At A Glance
Unlike avocados, apricots, and grapes, citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, and clementines are not toxic for dogs. However, these fruits are high in sugars and citric acid and can be harmful if ingested in significant amounts.
But, according to the ASPCA, small amounts of citrus may not cause more than a minor stomach upset.
So, how much clementine can a dog eat?
Last Updated on: January 6, 2023
It’s a wonderful feeling when you realize your dog likes eating healthy – it feels like Christmas. But no matter how much your four-legged baby likes fruits and vegetables, you still have to be mindful of what they consume and how much they consume.
Let’s take dogs and clementines, for example – can dogs eat little cutie oranges? Will they make your dog throw up or have allergic reactions?
The Pet Poison Helpline does not list clementines among the foods dangerous to pets. That said, it is always best to exercise caution when it comes to what you feed your pet. Too much of anything can harm your dog, no matter how good it is or healthy.
So, are clementines safe for dogs? Read on to find out.
Given that clementines are an antioxidant and vitamin C powerhouse, we can safely answer the question “Can dogs eat clementines?”
Yes, it’s okay for you to serve clementines and related types of fruits from the citrus family to your dog – but in moderation.
Experts are divided about how much clementine can a dog eat though.
According to Stephanie Liff, Medical Director at Pure Paws Veterinary Care, “There is not really a limit to how much vitamin C a pet can have because it is water soluble and excess levels are urinated out and don’t accumulate in the body.”
When asked about clementines for dog consumption, Dr. David Dilmore, a veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital, says, “I recommend that you only give 1 or 2 segments per day. Any more than that can lead to obesity or other issues.”
Nevertheless, you might want to start with small bits of clementines before working your way up to a comfortable amount that doesn’t upset your dog’s stomach.
Otherwise known as cuties or halos, clementines are a delicious way to introduce or add fruits to any diet. This is because the tiny citrus fruits are sweet, seedless, and a good source of vitamin C.
Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, natural sugar, and a little bit of protein, clementines have various benefits for humans as well.
For example, they boost fiber intake and improve skin health. They’re also a juicy and healthy snack that you can simply peel open and enjoy.
As for whether clementines are okay for your dog, I’ll let you decide. But they are known to have the following benefits for dogs:
Despite these benefits, you must still be mindful of how much clementines your dog can eat. It’s a safe fruit, but too much of it could cause an upset stomach.
Additionally, diabetic dogs might have complications due to the fruit’s high natural sugar content, while puppies with sensitive stomachs might experience digestion problems due to the high amounts of fiber and natural sugar in the fruit.
So, can dogs eat oranges or clementines? They sure can.
But it’s always best to ask your vet first.
Can dogs eat tangerines or clementines? Yes!
And what about every other part of the fruit? Not always.
Most citrus fruits are easily peeled and fun to eat in small batches, but not for dogs.
For example, small oranges can be a choking hazard for tiny dogs. And let’s not forget the high sugar content – even if it comes from a natural source.
As for all the other parts of the fruit, let’s see how it can affect your dog:
| Parts | Is It Safe? |
|---|---|
| Buds | Generally safe but could trigger gastrointestinal concerns. |
| Berries | Generally safe but could cause upset stomachs in puppies. |
| Extract | Strong, powerful, and causes GI issues; It should not be consumed straight. |
| Juice | Full of natural sugar and calories; If you must, give it to your pet in moderation. |
| Peels | Contains too much fiber; Avoid giving them to your dogs. |
| Seeds | Clementines don’t have seeds, but those in fruits like oranges, for example, could be a choking hazard, especially for small dogs. |
| Without Skin | Safe for consumption in small amounts. |
| Without Seeds | Safe to eat in limited amounts. |
To sum it up, are clementines bad for dogs? Not at all.
A small amount of antioxidant-packed and vitamin C-rich clementines in a dog’s diet could be good for their immune system.
These tiny citrus fruits also contain dietary fiber that helps regulate your mutt’s digestion.
Can dogs have clementines and other types of oranges? Yes, they can. It is generally safe for dogs to consume.
This is, of course, assuming you’re giving it to your pet in moderation.
But given the varieties of oranges available, here’s a rundown on the different types of oranges so you’re more confident in what you feed your dog.
Clementines are essentially tiny hybrids of the mandarin citrus fruit. They are small, sweet, seedless, and easy to peel – making them perfect for eating alone or with salads and desserts.
Their bright color and citrus aroma are irresistible to dogs, too.
Clementines are also slightly tart – but they are neither sour nor bitter, which makes them so delectably irresistible – and almost perfectly round.
And despite being known as a winter fruit, it is actually a popular fruit snack across all seasons.
Now, how do other types of oranges compare to clementines?
Clementines are popularly called cuties – a catchy and fun term. However, Cuties is a brand that supplies clementines, not a type of clementine like some people believe.
Like the clementine brand Cuties, Halos is another brand that packages and sells clementine oranges. And many people have gotten used to calling clementines “halos” in general, especially when introducing the fruit to children.
Clementines are one of the many variations of mandarin oranges. They are a small, sweet, and seedless variety.
And just like other types of mandarins, clementines have smooth, glossy, loose, and thin skin that even a child can peel easily. However, clementines are generally smaller than the main type of mandarin.
Tangerines and clementines are variations of mandarin oranges. The main difference is that tangerines have slightly rougher and tougher skin and taste a bit more tart, while clementines are sweeter and easier to peel.
On a related note, most people commonly associate mandarin oranges with tangerines.
Can dogs eat clementine peels? Possibly. But remember that peels can be a choking hazard for small dogs.
Not to mention the fact that clementine peels contain a significant amount of fiber.
Therefore, giving your dog small bits of peeled fruit would be advisable instead of letting them eat it whole.
Here’s how you can include clementines in your pet’s food:
You can also consider dehydrated clementines as an alternative to fresh ones since they have a longer shelf life.
However, it’s best to make them at home using a dehydrator because store-bought dehydrated fruits tend to be packed with artificial sugar and preservatives.
Clementines are safe for puppies. However, puppies have more sensitive stomachs than fully-grown dogs, so be mindful of how much clementines you give them. It’s always safest to start with one portion or segment, especially for tiny dogs, and serve only the fleshy part, minus the peel and pith.
How much clementine you can give depends on the size of your dog. For example, three clementine segments are perfectly safe for a German Shepherd, whereas a Yorkie might get an upset stomach if it eats the same amount.
This is mainly because the same amount of clementine would make up varying proportions of the daily sugar and calorie intake of dogs, depending on how small or large their bodies are.
Generally speaking, small dogs should eat half a clementine segment, medium-sized dogs should be limited to one clementine segment, and large dogs can consume up to two clementine segments without getting sick.
If your dog eats too many clementines too quickly, it might experience digestion problems and issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In this case, schedule a visit to the vet right away.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.
