Can Dogs Eat Oranges? 

Can dogs eat oranges? Learn whether oranges are safe for dogs, the health benefits they offer, and how to serve them safely. Discover why moderation is key to keeping your pup happy and healthy.

close up oranges dogs can eat

If your dog is begging for an orange slice, you can give in and share this treat with your pet, but not too often. 

Every dog owner wants their dog to be as healthy as possible, both in the short and long term. While some foods that humans deem to be healthy can be toxic to dogs, some healthy human foods are perfectly fine for dogs to eat once in a while. 

Can dogs eat oranges? Maybe your dog has no interest in fruits, but maybe your dog gives you irresistible puppy dog eyes every time you slice up an orange. Dogs can eat oranges, but they should only be eaten in moderation. 

Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Oranges?

Nothing in oranges is toxic to dogs, so if your dog eats a bit of orange pulp occasionally, they will be fine. Adding certain human foods as supplements to your dog’s overall diet can help ensure that they’re getting all of the vitamins and minerals they need. 

However, keep in mind that dog food is specially formulated to meet your dog’s nutritional needs. As a rule of thumb, treats and extra snacks should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Use oranges and other treats as a reward or a health supplement, but don’t include them in every meal. 

Are Oranges Good for Dogs to Eat?

Oranges may not be a serious health hazard for dogs, but are they worth feeding to your pup as a snack? If you want to make sure your dog is getting lots of vitamins and minerals, small pieces of cut-up orange can be an easy and tasty way to do just that. 

Oranges have very high amounts of vitamin C, which can help keep your dog’s immune system strong. Other vitamins and minerals that are found in oranges in abundance are potassium, antioxidants, and fiber.  

Are There Any Dangers When Dogs Eat Oranges?

It’s unlikely that your dog will experience any health issues from eating oranges. Usually, the worst-case scenario is that your dog simply won’t like the taste. The aroma and flavor of citrus can be off-putting for dogs, and if this is true for your dog, you can just keep your oranges for yourself. 

Oranges are relatively high in sugar. Even though the sugar in fruit is natural and not artificially made or added, too much sugar in your dog’s diet could lead to obesity or diabetes. This is one of the primary reasons why you should allow your dog to enjoy oranges in moderation rather than as an everyday snack.  

If your dog eats too many oranges, the high acidic content of the fruit could cause an upset stomach. Additionally, if your dog accidentally eats the peel of the orange, it could cause digestive issues or a blocked airway. You should also remove the seeds from oranges before feeding them to your dog to avoid choking or other health risks.

Can Dogs Eat Oranges Every Day?

If your dog eats a small piece of orange each day, they aren’t at risk of any negative health effects in the long term. This means that if your dog loves oranges, you can feed them a small bite once a day. However, if your dog is neutral toward oranges,  it’s unnecessary to include them in your pup’s diet more than once in a while.

How to Feed Oranges to Your Dog

If you want to give oranges to your dog as a snack, you must go about it the right way. Start by peeling the orange and throwing the peel away. Accidentally eating the peel could be hazardous for your pup, so it’s best to remove it and get it out of your dog’s reach. 

Peel the pieces of the orange apart and cut each slice into small pieces. Take time to remove any seeds that you see. If your dog has never had oranges before, feed them a small piece at a time to get them used to the taste and smell. 

If your dog already knows and loves oranges, feel free to give them multiple small pieces, one after the other! Just be careful not to feed your dog too much at once, especially if they tend to eat quickly. 

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Paul Buonopane

Have you ever heard the adage, "Once a cat person, always a cat person"? Well, prepare to have that myth charmingly dispelled! I grew up a cat lover but these good boys just couldn't be denied and I'm officially a convert.

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