Can Dogs Eat Oranges?

Yes, dogs can eat oranges and other fruits like apples, watermelon, peaches and more. If you’re about to eat an orange and want to share with your canine friend, here‘s what you need to know.   

Oranges can be a healthy snack for dogs, but serving large amounts of them can cause potential harm. Seedless navel oranges are preferable, but dogs can eat all kinds of oranges, including blood oranges, Bergamot oranges, clementines and more.  

Are Oranges Good for Dogs?

Yes, again! The fleshy parts of oranges come loaded with nutrients that are good for your dog. These nutrients include:  

• Potassium: This mineral is essential for kidney function. Potassium also boosts heart, muscle and digestive health for dogs.  
• Fiber: When it comes to digestive health, fiber helps dogs maintain a healthy balance within the gut. It also regulates the bowels and supports colon health while supporting reduced inflammation. 
• Vitamin C: Dogs synthesize vitamin C in their livers and don’t usually need it in their diet. That said, foods rich in vitamin C can be good for dogs. This is because the antioxidants within help promote a healthy immune system.  

 All these nutrients can benefit your dog in the right amounts. 

How Much of an Orange Can Dogs Eat?

“Oranges should be considered as treats and should therefore make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories,” explains Purina Nutritionist Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS. “One to three orange slices would be appropriate for most dogs.” 

Can Oranges be Bad for Dogs?

The main concern when giving oranges to dogs is the sugar content. Oranges come with natural sugars, which is what makes them so tasty for dogs and people alike.  

Sugar means calories, so owners of overweight dogs might want to treat them with a lower-calorie snack option. Diabetic dogs should not eat oranges, as it can cause a spike in their insulin levels.  

Pet owners should also make sure to remove all seeds from the orange. Orange seeds contain trace amounts of a toxic chemical known as cyanide. While eating a few orange seeds poses little risk to a dog, it’s best to remove them from the orange before feeding.  

Also, citrus fruit has a lot of acid in it, and this can cause upset stomach and digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting. Try no more than one orange section a day. Wait and watch. If you don’t see any side effects, pet owners can give their dogs a little bit more. 

Can Dogs Eat Orange Peels?

No. Oranges, for dogs, are only beneficial when you feed them the fleshy part of the fruit. Like orange seeds, orange peels may contain toxic compounds that are harmful to dogs.  

Orange peels can also be difficult on a dog’s digestive system. In extreme cases, orange peels may cause a blockage that requires surgery. To be on the safe side, remove the peel, seeds and the white film on the orange’s flesh. 

Can Dogs Drink Orange Juice?

No. “Orange juice is not recommended to give to your dog,” says Carbo-Johnson. “The juice is concentrated with sugars and citric acid that can be harmful to your dog. Giving your dog water is the best way to keep them hydrated.” 

How Should I Introduce Oranges to My Dog?

Take things slowly at first. “Oranges, or citrus fruits in general are usually bitter in flavor and therefore may not be popular with your dog. Start out with trying a single slice to see their reaction,” Carbo-Johnson says. 

Discover more foods you can feed your dog and get all kinds of insights from our pet experts on our Pet Expertise page.  

myPurina: Tailored Nutrition Solutions for Your Pet

Oranges can be a healthy treat for your canine pal. However, since they contain a lot of acid and sugar, they may not be a great option if your pup is diabetic or has stomach or digestive sensitivities. if your dog has these or other types of dietary requirements, you can find the best dog food for them using myPurina — our free pet care app.

With myPurina, you can pinpoint the perfect food for your companion, score rewards on Purina shopping, and learn effective training techniques. Check out the app’s features:

• Pet Food Finder: Create a pet profile for your pup and get personalized food recommendations based on their dietary needs. 
• Rewards: Rack up points for Purina purchases and redeem tail-wagging rewards by scanning or uploading your receipts.
• Train + Play: Explore a collection of games, enrichment activities, and training routines to deepen your connection with your pet.

Get the myPurina app today and ensure the best nutrition for your four-legged friend!

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