Can Dogs Eat Oranges? Let’s Find Out!

Are Oranges Good for Dogs?

Can Dogs Eat Oranges? If you are looking for a quick answer, it’s YES!

Dogs love getting new experiences. The way dogs enjoy exploring new paths and sniffing out various scents is exactly the way they need a small moderation in their food.

And oranges are like an adventure for their nose and taste buds.
While oranges are not toxic, there are a few things that you should consider before feeding them to your dog.

So This article explains how safely you can offer oranges to your dogs.

Table of Contents

Are oranges safe for my Dog?

Yes, oranges are perfectly safe for all dog breeds when consumed in small portions.

However, oranges aren’t an excellent choice and should be kept out of the diets of dogs suffering from obesity and diabetes.

Oranges are a great source of Vitamin C, but dogs tend to produce vitamin C naturally, so their body doesn’t need vitamin C from other sources.

Though oranges are also packed with potassium, fibre, and other nutrients, this makes them an excellent healthy treat for your dog.

Just feed the fleshy portion of oranges, and make sure to remove all the seeds along with traces of skin and pith before feeding them to your dog.

Can puppies eat orange peels?

A big NO. Orange peels are not safe for your puppies and dogs. 

Remove the orange’s peel, even the pith of oranges, before feeding it to your puppies.

Peels are not easy to digest and can cause an upset stomach. Also, it can get stuck and can cause intestinal obstruction to your puppies.

Consequently, it will have to be removed surgically. Furthermore, orange peels contain oils that can cause gastrointestinal issues, leading to diarrhoea, dehydration, and vomiting.

Suggested Article: Can Dogs Eat Eggs? 

Can my dog have orange juice?

No, even if orange juice is naturally extracted and does not have preservatives like the store-bought ones, Orange juice is not recommended for dogs.

It is a very high concentration of sugar and citric acid, and such high levels are hazardous for dogs. So if you want to keep your dogs hydrated, strictly stick to water.

Can puppies eat oranges?

Yes, even puppies can eat oranges but in a minimal quantity. Puppies have a weak digestive system compared to adult dogs. So consuming oranges in large quantities can cause gastrointestinal pain and other health issues to your pup.

All dog breeds can eat oranges, but the amount varies. Depending on the size and breed of the dog, the consumption of oranges that they can digest changes. As the daily calorie intake of a larger dog is much higher than that of a smaller dog, the number of orange slices that a large dog can easily digest can cause stomach issues in a smaller dog.

For Example, Labradors or Golden Retrievers can digest more slices of oranges when compared with Pomeranians or Chihuahuas.

How can oranges be dangerous for dogs?

Although there is nothing toxic about the fleshy part of oranges, there are a few things to be aware of when giving it to your dog.

Oranges are high-sugar fruits. There is about 9-10% sugar, and that is a lot. Therefore, dogs who are overweight and diabetic should stay away from oranges.
Also, dogs with sensitive digestive systems must not be fed oranges as they are acidic and can cause stomach upset or vomiting.

So keep oranges as a special treat for your dog and do not make it a part of their regular meal. Feeding too many oranges to your dog can be harmful. Always keep in mind that all treats should follow the 10 per cent rule, which means treats should not exceed more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

How should I introduce oranges to my dog?

When introducing oranges to dogs, start with a single section of the juicy flesh of orange and see their reaction. It is often found that dogs do not like the tart taste of citrus fruits, and their stomach gets upset due to the acid present in them.

Always see how your dog responds to an orange slice and only then slowly increase the amount and continue giving them.
Even if your dog likes the taste of oranges, keep it as an occasional snack and give it in a limited quantity.

Based on the size of your dog, their ability to digest oranges changes. Just like any other snack, try not to overfeed it. Stick with the 10% rule and do not give more than 10 per cent of their daily calorie intake.

Can dogs eat other citrus fruits?

Depending upon the citric acid present in the fruit, the consumption of citrus fruit varies. Like tangerines and oranges that contain considerably lesser amounts of citric acid can be given as a snack.

But fruits like lemon and lime should be avoided entirely. Citric acid is not as safe for dogs as for us humans. Feeding citrus fruit in large quantities can be highly toxic for dogs.

Additionally, the peels and seeds of all citrus fruits should be removed. Just provide the fleshy part of the fruit, and most importantly, citrus fruits shouldn’t be an everyday snack.

Can Chihuahuas eat oranges?

Yes, chihuahuas can eat oranges. Chihuahuas are notorious for being one of the smallest breeds of dogs, but did you know that they can also be one of the most voracious eaters?

While it’s true that chihuahuas have small mouths and can’t really eat oranges whole, they can certainly enjoy the juicy, sweet flesh of the fruit. Just be sure to cut the oranges into small pieces to avoid any choking hazards.

Just be sure to remove the seeds and peel before giving your chihuahua a piece of orange, as seeds and peel can be harmful to Chihuahuas.