If you’ve wondered about whether your dog can have a slice of orange? We are covering everything you need to know about feeding our dogs oranges!
Not all fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs to eat, but oranges are. Dogs can eat the fleshy parts of the fruit in controlled amounts.
Can I Give My Dog Oranges?
Yes, you can give your dog some of the fleshy parts of oranges since they aren’t toxic. However, whether or not your dog should eat them depends on a few factors such as weight, digestive health, and being diabetic.
Can Dogs Eat Orange Peels?
No, dogs shouldn’t eat orange peels, nor should they consume the white film on the orange’s flesh or any other part of the plant because they contain toxic compounds.
Orange peels, in particular, aren’t toxic but the problem is that they can get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract. This can potentially cause an obstruction that requires surgery to correct.
So, be sure to remove all traces of skin, pith, and seeds from the orange before giving it to your dog.
Are Oranges Good for Dogs?
Oranges are full of nutrients such as potassium, vitamin C, and some fiber. They’re also low in sodium.
As such, oranges can be a healthy snack if given in controlled quantities — perhaps one or two sections a day. Oranges can be particularly beneficial for your dog’s immune system thanks to the presence of vitamin C.
Can Oranges Be Bad for Dogs?
One of the reasons why a lot of people and pets like to eat oranges is their sweet taste. Oranges have a high content of natural sugar, unfortunately, this means they’re also high in calories.
As a result, owners of overweight dogs and diabetic dogs should avoid giving them oranges. The extra calories will cause even more obesity and the sugar will lead to spikes in insulin levels.
How Should I Introduce Oranges to My Dog?
The key here is to take things slow. Start by feeding your dog only one section to test its reaction. Generally speaking, most dogs don’t like citrus fruits because they tend to have a bitter flavor.
Additionally, citrus fruits are high in acid content, so giving your dog too many oranges can cause diarrhea or vomiting.
As such, the safest way to go is to try one orange section a day. Then just wait and observe. If your dog doesn’t show any signs of side effects, you can continue feeding it oranges while making sure not to overfeed.
If you do notice any unusual behavior, stop feeding your dog oranges immediately.
Can Dogs Drink Orange Juice?
No, dogs shouldn’t be allowed to drink orange juice as it’s a concentrated source of sugars and citric acid. If you want to keep your dog hydrated, water is the best drink to get the job done.
Conclusion
Dogs can have oranges but there should be caution in giving them oranges. The peels can cause harm to their digestive tract, the seeds are toxic, and the fruit itself is high in sugar, calories, and acid.
If you’re wondering what kind of orange is best to give your dog, first try navel oranges because they’re seedless. When navel oranges are out of season, any type of oranges will do but make sure you remove the seeds as well as the peel and pith.