- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
There is nothing sweeter than a ripe and juicy orange. Whether you’re peeling one on a hot summer day or they’re part of a celebratory fruit salad, oranges can brighten up any meal.
You and your loved ones enjoy this sharable tangy treat, but what about your dog? Can dogs eat oranges too?
The answer is yes, but in limited amounts. Oranges aren’t particularly toxic to dogs, but the canine digestive system isn’t designed to process large amounts of oranges due to their high acidity and sugar content.
Interestingly, healthy dogs can produce their own vitamin C, so this snack isn’t a “must” in their daily diets. However, In small doses, oranges help boost an immune system with an extra dose of vitamin C, potassium and fiber.
In What Ways Can Dogs Eat Oranges?
When it comes to oranges, it’s best to err on the side of caution. You may find that some dogs naturally are averse to the tart smell and overwhelming citrus of oranges.
To test if this is true for your furry friend, set a peeled slice down, and let your dog sniff it first for a bit. You may find that they are not interested, or they seem to want an unlimited amount!
Due to the high sugar content, make sure to limit your orange-loving pooches fruity snack to only 10 percent of their daily intake of food.
Think your dog may be having too many oranges? Can dogs eat oranges, peel and all, or do you need to peel them ahead of time? Here are some things to consider:
- Upset stomach: For some dogs, oranges have too much sugar and may cause digestive or stool issues.
- Diabetes complications: Dogs with diabetes should stay away from this high-sugar fruit as it will cause a spike in blood sugar.
- Choking hazard: Dogs may have issues swallowing oranges if not properly prepared. if orange slices still have seeds or peels attached to them, remove them to prevent potential choking issues.
- Blockage: In a worst case scenario, your dog can accidentally eat an orange peel that creates a blockage in their GI tract. This could require immediate emergency surgery.
- What about orange juice? Though juicing this fruit would avoid a choking hazard, experts agree that it’s safer to avoid it.
Like most “people food”, limiting and monitoring your dog’s citrus treat will let them safely enjoy this vitamin-rich snack.
For More Information
From mandarins to clementines, there is a wide selection of information on citrus and non-citrus fruits available on our Can My Dog Eat? directory page.
This directory is to ensure you’re informed on feeding your dog a wonderfully varied diet while learning the limitations of a dog’s sensitive digestive system.
We offer a collection of articles on foods that are safe, dangerous or even toxic for dogs to eat, including vegetables, dairy, bread, and junk food.
Want to learn more about the risks of orange peels? You might also be interested in reading “Can My Dog Eat Orange Peels?“
