Yes. Dogs can eat oranges. They can eat the fleshy part of the fruit. There are some factors that will help determine how healthy or unhealthy it is for dogs to eat oranges.
- Diabetes or other underlying illnesses – Oranges contain natural sugar. The sugar levels from oranges can spike up your dog’s insulin levels. Sugar also has high calories. If your dog has diabetes, it is best to keep your dog away from oranges.
- The health of the digestive system – Oranges can also have an impact on the regular nutritional intake and may cause difficulty in digestion. It is one of the reasons why oranges are best given as a treat instead of part of a meal.
- Obesity – Oranges have high calories because of the sugar content. If your dog is already overweight or leaning towards obesity, oranges cannot be suitable to eat.
Can dogs eat orange peels?
Absolutely not! Dogs can only eat the fleshy parts of the orange. In fact, dogs should not even eat the thin white skin or film that encases the fleshier parts. It is essential to remove the peel, the white film, and seeds as they can be toxic to dogs. Even if the peels are not toxic, they could get stuck in the digestive tract and may require surgery to remove them.
Is citrus fruit good for dogs?
Citrus fruits have an acidic taste, and not all dogs will enjoy the taste. But, these fruits also have high amounts of vitamin C along with potassium and fibre. Citrus fruits are considered healthy, and like all foods, a moderate intake may be good for dogs. The fleshy part of fruits such as lemons, grapefruits, different types of oranges, and lemons are generally good for dogs to eat.
It is recommended that you avoid giving those citrus fruits that are too high on acidic content, for example, lemons. The juice of citrus fruits is best avoided as they contain high amounts of sugar and can upset the GI balance in your dog.
Can ALL dogs eat oranges?
It depends on the size and breed of the dog. While they can eat oranges, the portions that can eat and remain safe from any digestive disorder will depend on their size. A large breed such as a Husky or German Shepherd may be able to eat more than one or two segments of the fleshy part of an orange; but, small breeds would find that quantity too much to digest. It may also be higher in sugar or calorie intake in a smaller dog.
Puppies can also eat oranges. But, it is essential to remember that their digestive system is still growing and they are more prone to stomach upsets.
Introducing oranges to your dog has to be a slow and gradual process. You can start with just one section of the orange and monitor the consequences. While your dog may like the fruit and maybe eager for more, it is best if you take things slowly.
Can dogs eat orange melon?
In other words, can dogs eat cantaloupe? Dogs can eat this melon and so can pups. As in everything else that you feed to your dogs, melon can also be given in small quantities. Cantaloupes are a great source of fibre, vitamin B6, vitamin A, C, and potassium. It has high sugar content and requires moderation if it is to be included in your dog’s diet. Cantaloupes are an ideal alternative to rehydrating your dog without increasing weight.
Removing the rinds from the fruit is an essential step to take as they may cause an obstruction in the digestive tract and may also cause stomach upsets.
Can dogs eat orange slices?
Orange slices are nothing but the segments of the fleshy part of the orange. As long as you remove the thin white film holding the fleshy part together, you can give your dog oranges slice by slice. However, starting slow and giving one or two slices would be the right way to introduce oranges to your dog.
What can you do as a pet parent if your dog likes to eat oranges?
Consult your dog’s vet on the recommended quantity of oranges that you can feed your dog. It would also help you to understand the best ways of introducing the fruit to your dog. Just because your dog loves to eat oranges and other fruits, it is not necessary to go overboard and allow your dog to take control of fruit consumption.
Dogs are naturally carnivorous, and it is not necessary to give them vegetables or fruits in addition to the commercially sold nutritional diet. The same is true of the nutritional diet you prepare at home. It is usually only on the recommendation of your dog’s vet that you may need to add supplements like vitamin A or vitamin C or Potassium that is contained in fruits.
However, small amounts of fruits may be given as treats if your dog likes them. Your dog may not enjoy extremely strong-smelling citrus fruits. Your dog’s sense of smell may be offended if exposed to the rind of oranges because of the oils in the rinds. It goes without saying that peels, seeds, and other parts of the fruit except the fleshy part should not be given to your dog. Your dog may be tempted to snatch a fruit or two from the basket and unknowingly ingest parts of the fruit that are not good for digestion. As a pet parent, make sure you keep them out of reach and only give them a slice or two as a special treat.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in VOSD Vet Advice™ is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical action which is provided by your vet. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. For any emergency situation related to a dog’s health, please visit the nearest veterinary clinic.
Do you find this information useful? For more medical advice, visit the VOSD website.
