Can Dogs Eat Oranges?
Many dog owners are aware that many human foods are potentially dangerous and toxic to dogs. We're always trying to avoid accidental poisoning and protect our dogs from foods that could be dangerous for them. The good news is that oranges are not one of those foods.
Dogs can eat oranges, although you probably want to limit how much they eat. Here's what you need to know.
Are Oranges Good for Dogs?
Not everything that dogs can eat is necessarily good for them, but in the case of oranges, they've got similar benefits to what they have for humans when eaten in small amounts.
Oranges can give your dog important vitamins, minerals and nutrients, including fibre, vitamin C and potassium.
They're also naturally low in sodium and calories, so they're a healthy treat option for dogs that like them.
However, like any treat, if you dog give your dog oranges, you should limit it to a small portion, and remember that treats and snacks should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily diet. The rest should be a well-formulated dog food that meets WSAVA dog food guidelines.
Can Dogs Eat Orange Peels?
No. Dogs should not eat orange peels or the white pith between the skin and the flesh of the orange.
It's possible that there might be toxic or irritating compounds in the skin or pith of the orange, and the outside of oranges are also sprayed with a variety of pesticides that could be harmful to your dog.
Recommended Product: Kong Vitamin Chews for Dogs |
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If you're concerned that your dog is not getting enough nutrients for your dog, you can try a product that is made for dogs, like these Kong brand vitamin chews. They're made with ingredients that are safe for dogs, and have nutrients that your dog actually needs. That's generally a better idea than feeding your dog human food. And remember, if you're feeding your dog a properly formulated, WSAVA-compliant dog food, they should be getting everything they need from every meal. |
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Can Dogs Eat Orange Seeds?
No, again, dogs should not eat orange seeds because, again, they can have toxic compounds in them. The same goes for the seeds of many other fruits, including apples, cherries and more. To be safe, just assume that you should remove the seeds from any fruit and vegetables you give your dog, and you'll never have to worry about which ones are okay and which aren't.
You could also choose seedless varieties of oranges to avoid the problem completely.
Can Diabetic Dogs Eat Oranges?
If your dog has diabetes, then it's best to avoid any snacks or treats that have a lot of sugar or carbs, and oranges usually fall into that category.
If a dog with well-managed diabetes should happen to eat a little orange, it probably won't do any long-term harm, but if your dog has any special dietary needs, it's always a good idea to restrict their diet to vet-approved foods only.
How Much Orange Can You Give Your Dog?
If you do decide to give your dog oranges, you should restrict it to one or two segments per day at the most. Dogs are omnivores, but even in the wild, canine diets usually don't include a lot of this kind of fruit, so it's best to limit it as much as possible.
Do Dogs Like Oranges?
Whether your dog likes oranges or not depends entirely on your dog. Just like people, dogs have different tastes and preferences, and while some dogs will love oranges, others will turn up their nose at them without so much as a sniff. The only way to know for sure is to give your dog a few segments of orange and see how they react.
Some dogs don't like oranges because they can be a little sour, but there are some that will love them, so it's really just a matter of seeing what your dog thinks!
How to Give Your Dog Oranges for the First Time
Whenever you're introducing any new foods to your dog, there's always a process you should follow that will keep your dog as safe and healthy as possible.
First, check with your veterinarian, especially if your dog has any health conditions or special dietary needs.
If your vet gives you the all-clear to try oranges as a treat, start with just one segment and see how they tolerate it. Some dogs can eat nearly anything and have no ill effects, but others have sensitive stomachs that could react badly to new foods like oranges. It's always a good idea to approach any new snacks, treats and foods with caution!
Can You Give Your Dog Orange Juice?
No. Orange juice isn't even considered healthy for humans, especially store-bought orange juice. The process of squeezing, bottling and preserving it removes many of the good nutrients and fibre in whole oranges, and orange juice can have other things like sugar or artificial sweeteners (which can be deadly to dogs!) added to them.
Generally, you should avoid giving your dog any processed and packaged products that aren't specifically made for dogs and formulated by a veterinary nutritionist.