Can Dogs Eat Oranges: A Delicious and Juicy Fruit for Your Dog

We already know, apples are great for dogs, but can we say the same for other delicious seasonal fruits, such as oranges. Can dogs eat oranges?

Let’s find out.

Okay, so you’re sitting in the backyard munching on a deliciously juicy orange while your furry friend licks up the drips that continue to fall on the ground after every mouthful.

Watching him eyeing up the oranges, you wonder, “Can my dog eat oranges?, Is it safe if I feed him few slices?.”

The short answer is, YES!

But, as with everything, it is a little more complicated than that.

As oranges are beneficial for our health, due to their high Vitamin C characteristics, studies have shown that the vitamins and nutrients found in oranges can also be good for your dog.

This will only be the case however if you follow certain directions when feeding your dog oranges.

In this article, we explore whether can dogs have oranges or not, why are oranges good for dogs, how they can be bad, and how you should prepare the orange to make sure that your dog only gets the benefits from the fruit without all the nasty side effects!

 

Are Oranges Good for Dogs?

Are oranges good for dogs

Oranges are deliciously juicy and scrumptiously sweet, so it’s no wonder our favorite furry friend wants to get in on the action!

There are several things you shouldn’t feed your dog, but oranges are not one of them.

It wouldn’t be right to say that oranges are good or bad for dogs because that wouldn’t be politically correct.

Instead, I will say that oranges are safe for dogs.

Some studies have shown that this bright orange ball of goodness can have minor health and nutritional benefits for a dog, but it’s a take it or leave it kind of thing.

What are these benefits I hear you ask?

Well… just as oranges are beneficial to our immune system based on their high Vitamin C content, this can also be good for your dog.

Nourishing their immune system and helping them battle nasty everyday bacteria; oranges can help your dog live a healthier, happier and longer life.

However, how much orange you give your dog is what will determine how good or bad it is for them.

Can cats eat oranges

As it is for us humans, foods with high sugar content should only be eaten in moderation. As dogs are designed to have an almost all-meat diet, the quantity of orange that you give your pooch will determine how good it is for them.

If you give your dog too much, it could cause discomfort and diarrhea.

It is recommended that adding only a few segments of orange (without the skin or seeds) to your dog’s diet is the way in which oranges can be good for your dog.

Even when they sit there looking super cute and adorable with those big puppy dog eyes, you need to stand your ground. You don’t want your pooch to be feeling any less than 100%!

If your dog really likes oranges, it can be a good idea to use the fruit as a treat.

This will not only encourage good behavior from your pet, but it will also make them aware that the sweet treat only comes in small quantities, and your dog will also be getting the most effective health benefits from the fruit.

So to summarize, can dogs eat oranges? Absolutely yes.

 

Why Are Oranges Bad for Dogs?

Are oranges bad for dogs

Yes, Oranges can be good for your dog’s immune system and overall health.

But… it is important to remember that your pet is a carnivore, and is not built for eating too much fruit or vegetables.

As mentioned earlier, oranges have extremely high sugar content which, as a pet owner, you need to be wary of. As with all sugar, natural or otherwise, it can be detrimental to your pet’s health if consumed in large amounts.

Too many oranges could cause your dog to experience severe discomfort, stomach pains and/or diarrhea.

If your dog has been diagnosed as a diabetic or has particular dietary requirements that your local veterinarian has prescribed, it is not recommended to let your dog eat oranges.

The sugar content and acidity of the fruit could negatively affect your dog’s blood sugar levels and cause an unnecessary trip to the vet.

If you do decide to give your dog oranges, be sure to use your best judgment. If you notice him/her acting different, not eating, or experiencing diarrhea, stop feeding them the fruit immediately.

Can dogs have oranges

For long-term use, it is also recommended to give your dog no more than 1-2 segments of orange per day.

One other very important thing to remember if you are feeding your dog orange is to remove the peel and seeds from the fruit before giving it to them.

The orange peel is tough and is extremely acidic.

This part of the fruit will not be good for your dog from the moment he/she puts it in their mouth and will have the reverse effect for your pooch, causing severe discomfort and digestive problems.

Orange is a great treat for your dog and can have minor positive effects on their health.

However, like everything that we eat, it is important to do it in moderation.

Be aware of your dog’s reaction when you do feed it orange for the first time, and don’t give it more than the recommended dosage (1-2 segments per day).

 

How to Prepare Oranges for Dogs?

Can yorkies eat oranges

Preparing oranges for your pet is a very important factor in making sure your dog is only getting the goodness from the fruit, and no horrible side effects such as an upset tummy.

Removing all parts of the orange peel is crucial before giving your pet a slice of the fruit.

The orange peel is the most acidic part of the fruit and also has more citric oils in them.

If your dog were to eat the orange peel, it could cause some minor discomfort to your pet’s tummy as their digestive systems are unable to fully process that particular part of the fruit.

Worst case scenario would be that your dog could have diarrhea until all the peel has passed. It is important to remember, though, that the orange peel is not toxic to your dog, so there is no need to panic.

However, it is not recommended to give your dog orange peel due to the discomfort it could cause.

You should also remove the seeds from the orange before giving it to your dog.

The little pips could cause obstruction in your dog’s esophagus or intestines and result in an undesired trip to your local veterinarian.

Again, there is no need to stress if your dog does manage to inhale the orange before you get a chance to remove the seeds. Most likely, they will just pass when your dog goes to the toilet.

Cutting the orange segments up into smaller pieces is also a good idea to create a treat-size portion for your pet, and regulate how much of the fruit they have.

 

My Dog Ate Too Many Oranges! What to Do?

We all know that dogs are sneaky little devils and manage to find food that we didn’t even know was there!

So it wouldn’t be a surprise to any pet owner if a pup got into a few too many oranges that were left out by the kids or even in the fruit bowl on the kitchen counter.

Orange dog breeds

If your dog does eat a handful of oranges, there is only one thing that you need to remember, don’t panic. Oranges are a natural food, so there isn’t “too much” that can go wrong if your dog eats too many of them.

Common symptoms that you can expect to see in your dog if this does happen though include discomfort, loss of appetite, stomach pains, and he/she will probably have diarrhea.

Once your dog has passed all of the oranges, its poop should return to normal. This process may take up to 24 hours.

If your dog is still experiencing discomfort and its poop has not returned to a normal color or consistency after this time, it is recommended that you go see your local veterinarian.

The medical professional will be able to prescribe your pet with diarrheic medication or give you other advice to relieve your dog from the discomfort.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s recap what we have learned so far.

To summarize, here we have collected some of the most common questions that new dog owners ask about feeding oranges to their dogs.

 

Can dogs have oranges? Are oranges safe for dogs?

Dogs can eat oranges, and they are safe for your favorite furry friend to eat.

Consumed in moderation, oranges can have minor health benefits for your dog due to their high Vitamin C content.

The nutrients in an orange can positively impact their immune system to help them live a happier, healthier life. However, this is only possible if the fruit is given to your dog in moderation.

When buying oranges for dogs, make sure you pick fresh and juicy oranges.

 

Can dogs eat orange peels

 

Can dogs eat orange peels? Are orange peels bad for dogs?

It is not recommended that your dog eat the peel of an orange.

The orange peel is the most acidic part of the fruit and has high levels of citric oils. The orange peel could cause your dog some minor discomfort in their stomach and/or diarrhea.

Although it is not toxic to dogs, the orange peel should be removed before giving the flesh of the fruit to your dog.

 

Can dogs eat orange seeds? Are orange seeds poisonous?

It is also not recommended that your dog eat the seeds of an orange.

Orange seeds could cause obstruction in your dog’s esophagus or intestines and result in discomfort and/or diarrhea.

There is no need to stress if your dog does eat an orange that still has seeds in it. Most likely, they will just pass when your dog goes to the toilet.

If you are worried, however, visit your local vet.

 

Dogs and oranges

 

How many oranges can a dog eat?

Oranges should only be given to your dog in moderation.

Not having any significant health effects, if your dog likes the fruit, it is recommended that you use it as a treat.

Your dog should not be eating any more than one or two segments of an orange per day.

 

Can dogs drink orange juice? Is orange juice bad for dogs?

The regular orange juice that you buy in the supermarket is not usually freshly squeezed orange juice but is a concentrate, and therefore has a higher sugar content than the fresh fruit.

It is not recommended that your dog drink orange juice rather that you give them the fruit without the rind or seeds.

 

Can dog eat oranges

 

Are dogs allergic to oranges?

Most dogs will not be allergic to oranges; however some can be if they are known to be extra sensitive.

If your dog has had an allergic reaction to other foods, particularly other kinds of fruit before, you should take caution when giving them orange.

If your dog has been diagnosed as a diabetic, it is also not recommended to feed your dog oranges due to their high sugar content.

 

Can puppies eat oranges?

You should avoid giving your puppy an orange.

The reason for this is that puppy tummies are a lot more sensitive than a fully grown, adult dog. Due to the high acidic nature and sugar content of oranges, this could cause a lot of problems for a puppy.

It is recommended that you keep your puppy on a strict dog food only diet until they are older and less sensitive.

 

Can my dog eat oranges

 

So now, the next time your dog is licking up those drops of juice as you suck on an orange segment on a hot summer’s day, and then proceeds to beg you for more, you have all the information you need to make a decision as a responsible pet owner.

Now you know the answer to the question “Can dogs eat oranges?” is yes!

But make sure, if you do decide to integrate orange or any type of fruit into your dog’s diet, that you take extra precaution when doing so.

Although oranges are a natural food, it is the acidity and high sugar content of the fruit that you need to be worried about.

The last thing you want is for your favorite furry friend to be feeling a little under the weather and not their usual bubbly self.

By removing the peel and seeds from the orange, you will be making sure that your dog is only getting the part of the fruit that will be best for them!

The juicy flesh is where all the necessary nutrients and vitamins are that will positively impact your dog’s health.

It is also recommended to treat orange as a sweet treat for your dog more than anything else.

Your dog will receive the full benefits of eating oranges if they do so in moderation (no more than 1-2 segments per day). Eating too many oranges could cause them discomfort and/or diarrhea.

Sure enough, with majority dog food and a little sweet orange snack for dessert, you will have a happy, healthy pooch that will be thanking you with unconditional love and affection in the form of a face full of saliva! Yum!


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