Can dogs eat oranges? Oranges are one of the citrus fruits that have the highest amounts of vitamin C. They are great snack options for dogs, particularly those with ascorbic acid deficiency.
That being said, because of the vitamin C content of oranges makes them highly acidic to dogs, which can cause some health issues.
Can dogs have oranges?
Some citrus fruits are dangerous for dogs as they contain certain substances that can cause poisoning. However, oranges are free of harmful toxins and full of vitamins and minerals. Thus, this citrus fruit is safe for dogs to eat.
Enhances your dog’s immune system
Oranges are rich in Vitamin C, strengthening a dog’s immune system and combatting various diseases.
In times of extreme exercise or stress, their liver will have difficulties producing enough Vitamin C. Adding oranges to their diet will help them get enough of this vitamin.
Reduces high cholesterol
Oranges are low in fat and packed with soluble fiber that can help reduce high cholesterol. It is a good treat for dogs with high cholesterol levels that require a low-fat diet with lots of fiber.
Promotes a healthy heart
Oranges contain potassium, a mineral proven to help the heart function smoothly.
Dogs suffering from heart diseases such as arrhythmia, a disorder characterized by abnormal heartbeat rhythms, can have oranges as a supplementary sweet treat.
How much orange can a dog eat?
The amount of orange you feed your dog will depend on his size. Larger breeds can eat one whole orange without experiencing GI upset. Smaller breeds, on the other hand, can tolerate two or three orange slices.
Keep in mind the 10% rule when feeding dogs with any additional treats on top of their usual diet. Vets recommend that dog treats such as fruits should only make up 10% of a dog’s daily calories. Offering your dog large amounts of orange can cause adverse reactions.
Are there any health risks with feeding oranges to dogs?
Although oranges are safe for dogs to eat in general. They can cause several health problems if overeaten. Here are the most common health issues your dog may face:
Causes teeth decay
Oranges contain citric acid and sugar. High doses of these two can hasten teeth rotting, so feed your dog oranges in moderation.
Always carry out a dental cleaning routine for your dog regularly. Teeth brushing is the most effective way to prevent the development of cavities and tooth decay.
Heightens the risk of increasing sugar levels
Just like most fruits, oranges have natural sugar content. Mid-sized oranges contain at least 9 grams of sugar. Although this is lower than mangoes and bananas, it is still enough to negatively affect your dog’s body. This can host several health problems such as diabetes and obesity.
If your dog has any of these conditions, think twice about giving him a piece of orange. It is always good to consult the vet first to prevent the risk of worsening his condition.
Results in an upset stomach
Eating too many oranges can lead to stomach problems such as constipation and diarrhea. This is due to the high amounts of digestive fibers in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract.
Moreover, dogs have sensitive stomachs. Changes in their diet, such as feeding on a new food, can lead to digestive issues.
The best approach to keep this from happening is to ask the vet’s advice. If orange is allowed in your dog’s diet, provide it in small quantities. This step is very important, especially if it is his first time eating such fruit. After that, lookout for signs of gastric problems, including:
- Diarrhea
- Appetite loss
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Bloated belly
Stop feeding orange to your pup if he shows any of these symptoms. There is no need to panic, though. In most cases, these symptoms go away on their own.
Just make sure that he gets sufficient hydration. Keep an eye on his condition and if it worsens, call the vet right away.
Triggers an allergic reaction
Some dogs are afflicted with food allergies. Pooches with this condition commonly exhibit these symptoms:
- Hives
- Itchiness
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lack of energy
- Reddish and inflamed skin
Look out for these symptoms within 24 hours. If they do appear, stop feeding your dog oranges and consult the vet for medical advice.
Can puppies eat oranges?
Puppies can eat oranges, but you need to slowly introduce the fruit because they have a more sensitive digestive system.
Feed puppies oranges moderately. The recommended serving amount for puppies is one section of orange each day. Make sure to remove the fruit’s skin and seeds before serving, as they can cause digestive issues.
Can dogs eat orange peels?
Orange peels, also known as orange rinds, are not recommended for dogs. These are not poisonous, but they are quite difficult to digest.
Ingesting orange peels can lead to stomach aches, gastric upset, or worse, intestinal obstruction. Moreover, these are also potential choking hazards. Therefore, always leave it out when giving your dog orange as a treat.
Can dogs eat orange seeds?
Orange seeds are potential choking hazards for dogs. They also contain cyanide, just like apple seeds but in lower concentrations. Regardless, it is still risky to feed orange seeds to a dog.
Consuming small amounts of orange seeds rarely causes toxicity, but with long-term consumption, cyanide will slowly build up in your dog’s body and cause orange poisoning. The most common symptoms that you should be aware of are:
- Tremors
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Sensitivity to light
Immediately bring your dog to the vet if he exhibits any of these signs. He will be required to take a few diagnostic tests such as EKG (electrocardiogram), CBC, blood glucose, and serum biochemistry profile.
Once it’s confirmed that his condition is due to orange poisoning, he will receive the appropriate treatment. This often involves eliminating toxins from his body through induced vomiting and activated charcoal.
After that, the vet will perform gastric lavage and give your dog intravenous (IV) fluids to detoxify. Necessary medication will then be provided in case he still suffers the aftereffects of the poisoning.
Can dogs eat mandarin oranges?
Mandarins are safe for dogs to eat. The same goes for clementines and tangerines. Since mandarin oranges are high in sugars, they should only be given to your dog in small quantities and as occasional treats.
Can dogs have orange juice?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is okay for dogs, provided that it is not offered in large quantities.
Do not give your dog store-bought orange juice or commercially produced orange-flavored beverages. They often contain high levels of sugar and artificial flavorings, and preservatives that can be harmful to your dog’s health.
How to safely prepare oranges for dogs?
Careful but straightforward preparation must be done when making orange treats. Here are a few steps you can follow to serve oranges to your pooch safely.
- Pick oranges that are grown organically as they have low chemical exposure.
- Remove leaves or stems, if there are any.
- Peel off the orange rind.
- Cut into thin slices.
- Remove the seeds.
- Serve it to your furry companion in moderation.
Zesty Orange Homemade Dog Treat
Do dogs like oranges? Many of them love oranges, so if you want to make an orange snack for your dog, here is one zesty orange recipe that your pup will be drooling for:
Ingredients:
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Peel and split the clementines.
- Place the clementines in the blender and blend until pureed. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix in the carob chips, egg, flour, flaxseed meal, and olive oil. Mix until well-incorporated.
- Add clementine puree into the mixture and stir well.
- Knead dough into a ball. Roll onto a floured surface 1/4 inch thick.
- Use a cookie cutter to cut shapes into the dough. Place them on cookie sheets.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Take it out from the oven, then let it cool overnight to harden.
- Serve it to your furry friend. Place any leftovers in a Ziploc bag or airtight container and store them in the fridge.
