Oranges are a nutritious snack for humans, high in vitamin C – but can dogs eat oranges?
Dogs can eat oranges but in moderation. These citrus fruits are completely healthy, even helpful when consumed in moderation.
If your dog consumes an excessive number of oranges, it may experience stomach distress and develop digestive difficulties, among other health concerns. Continue reading to find out more.
Can Dogs Eat Oranges?
Oranges are healthy for dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes. However, dogs with health conditions should avoid eating oranges.
Oranges, for example, should not be offered to overweight or diabetic dogs. While the natural sugar in oranges is not intrinsically dangerous, it can affect diabetic dogs’ blood sugar levels and result in extra calories if served in high quantities.
Oranges’ natural sugar content, along with their acidic nature, may cause gastrointestinal distress in certain dogs. To avoid this, you should only serve your dog a little slice of orange the first time. Oranges should never be provided to dogs known to have sensitive gastrointestinal (GI) systems.
All treats you give your dog should never account for more than 10% of his daily calorie intake, so adjust meal amounts appropriately.
Oranges Have Several Health Benefits for Dogs
While your dog should consume properly balanced dog food, who doesn’t occasionally offer their pooch a snack?
Offering fruits and veggies from your own refrigerator is a less expensive and healthier option than purchasing prepackaged treats at most pet retailers. Citrus fruits, particularly oranges, fall under the risk-free category of healthful treats.
Oranges, like other citrus fruits, are vitamin C and potassium powerhouses. Oranges, in fact, contain more potassium than bananas!
Also, they are high in fiber, low in salt, and contain antioxidants, thiamine, and folate – all of which are critical components in a dog’s diet.
Vitamin C: It is a potent antioxidant that actively seeks and eliminates free radicals that might cause cell harm. Additionally, it benefits the dog’s immune system by decreasing inflammation, combating some malignancies, and slowing cognitive aging.
Vitamin C is produced spontaneously in the livers of dogs. Dogs with high levels of activity or acute anxiety may have impaired liver function and may benefit from vitamin C supplementation.
Potassium: This critical element aids in the correct functioning of your dog’s kidneys. Moreover, it promotes effective heart and muscle function, as well as a healthy digestive system.
Manganese: Promotes bone and cartilage health in the joints. Likewise, it contributes to the formation of fatty acids through the metabolization of protein and carbs, which contribute to your dog’s energy levels. Manganese is present in eggs, fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, but is not found in meat.
Dietary Fiber: Fruits include soluble fiber, which promotes the formation of helpful intestinal flora and healthy cells in your dog’s colon. The fiber absorbs water, which contributes to the consistency and regularity of the feces. Additionally, fiber aids with transit time, or the time required for food to pass through the digestive tract.
Natural sugar in a moderate amount: Along with the vitamins and minerals mentioned above, it’s worth mentioning that oranges contain a moderate amount of sugar and can cause a dog’s blood sugar to rise. This might cause complications if your dog is diabetic. The natural sugar content may potentially have a role in obesity.
Thus, oranges are a nutritious food for your dog. They’re sodium-free yet packed with essential minerals like potassium and manganese.
However, are all of the components of an orange safe to offer? Consider the entire orange.
Can Dogs Eat Orange Peels?
Orange peels should be avoided by dogs. Although they are not poisonous to dogs, they are difficult to digest and can result in unpleasant (and messy) digestive problems.
If your dog consumes an excessive amount of oranges, watch for the following indicators and visit your veterinarian if you are worried about your dog’s symptoms:
- Oranges may induce upset stomachs in certain dogs and may cause digestive or bowel difficulties.
- Diabetic dog should avoid this high-sugar fruit due to the risk of a blood sugar increase.
- If oranges are not properly prepared, dogs may have difficulty ingesting them. Remove any seeds or peels from orange slices to avoid choking hazards.
- In the worst-case situation, your dog may ingest an orange peel, causing a blockage in their GI system. This situation may necessitate quick emergency surgery.
Can Dogs Have Orange Juice?
Although juicing this fruit eliminates a choking concern, experts believe that avoiding it is safer.
Can All Breeds and Sizes of Dogs Eat Oranges?
The breed and size of your dog may also have an effect on how oranges are digested by their bodies. Large breed dogs are more tolerant to higher doses than small breed dogs.
While a Husky or a Labrador or a German Shepherd may be able to consume two or three orange segments without issue, a smaller breed such as a Yorkie or Pomeranian would almost certainly have stomach discomfort if given that quantity.
Likewise, the same quantity of orange would account for a far greater share of a smaller dog’s daily calorie and sugar consumption than it would for a bigger dog.
Are Puppies Allowed to Eat Oranges?
While pups can consume oranges, they may be more susceptible to gastrointestinal discomfort than adult dogs. As a result, it is advised that you only provide a very tiny quantity of orange to your puppy. The peel and seeds should be removed.
Can Dogs Consume Other Citrus Fruits?
If given in moderation, all citrus fruits like tangerines, oranges, clementines, etc. are healthy for your dog.
Dogs are rarely receptive to the sharp, acidic flavor of limes and lemons but may attempt a sweet orange segment. Citrus fruit has a distinct aroma, and many people may decline when presented.
Orange juice, lemon juice, and grapefruit juice are all concentrated citrus juices. Your dog’s blood sugar level will be excessively high. No fruit juice should be given to diabetic or obese dogs. Because the juice lacks the essential fiber, dogs should avoid orange or citrus juice.
How Much is Too Much Orange for My Dog?
It’s advisable to give them a little less when it comes to oranges. You may discover that certain dogs are inherently opposed to oranges’ acidic aroma and overpowering citrus.
To see if this is true for your canine companion, place a peeled slice on the ground and allow your dog to sniff it for a moment. You may discover that they are uninterested or that they appear to desire an endless sum.
Oranges contain around 9% sugar by weight, and a 1-cup portion of orange slices has approximately 17 grams sugar and 4 grams fiber. Due to the high sugar level, keep the fruity snack for your orange-loving dog to no more than 10% of their daily calories.
Oranges, like all high-sugar fruits and vegetables, are not a suitable choice for diabetic dogs.
Oranges for Dogs – How to Offer Them?
When giving oranges to your dog, make sure to peel and seed them. Divide the fruit into pieces rather than giving it whole.
Orange slices work well in a mixed salad of dog-friendly fruits and veggies including celery, cucumbers, apples, carrots, etc.
Another idea is to freeze orange segments and serve them as a pleasant summer snack for your dog.
Avoid store-bought orange juice and other orange-flavored treats and beverages, since they are loaded with artificial sugars and are extremely detrimental to your pup’s health.
Orange Poisoning in Dogs
As previously stated, oranges are seldom hazardous to dogs unless taken in huge quantities. The peel contains the majority of the toxicity, and it also poses a choking threat because of its thickness and difficulty in digesting.
The most often seen clinical indications of orange poisoning in dogs are as follows:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Tremors and spasms of the muscles
- Weakness
- Obstruction of the intestine
- Depression
In case of orange poisoning, take your dog to your vet immediately.