Oranges are generally safe to eat for dogs in minimal amounts. Otherwise, its high sugar content and acidity can trigger health problems and allergic reactions in your unsuspecting pup.
On balance, you can add oranges to your dog’s diet as a source of Vitamin C. However, you’ll first have to ensure that your best bud can safely eat oranges and other citrus fruits.
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Are Oranges Good for Dogs?
Yes! The Vitamin C in oranges can boost your dog’s immune system.
But the proviso is that too much of it can cause an upset stomach; worse, complications if your dog is diabetic or overweight. While the nutrients are desirable, the side effects of eating too much citrus can be brutal for your pup if you are not too careful.
How Much Orange Can a Dog Eat?
As a reminder, any new food that’s not usually a part of your dog’s diet must be introduced gradually and with great caution. For dogs, the recommended intake of oranges vary depending on the breed or the size of your pet.
The following recommended orange intake is only a reference point. It’s still best to consult with your vet if you’re thinking of changing your dog’s diet.
Extra-small dog (2 to 20 lbs.) – can consume up to ½ orange segment. Some breeds that fall into this classification are: Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Pug, Chihuahua and Pomeranian.
Small dog (21 to 30 lbs.) – can consume up to ½ orange segment. Examples of small dog breeds are: Shi Tzu, Basenji, Beagle, French Bulldog, and Miniature Australian Shepherd.
Medium dog (31 to 50 lbs.) – can consume up to 1 orange segment. Popular dog breeds included in this class are Basset Hound, Cocker Spaniel, Border Collie, and Australian Cattle Dogs.
Large dog (51 to 90 lbs.) – can consume up to 1 to 2 orange segments. Examples: Labrador Retrievers, Pit Bulls, German Shepherd, Golden Retrievers and Australian Shepherd.
Extra-large dog (91+ lbs.) – can consume up to 2 orange segments. The following are some of the largest canine breeds: Great Dane, Mastiff, Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernard, and Great Pyrenees.
How to Feed Your Dog Oranges?
As a snack, the skin of any citrus fruit must always be peeled and the seeds should be removed before feeding the pulp to your dog. Alternatively, you can also mix orange slices with their usual food or treats. Likewise, observe the recommended intake and watch out for any unusual reactions if they are eating the fruit for the first time.
Can Dogs Eat Oranges or Orange Peels?
Dogs can eat oranges with your guidance. However, you should never feed them the orange peel.
While it’s not inherently toxic, the peel is a choking hazard as it’s difficult to digest. As a result, your canine’s digestive tract might get blocked or their stomach might get upset due to the excess oil and acid.
Can Dogs Drink Orange Juice?
No. It’s best to not let your dog develop a lick for orange juice even if you are taking into consideration the equivalent intake for your pup. The high concentration of citric acid and sugar in the orange juice is just flat-out bad for your dog.
When Are Oranges Bad for Dogs?
If you were to include oranges in your dog’s diet, then let it come from the source itself. Additionally, always peel the orange and remove its seeds. It’s best to avoid processed orange products that tend to have more sugar and other possible hazardous ingredients.
If your dog ate oranges unsupervised, then look out for symptoms like vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and decreased or loss of appetite in order to determine the severity of the effects on your pup. Don’t hesitate to bring them to a vet if any of these issues persist after the initial exposure.
Are There Any Fruits Dogs Can’t Eat?
Aside from eating oranges, your dog should also be forbidden to eat the following fruits:
Grape
Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs no matter the age or breed of your pup. Grapes can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or kidney failure.
Cherry
Cherries may contain levels of cyanide that are harmful to your dog. Excessive cyanide can disrupt cellular oxygen transport, which can prevent your dog’s blood cells from getting enough oxygen.
Avocado
While avocados are tasty and incredibly healthy for dog owners, the same effect cannot be said for dogs. Avocados contain a chemical called persin, which can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset. [1]
Tomato
The ripened tomato is generally okay for dogs. However, the toxic substance called solanine found in green tomatoes is hazardous to our canine companions.
Aside from avoiding these fruits and ingredients altogether, it also falls on you to restrict access to such plants within the area.
Thoughts on Feeding Oranges to Your Dog
Overall, we advise against casually feeding oranges to your dog. After all, they can get vitamin C and other nutrients from other food sources or supplements. But if you do find the right intake for your dog’s breed, then adding oranges to your dog’s diet is possible under your strict supervision.
Meanwhile, if your dog has accidentally ingested an orange, peel or seed, then observe for any ill symptoms that might occur. In some cases, consider that adverse effects might have a visible onset but can still cause damage to your dog’s digestive or immune system over time. Needless to say, bring your pup to a vet should the need arise.
We hope this answers all your immediate questions about the possibility of feeding oranges to your dog. Whether you are a new pet owner or a seasoned whisperer, we encourage you to bookmark our blog for more tips and reminders on how to fully take care of your favorite household buddies!
Read here about what to do with dog’s dental care.
Read here about how often do dogs go to the vet.
Reference List:
[1] Dainton and co., Nutritional and physico-chemical implications of avocado meal as a novel dietary fiber source in an extruded canine diet, Journal of Animal Science. (2022).
