Can Dogs Eat Oranges? Everything You Need to Know

Yes, dogs can eat the fleshy parts of oranges in moderate amounts!

Sweet, juicy and loaded with Vitamin C, oranges including mandarin, clementine, satsuma, navel and other seedless varieties, are safe for dogs to eat if they do not have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and you pay attention to the amount eaten and always remember to remove peel, according to Stephanie Liff, DVM and partner at Brooklyn Cares Veterinary Hospital in New York. In fact, you may find that oranges (along with blueberries, bananas, and apples) become a favorite snack for your pup.

Benefits of Oranges for Dogs

• Excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.
• High water content can provide extra hydration.
• Nutrients can have a positive effect on a dog’s immune system.

Risks of Feeding Oranges to Dogs

• Always check with your vet before you offer a new food such as oranges that are high in content to your dog especially if diabetes or weight management are a concern. “Oranges can affect blood values in diabetic dogs, more due to the vitamin C than the sugar levels, and would be best avoided in these patients,” says Liff.
• Seeds can be a choking hazard especially for smaller dogs. If seedless varieties are out of season, other types of oranges are fine to serve to your dog, but remember to remove seeds.
• Citrus fruits are acidic, and this can cause diarrhea or vomiting in some dogs. Start small with one section and watch and wait to see if there is a negative reaction. If you don’t see signs of any negative side effects, you can add more sections but do not exceed the recommended total serving per day amount.
• Giving dogs orange rinds is not recommended as they are difficult for a dog’s digestive system to break down and could cause gastrointestinal upset. The fleshy part of other citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and grapefruits are edible for dogs., however, most dogs do not like them because they are so tart and acidic. The peels and seeds of all citrus fruits can also cause GI issues.

How to Feed Oranges to Dogs

1. All of the treats you give your dog (including any fruit such as orange), should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake, so make sure to adjust meal portions accordingly
2. Smaller dogs with no underlying medical or health conditions or do not have sensitive gastrointestinal (GI) systems can safely eat 1-2 sections of a moderate sized orange while larger dogs can eat 2-4 sections.
3. Feed peeled, seeded sections by hand to dogs as a sweet treat.
4. Stuff a peeled, seeded section into a Kong toy (remember to wash well before and after).
5. Chop peeled, seeded sections and use as a topper for dog’s regular food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Are oranges poisonous to dogs?

A:No, oranges are not poisonous to dogs and when consumed in recommended amounts with peel and seeds removed are safe to eat.

Q:Can dogs have orange juice?

A:No, that little glass of sunshine is off the menu for dogs. While orange juice is non-toxic to dogs, it is high in sugar and very acidic and is not recommended as a treat.

Q:Can dogs eat orange peel?

A:While orange peels are not toxic to dogs, this outer skin of the fruit, which is difficult to digest, should always be removed before offering to your dog.

Q:How many orange slices can I give my dog?

A:Smaller dogs with no underlying medical or health conditions or do not have sensitive gastrointestinal (GI) systems can safely eat 1-2 sections of a moderate sized orange while larger dogs with no underlying medical or health conditions or do not have sensitive gastrointestinal (GI) systems can eat 2-4 sections.

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