Can dogs eat oranges?

Suppose you’re chopping vegetables or eating some fruits and you see your adorable dog sitting at your feet asking for some of your food. Isn’t this a common situation in your house? In this article, we will focus on oranges and other citrus fruit your dog can eat.

With its sweet-tart taste, the juicy, fleshy part of the orange can be a delicious treat for your adorable dog. Generally, oranges are refreshing and nutritious fruit and include a great number of nutrients, vitamin C, potassium, some fiber, and low sodium. But do oranges exert similar benefits to your lovely dog? Is it safe for dogs or is it toxic?

Are oranges good for dogs?

Yes, dogs can easily eat the fleshy part of oranges. Like some other human fruits, a moderate amount of orange is totally safe for dogs to consume. Although some dogs don’t like the strong flavor of this citrus fruit, most love this juicy treat. Oranges actually offer a lot of advantages, so they're a great snack for both of you!

Veterinary experts recommend that vegetables and fruits make up almost 10% of a dog's daily diet. As a result, small quantities of oranges can be added to your dog's diet as a tasty treat. But dogs with overweight or diabetes shouldn't eat oranges. If fed in large amounts, the natural sugar content in oranges can increase the blood sugar level in a diabetic dog.

Health benefits of oranges for dogs

As a responsible dog owner, it’s obvious that you should offer nutritionally balanced dog food to your lovely dog. Apart from the main dishes, you can give different fresh fruits at different times to make a variation in your dog's diet. Naturally, like citrus fruit, oranges are full of vitamin C. Besides these, they contain a bunch of other nutrients such as manganese, potassium, etc. which are beneficial for your dog. Some health benefits of oranges may include:

• Vitamin C: As a powerful antioxidant, vitamin C prevents cell damages by destroying the free radicals inside your dog's body.
• Potassium: This essential mineral in orange ensures the proper functioning of the kidney. It also promotes proper cardiac and muscle function as well as a healthy digestive system.
• Manganese: This promotes healthy joints and supports your dog's energy levels by metabolizing protein and carbs, which aids in the synthesis of fatty acids.
• Dietary fiber: Fruit fiber is always soluble, and this fiber helps to maintain the proper growth of intestinal microflora inside of your dog. The fiber also helps in stool consistency and regularity by absorbing water.
• Natural Sugar: Along with vitamin C and minerals, oranges contain a moderate level of carbohydrates. Still, this can raise the blood level of your diabetic dog.
• Hydration: Because of its high water content, orange acts as a hydrating food to refresh your dog during hot summer days.

Can dogs eat orange peels?

No, you shouldn't give orange peels to your dog. Only the flesh of the orange is safe for your dog. Make sure you remove the orange peels and seeds before feeding your dog. Though orange peels are not toxic, but can be a choking hazard by obstructing the throat and block the digestive tract.

Can dogs have orange juice?

No, orange juice isn't safe for your dog. Packed with Vitamin C, orange juice contains a high amount of sugar and more citric acid, which might cause digestive upset and tummy ache in your dog.

Can dogs eat all citrus fruit?

In small quantities, all citrus fruits like oranges, clementines, and tangerines are safe for dogs. Although dogs refuse the lemons, grapefruits, or limes because of their acidic taste.

Finally, you can easily serve a whole orange to your large dog. For smaller ones, just provide one or 2 sections. Always take the suggestion from the pet experts before changing their diet.