Orange Obsession: Can Dogs Eat Oranges?

Oranges, like most citrus fruits, are an excellent source of vitamin C and potassium. It is no wonder so many people eat this fruit year-round. If you own a dog and you are viewing this page, chances are you have a dog that likes to beg for a taste of whatever you are eating at the time. Oranges are no exception, some dogs will beg for this fruit while others will not.

But what about dogs? Can dogs eat oranges safely?

Yes, dogs can eat oranges with some limitations. Do not feed your dog the whole orange. The skin and seeds should both be removed. This applies to any citrus fruits, although you may have a hard time getting your dog to eat lemons or limes.

Most fruits with hard seeds like oranges, mandarin oranges, apples, pears, nectarines, peaches, etc contain a chemical that breaks down in the dog’s digestive tract to cyanide. As long as you avoid those parts of the orange and limit the intake, they are healthy for the dog.

What are the health benefits of oranges?

According to the USDA – Orange has the following vitamin content per 100 grams:

Nutrient	Amount	Benefit
Vitamin C	59.1 Mg	Helps maintain the immune system
Calcium	43 Mg	Build stronger bones and teeth
Magnesium	10.7 Mg	Needed to metabolize other minerals and vitamins
Phosphorus	23 Mg	Required for healthy kidney function, strong bones, and teeth
Potassium	166 Mg	Essential for the heart, nerves, and muscle tissue in the dog. Required to maintain optimal energy levels.

100 grams of orange contains the above trace minerals and vitamins.

As you can see oranges have many vital vitamins and minerals that dogs need to maintain a healthy life. In addition to these vitamins, oranges also have a decent amount of dietary fiber and water. In fact, oranges are about 85% water which is not quite as high as watermelons or cucumbers. This makes them an excellent snack when the dog also needs some hydration. So next time you take your dog for a walk on a hot day, let your dog try some orange wedges afterward.

How much orange can a dog eat?

Oranges are one of those fruits that should be fed to dogs in moderation. Oranges are good for dogs but only in smaller quantities. Offering your dog more than a few wedges may lead to an upset stomach due to the sugar content and the citric acid that is present in citrus fruits. Your dog should not be fed more than 10% of its calories as treats per day if it is kibble fed. If you raw feed, using the barf diet, you should not exceed 2% of its daily intake as fruits.

Why are oranges poisonous to dogs?

The good news is oranges are not poisonous to dogs. The only thing that is poisonous is a chemical in the orange seeds. In order for them to have a toxic effect, the dog has to crush the seeds open with its teeth before ingesting them. In the core of the seeds is a chemical substance known as amygdalin. This chemical breaks down into hydrogen cyanide when it is digested by the dog.

Cyanide is toxic to the dog and can cause fatality. Fatality from cyanide poisoning caused by ingestion of orange seeds is highly unlikely to occur. The dog would have to ingest a rather large amount of seeds and crush them all with their teeth before swallowing them. The dog is much more likely to experience GI issues such as vomiting or diarrhea if it ingests a large amount of orange. Lastly, if the seeds are not broken, they will pass through the dog’s rapid digestive system without breaking down.

What happens if dogs eat oranges?

If a dog eats an excessive amount of oranges typically the most negative side effect that is observed is diarrhea or vomiting. It is possible that a dog can have an allergic reaction to the citris which could result in more acute symptoms. If a normal amount is fed to a dog, the symptoms should be limited since they are healthy for them.

Can dogs eat mandarin oranges?

Yes, dogs can eat mandarin oranges. They have similar vitamins and minerals to oranges. The same restrictions and precautions should be used with this fruit as you use with oranges Don’t feed the skin or the seeds and do not feed a large amount all at once.

Can puppies eat oranges?

Yes, puppies can eat oranges just like dogs can. The puppy should have a much smaller amount because it can easily upset its developing GI tract. If you want to feed your puppy some oranges, only offer a wedge or two in order to avoid any accidents. A healthier snack for a dog to try is something bland like cucumber, pineapple, pear, mango, or watermelon.

Can dogs drink orange juice?

No, dogs should not drink orange juice. They are concentrated for human consumption and it is much too strong for a dog to drink. This can irritate the dog’s stomach and GI tract which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. If your dog drank your orange juice, don’t panic, it is not likely to cause any permanent harm.

Summary: Can Dogs Eat Oranges

Dogs and puppies can eat oranges
Remove the skin and seeds to prevent any GI issues
Limit the amount to 10% per day if kibble fed or 2% if on the barf diet.