Most people love eating oranges during summer or making freshly squeezed orange juice. If you are a dog parent, you surely know the troubles of eating snacks with your dog staring at you the entire time. While this is adorable, you quickly find yourself wondering whether that particular snack is safe for your dog. If this specific snack is oranges, rest assured, as oranges are safe for your pup! While some dogs hate the taste of oranges, others will beg for a slice. Ensure you are moderate when offering this treat, and you’ll be fine.
Read more about the safety of oranges for dogs below.
Are Oranges Safe for Dogs?
These fruits have a unique sweet fragrance that intrigues dogs, often making them want to try it. If you’re uncertain whether oranges are safe for your pup to consume, you are not the only pet parent with these doubts. Luckily for our pups, oranges are entirely safe for them to consume. However, feeding your dog oranges daily is unnecessary because their kibble is packed with all the necessary nutrients for a balanced diet.
Many dogs dislike the strong, sour taste of oranges and other citrus fruit. However, these fruits are filled with vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, which benefit our furry friends.
Nutritional Value of Oranges (100 g)
- Water: 86.8 g
- Protein: 0.94 g
- Total fat: 0.12 g
- Carbohydrate: 11.8 g
- Fiber: 2.4 g
- Sugars: 9.35 g
- Calcium: 40 mg
- Magnesium: 10 mg
- Phosphorus: 14 mg
- Potassium: 181 mg
- Vitamin C: 53.2 mg
What Are the Benefits of Oranges for Dogs?
As we’ve already said, there are many benefits to feeding your dog oranges, tangerines, and other citrus fruits. As you can see from the nutritional values of oranges, they are filled with minerals and vitamin C. Vitamin C is incredibly beneficial for your dog as an antioxidant that can reduce inflammation and ensure healthy aging. It also boosts your dogs’ immune system and ensures their bones are strong. Because oranges are packed with various minerals, they can help healthy nerve and muscle function, healthy hormone production, and healthy formation of bone and cartilage. Oranges are also low in sodium, which makes them a healthy occasional treat.
What Are the Risks of Oranges for Dogs?
While oranges are fine for dogs, there are some risks that you need to know about. Since oranges are filled with sugar, they shouldn’t be offered in large quantities, especially to dogs suffering from diabetes or obesity.
Always remove the seeds and peels before offering oranges to your dog, as they can be a choking hazard. Orange peels can even become lodged in your dog’s digestive tract, eventually causing an obstruction.
How Many Oranges Can Dogs Eat?
Treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily intake, so offering more than the recommended amount of orange slices can cause severe stomach upset. The amount of oranges you can give your dog will mostly depend on your dog’s size. Two or three orange segments a day will be sufficient for larger dogs. Half an orange segment will be just enough for extra small dog breeds such as Chihuahuas or Pomeranians. Medium dogs, like Bassets and Border Collies, can safely consume one orange segment daily.
Ideal Dog Diet
Maintaining a perfect diet for your dog can be tricky sometimes. Dogs have individual needs, and while one dietary choice may be perfect for your dog, it may not be ideal for another. Since dogs are omnivorous, their diets are based on both meat and vegetables. Whatever your dog likes or dislikes, one thing is sure—their diet must primarily consist of animal-based protein. You can choose to have a pure kibble diet or a kibble diet with an addition of meat, fish, or vegetables. Vegetables such as cooked pumpkin or raw grated carrot can be incredibly beneficial for your pet’s immune system and overall digestive system. Their diet also needs to consist of grains, as they will ensure a healthy GI tract.
It is best to consult your veterinarian about the best possible diet, including all factors such as your dog’s age, breed, size, activity levels, and potential food sensitivities.
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Closing Thoughts
Oranges are a fruit that is safe for dogs to consume. However, just like any other human food, you must offer it in moderation—as an occasional treat. Oranges are filled with vitamins and minerals that will benefit your dog while being low in sodium, making them entirely safe. Make sure to offer the amount adequate to your dog’s size—half a slice for small dogs and two pieces for large dogs.
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Featured Image Credit: Nitr, Shutterstock
