Should dogs eat oranges?

Apr 25, 2021

Yes, it is completely safe for them to eat oranges. They are sweet, juicy and packed with vitamin C, which can help improve your pet’s immune system. The key is to monitor their intake. So, let’s look at how you can make sure that your dog consumes an appropriate amount of this citrus wintery fruit.

  • Are oranges good for dogs?
  • How to feed oranges to dogs?
  • Can dogs drink orange juice?
  • Can dogs eat other citrus fruits?

Are oranges good for dogs?

Although dogs naturally produce vitamin C within their bodies, the extra vitamin C obtained from their diet can have significant benefits to a dog’s health. This is especially true for older, sick or stressed dogs, where vitamin C can be quickly depleted with age.

They also contain a lot of natural sugar that can translate to higher calories. So while oranges can make a healthy treat for your dog, you should avoid feeding oranges to a dog that is diabetic or overweight.

How to feed oranges to dogs?

It is extremely important to only feed your dog the fleshy part of the orange. Remove the orange peel, seeds and pith (the white film on the orange’s flesh) or any other plant part before giving it to them. 

Oranges are acidic and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs if they are given too much. Start slowly to see how your dog’s stomach reacts – feed your dog only one piece of orange at a time and stop if you see any adverse or odd behaviour. 

Completely avoid giving oranges to your pet if they have a sensitive gastrointestinal (GI) system.

Oranges or any fruit, for that matter, should be given as a treat that only makes up to 10% of their total calories in a day. This will help prevent weight gain and an upset digestive system.

Can dogs drink orange juice?

Bottled or even freshly squeezed orange juice should be kept away from dogs at all costs. The acid and sugar naturally found in oranges is too concentrated in juice form to be a healthy choice for your dog. 

If you are looking for a hydrating option, giving your dog plain water is always the best choice.

How should dogs consume other citrus fruits?

There are a lot of other similar citrus fruits such as mandarins, clementines, tangerines etc. A rule of thumb to follow with them will be similar to oranges. Monitor the quantity and look for any unusual behaviour or indication that your dog might not be feeling well after they consume it.

These fruits can be a great natural treat if fed in moderation, but as with oranges, keep it to less than 10% of their total daily caloric intake. 

If you are looking for healthy, plant-based dog treats that are made specifically with the health of your dog in mind, you might want to consider our vegan dog treats. If we wouldn’t let our own dogs eat it then we wouldn’t sell it. 

Did you enjoy reading this post? Help us spread the word by sharing with a friend who has a dog in their family! 

Shop Our Vegan Range of Dog Treats.