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Food & Diet

Can My Dog Eat Oranges?

At A Glance

Orange is said to have several health benefits. But is it safe for dogs?

In this article, we will look at why oranges are important to dogs, their pros and cons, and the different ways dogs can consume oranges.

Last Updated on: May 14, 2022




While citrus fruits are not necessarily a favorite snack for most dogs, they will not refuse a bite or two. One of the first questions that you might ask is can my dog eat oranges?

Yes. Dogs can eat oranges. They’re not toxic. Oranges are packed with potassium and vitamin C, rich in fiber and low in sodium. You can feed your pet one or two slices once a day.

You must ensure that you serve oranges in moderation or it could lead to digestive issues.

Oranges on a wooden table

Can Dogs Eat Oranges?

Your dog can have a slice or two of orange once a day. Oranges are packed with vitamins and minerals and they also contain plenty of fiber, which helps to keep the gut clean. Oranges also strengthen the immune system.

It is important to keep in mind that you need to gradually introduce oranges in your pet’s diet. You can start by feeding them one or two slices at a time.

If they take a liking to oranges and don’t face any health issues, then you can include the fruit as a part of their daily diet. Don’t forget to remove the peels and the seeds. They are choking hazards.

 

Are Oranges Safe for Dogs?

Although oranges are safe, serving them the fruit in excess could lead to many health issues.

Since oranges are rich in fiber, feeding your dog too much of it can cause gastrointestinal problems and possibly even choking. If your dog has experienced stomach-related problems in the past, it is best to serve it oranges in small proportions and only include them in its diet when it gets used to the fruit.

Another reason why you should be careful while feeding your dog oranges is due to their high sugar content. The excess sugar content in oranges can cause gastrointestinal issues. If your dog has diabetes, then eating too many oranges can potentially cause an adverse reaction.

dog playing with an orange

Benefits of Orange for Dogs

There are several benefits of feeding your dog oranges. Here are a few.

  • Oranges are an excellent source of dietary fiber. This improves digestion and keeps dogs from absorbing natural sugars too fast.
  • The presence of vitamin C improves metabolism and aids dogs that have liver diseases.
  • Orange slices are a healthy alternative to snacks that contain plenty of salt and added sugar. Oranges are sweet but don’t cause weight gain.

How many oranges can a dog eat?

Dogs should not be fed more than a few slices every day.

You should start by introducing one or two slices in its diet. Once your pet starts liking the fruit, you can slowly increase the portion size.

orange on a dog's nose

Top Orange Recipes for Dogs

Here are some recipes to make oranges even more interesting for your dog.

Orange Carob Dog Recipe

You can whip up a delicious orange carob treat for your pet. Here is the orange carob recipe for dogs:

Ingredients

  • 4 peeled oranges
  • 2 ½ cups of flour
  • ⅛ cup flaxseed
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup of carob chips
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil

 

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Peel the oranges and mix them in a blender to form a puree
  • Take the flaxseed, flour, olive oil, carob chips, and eggs and mix them in a bowl. Add the orange puree later as well.
  • Knead the mixture into a dough and roll them into small balls on a parchment sheet.
  • Put them in the oven and allow them to bake for 20-25 minutes
  • Once done, you can either let your dog eat them all at once or store the treat in an airtight container in a refrigerator.

 

Orange and Cranberry Recipe

You can combine orange and cranberry to make a delicious treat for your canine. Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients

  • 1 orange
  • ½ cup of dried cranberries
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup of honey
  • 1 cup of rolled or whole oats
  • ½ cup of vanilla extract

 

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees
  • Line all the cookie sheets using parchment paper
  • Grind the oats till they become fine. Later, mix the oats and flour in a bowl.
  • Cut the dried cranberries into small pieces and combine them with the oats and flour
  • Add the vanilla extract, honey, eggs, and zest of the orange peel and mix them well
  • Cut the orange in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl
  • Mix all the ingredients into a dough and then, cut them into small pieces
  • Bake the mixture for 1-2 hours
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let the dish cool overnight.

 

Sliced oranges on a table

Frequently Asked Questions

Can My Dog Eat Orange Peel?

Can orange peel kill dogs? While orange peels may not kill your dog, they are not safe for consumption. Orange peels are hard to digest for dogs and can result in causing a stomach upset.

Can My Dog Eat Mandarins?

Like an orange, mandarin is a citrus fruit that is characterized by flat ends. It is sweeter than the orange. Mandarins are safe for dogs, provided you remove the peels and serve them in moderation.

Can All Dog Breeds Eat Orange?

Yes, all breeds can consume oranges safely. However, if your dog is diabetic, has a sensitive digestive tract, or has suffered from food allergies, it is advisable to consult a vet before feeding your pet oranges.

Can My Dog Drink Orange Juice?

Even when freshly squeezed, dogs shouldn’t be served orange juice. Orange juice is too concentrated for dogs and doesn’t contain the dietary fibers necessary for digestion and boosting immunity.

image of oranges

Can my dog eat oranges? Yes, but it’s always better to consult the vet first. Make sure that you feed your dog oranges in small proportions and peel them before serving them to your pet.

Check out this article on Can My Dog Drink Milk.

 

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Paul Andrews
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-andrews-172490189/

A digital marketing expert by profession, Andrews is a gifted writer and animal lover at heart. A self-confessed "pawrent", Andrews is well-versed in all things dogs. He uses his years of experience of raising puppies into show-quality dogs to help guide first-time pet parents. He believes in spreading the joy that comes with being a dog dad and advocates more families to adopt pets.