Oranges are refreshing snacks for humans, especially in the summer months! But can our four-legged friends enjoy the refreshing snack too? In this article, we will answer the question, can dogs eat oranges?
Are Oranges Safe for Dogs?
Oranges are full of nutrients and according to veterinarians they are safe for dogs to eat.
Like any food, the key is how much orange you give your dog. Overfeeding oranges can lead to digestive and other health issues.
Vitamin C Boost
One of the greatest health benefits an orange can provide to dogs is vitamin C, which can boost the immune system of the animal. Oranges also contain other nutritional elements including fiber, potassium, and iron. They are also low in sodium.
A healthy dog naturally produces vitamin C. However, an orange can be a great treat for dogs, especially those who are very active or very anxious.
Problems Caused by Oranges
However oranges are high in sugar. Therefore, if you feed your dog too much orange it can lead to digestive problems for the animal.
Also, it is not recommended to feed the peel of the orange to your four-legged friend. The orange peel (the rind) is not harmful for the dog, however it can be hard to digest and upset your pet’s stomach.
What about Clementines and Tangerines?
Mandarins are a type of orange but have a somewhat different flavour than a regular orange. Tangerines and clementines both belong to the mandarin group, and therefore the same rules apply to these fruits as they do for oranges.
Your dog can eat clementines and tangerines, as long as you peel them first and be wary of the amount you’re giving him.
So the bottom line …
Question – Can dogs eat oranges?
Answer – Oranges are not the best type of fruit to give your pet, however it’s not a poisonous food for dogs and a small piece can be given as a treat. ⠀
