Can Dogs Eat Oranges? The Ultimate Answer

Are Oranges Good for Dogs?

If you're looking for a healthy and refreshing snack that your dog will enjoy then oranges are the way to go. Oranges are always a good choice for a sweet snack, and they provide much-needed nutrients as well.

What are Oranges Good For?

There are many health benefits of feeding oranges to your dog. We have explained some below:

• Provide Dietary Fibre

  The fiber in oranges keeps your pup's stomach feeling full and also improves his digestive health. It also helps to absorb the natural sugars quickly, which is why they are a great source for anyone trying to keep their pooch happy while on an all-fruit diet.

• Great Source of Vitamin C

  Dogs might not need vitamin C in their food, but it's never a bad idea to throw some oranges on the side. Dogs with liver disease or different metabolic requirements who can’t create enough vitamin C could get an extra boost from adding this nutrient-filled fruit to their diet, as oranges are full of vitamins.

• “Is the vitamin C in oranges good for dogs?”

  Dogs produce their own vitamin C. It is a nutrient they don’t need to consume necessarily. However, adding a source of vitamin C would not harm your dog as long as you do not exceed the quantity. In fact. It is good for their immune system.

• Helps the Overweight Dogs

  Dogs are known to have sweet tooth, but they can also be at risk for obesity. One easy and healthy sweet treat alternative for them is an orange slice!

  This citrus fruit provides your pup with the sugar rush that will make them happy without any of the extra calories in their diet.

• High in Electrolytes

  Oranges have a high water content, with a potassium content of almost 88 percent. Electrolytes are key minerals that must be maintained in balance.

  It's commonly used in sports drinks and electrolyte powders to combat dehydration for pet owners. Oranges make a great post-workout snack for you and your dog so you can both rehydrate.

• Considerable Amount of Soluble Fiber

  The benefits of this fiber depend on how much you give your dog, and the quantity required can differ depending on his weight. This fiber is beneficial in low doses. When soluble fiber is fermented in your dog's gut, it produces short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids serve as an energy source for the gut epithelial cells.

  Fiber also nourishes your dog's gut bacteria, making the probiotic supplements much more effective. They can help support your dog's immune system and prevent harmful germs from taking hold if the bacteria in your dog's microbiome are adequately fed and varied.

• Rich in Flavonoids

  Citrus fruits might have neuroprotective effects in humans. The antioxidant and flavonoid content of oranges appears to preserve the brain. The flavonoids in oranges have a higher affinity for the brain (as compared to other foods, such as carrots, in which the flavonoids target the brain and skin equally). While there haven't been dog-specific research on this topic, your pet may experience some of these same advantages.

What Types of Oranges Can Dogs Eat?

There are different varieties of oranges from the navel, blood, or other types. For dogs, just start with the seedless variety called the navel.

This is because your pup can't eat seeds and will have trouble digesting more difficult fruits like tangerines that might contain lots of tiny little pits inside them.

So, if you are looking to give your dog a vitamin C boost, try giving them orange slices of seedless oranges.

How should I Introduce Oranges to my Dog?

When you want to introduce your pup to a new kind of food, it is best not to feed them too much at once.

One way to do this is by breaking the fruit down into smaller pieces, as they are more likely to eat less than if given larger bites.

Oranges also have acid in them that can cause diarrhea or vomiting if given in a large amount. So, be sure only to give small amounts until you see how they react and then limit their intake accordingly, depending on any side effects.

How Should I Serve Oranges to My Dog?

We all know that dogs love oranges, but did you know how to share them with your pup in the safest way?

Orange peels and seeds can be choking hazards for our canine pals, so when feeding a whole orange, take care not to leave any trace. Instead, start by slicing off one end of the orange, then cutting it into segments and feeding it one by one.

Some other popular ways to serve oranges to your furry friend are as follows:

• Fruit Salad

  Mix a fresh, healthy salad of fruits and vegetables that are safe for dogs. Add some oranges to the mix or use orange juice as a dressing.

  You can make your pup's lunchtime special by adding their favorite fruit like apples, celery sticks, cucumber slices, and carrots, which they will surely love!

  Also read: Can Dogs Eat Bananas Safely? Know All About it Here!

• Orange Popsicles

  You can make some healthy freezer pops with fruit juice and natural ingredients for your pup. Instead of giving them sugary delights, you can create delicious and nutritious food, like these fruit popsicles.

• Frozen Orange:

  If you are looking for a refreshing treat on a hot day, try freezing sections of orange and sharing them with your dog.

How Much Oranges can a Dog Eat?

Jan Dempsey, an experienced nutritionist, recommends, “ You don’t want to feed your dog anything that will put him off his nutritionally complete meal. So, for most dogs, this means one to three sections of orange only”.

Feeding fruits to your canine friend is a great way to supplement their regular meal, but know that treats should comprise no more than 10% of the calories they consume in one day.

Can Dogs Eat Orange Peels, Seeds, and Pith?

No, they can not!

Your dog loves to play with oranges, but their peel is not a toy. Although the orange peels are non-toxic to dogs, they can be hard for your pet to digest and could even lead them to become sick.

It is also important to remove all of the white stringy layer - called pith - from between the fruit's flesh. Rinse the orange before giving it as a treat, so nothing goes in their tummy accidentally.

Should Dogs Drink Orange Juice?

Orange juice is a no-go for your dog, even when it is freshly squeezed. They are high in sugar and lack the dietary fibers that make them safe for canine consumption.

Dr. Dempsey says, “We do not recommend this. The juice–even if it is natural–is a concentrated source of the sugars and citric acid from the fruit”.

Water should always be the best choice to keep your pup hydrated and happy.

What if My Dog Swallows a Whole Orange?

If your dog has swallowed an entire orange, observe and keep a close eye on whether it is experiencing any side effects. In most cases, the fruit passes on its own without causing any issues.

But, it is important that your dog is not in pain or discomfort. In case you see him struggling, contact the vet immediately; your dog may be having a blockage.

How Can Oranges be Bad for Dogs?

Feeding your dog oranges can be harmful because of some reasons. There is plenty of sugar in oranges, and the sweet taste is what makes them so appealing to both humans and dogs. But, unfortunately, sugar also means more calories, leading overweight or diabetic pooches into a sticky situation if they ingest it.

Moreover, similar to humans, every dog has its liking and disliking for different foods. Some dogs may not like oranges, so they may puke. It is recommended to always start from small quantities to notice if they adversely react to the fruit.

It May Upset Your Dog’s Stomach

Sometimes no matter how carefully you prepare the orange wedges, your dog may still experience an upset stomach. Since this fruit has high levels of sugar and fiber, it may cause some issues for your canine.

It May Cause a Spike in Your Canine’s Blood Sugar Levels

Oranges are high in sugar which is why they may not be suitable for overweight and diabetic dogs. Fresh fruits make a great addition to a dog’s diet, and if given in a controlled amount, they do not contribute to any health issues.

However, if your dog is already obese or has diabetes then giving him oranges may not be a good idea. Instead, you can opt for low-sugar fruits and vegetables like blueberries and tomatoes.

What are the Symptoms of Orange Poisoning in Dogs?

The main toxicity of oranges is in the peel. The peels of these delicious citrus fruits can be a choking hazard because they are so thick and difficult to digest. Some common health effects observed in dogs due to orange poisoning are as follows:

• Diarrhea (upset stomach)
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Muscle tremors and spasms
• Weakness
• Intestinal obstruction
• Depression

How Can Orange Poisoning in Dogs be Treated?

If your dog eats too many oranges or their orange treat adversely affects them, then you can take the following measures to help them out:

• Reducing the Effects of Poisoning

  There are many ways to help your dog feel better, and one of them is administering an emetic. There are two main types, syrup of ipecac or hydrogen peroxide with water. After a few minutes, the poison will be eliminated from your pup's system.

• Detoxification

  Get your pup’s stomach pumped to remove any undigested food. The vet might also give the animal fluids to rehydrate them and flush their kidneys of any toxin buildup.

• Medication

  Antiemetics and stomach protectants are the two most common medications for pets with gastric distress. These can stop your pet from vomiting, as well as soothe their belly aches to help them feel better quickly.

Can Dogs Eat Other Citrus Fruits?

Oranges are edible for dogs, but many pet owners ask:

• “Can dogs eat Mandarin oranges?”
• “Can dogs eat clementines?”
• “Can dogs eat tangerines or oranges?”

Mandarins are citrus fruits that have a sweeter flavor than typical navel oranges. Clementines and tangerines can also be classified as mandarin hybrids, so the rules about oranges apply to them too.

Your dog can eat them as long as you peel off their rinds first and remove their seeds for safety purposes. Smaller dogs should only be given half or less. In contrast, bigger ones could have more without much risk. But don’t feed it too often since sugar spikes may hit blood sugar levels in some breeds.

Also read: Can Dogs Eat Grapes? A Big Fat ‘NO’! Know the Reasons Here

If you are looking for advice regarding the fruits you should or shouldn’t feed your fluffy friend then this blog will surely help.

There are many health benefits of feeding oranges to your dog. They can make a tasty fruit treat for your dog. Dogs have a taste for oranges, and while they can eat them in moderation, there are some precautions to take.

Now you can confidently feed oranges to your pup as you have all the information about the fruit, its benefits, precautions, and potential side effects.

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