding your dog oranges, you should keep the consumption in moderation. Too many oranges can lead to upset stomach, allergies, vomiting, etc. Also, oranges indeed are good sources of vitamins, but they cannot fulfill your dog’s nutritional requirements.
2. Allergies to citrus fruits
If your dog is allergic to citrus fruits, you should not feed your dog oranges. Especially if you own a cat, they are highly allergic to citrusy fruits like lemon or mandarin oranges. Similarly, dogs can also be sensitive to oranges and may not tolerate their smell. They may show allergic reactions like sneezing, vomiting, or skin rashes.
3. Seeds and peels
If you are wondering, “Can dogs eat orange peels or seeds?” there is just one straight answer: NO. Dogs cannot and should not eat orange peels or seeds. The peels are not toxic but can cause choking hazards. As for the seeds, just like apple seeds, orange seeds also contain cyanide that can be poisonous to dogs in large amounts (article).
Conclusion
In conclusion, oranges are suitable for dogs, but only if served in moderation. It is a human food that contains some substances that can harm your dog’s health. So, if you take all the precautions, you and your dog can enjoy oranges this winter!
Frequently Asked Questions
Your dog should only need 2-3 slices of oranges daily. It also depends on the size and tolerance of your dog. If your dog is allergic, do not feed them any amounts of oranges.
Yes. Oranges contain minerals like potassium and phosphorus, which can help with kidney function (article). However, you should confirm with your veterinarian before feeding your dog oranges for medicinal purposes.
We should not eat orange peels or seeds as they are toxic to dogs. The peels may not kill or be deadly to your dog. It can lead to choking hazards and block their respiratory tracks.
The acidic nature of oranges can cause upset stomachs or digestive problems in dogs if overfed. This is why you should keep the consumption of oranges minimal for your dog.
Yes, mandarins are also a type of orange, just like tangerines. They are all safe for dogs if fed in moderation. They all serve similar benefits and risks.
