The essentials
- Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber – This means that they can be a healthy snack for your pet.
- You should only feed the fleshy part of the orange to dogs – The skin is the most acidic part of the orange, and should never be fed to your canine buddy.
- Oranges can cause digestive issues in some dogs – Just a few slices may give your dog an upset tummy if they are sensitive to fiber or acid.
Dogs can eat oranges, but serving them in large amounts may be harmful. Seedless navel oranges are the best option for your pet, but any seedless orange variety works. It’s also okay to give dogs blood oranges, Bergamot oranges, and clementines in small portions.
Oranges have a range of health benefits and are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. However, they are high in sugar — so you might want to reach for a different low-sugar fruit (like apples or bananas) in the future.
👉 One small orange covers 92% of a human’s daily vitamin C needs. However, this doesn’t mean it’s a good snack for your dog! Make sure you know which foods are bad for dogs and which foods are safe for dogs before you let your furry friend sneak a bite.
Are oranges good for dogs?
The nutrients found in oranges are why many pawrents choose to feed their dogs. Just one small orange contains the following nutrients:
- Vitamin C. Supports a healthy immune system
- Fiber. Helps dogs regulate bowel movements and overall colon health
- Potassium. Supports good heart, muscle, and digestive health
- Water. Contains extra water and supports hydration
Can dogs eat the orange pith?
The orange pith, aka the stringy, spongy white area between the peel and the fruit, is the safest part of the orange for dogs. It’s more bitter, though, so some furry friends might not like it. This part of the orange is rich in fiber and has been linked to some benefits — such as lowered inflammation and enhanced circulation.
Oranges are a risky treat for some canines
While oranges can be a tasty treat in some instances, there are plenty of better options out there for your pet. Plus — some canines should pass on the oranges altogether!
Pet parents should avoid giving their pup oranges if —
- If your dog is overweight. Overweight dogs should generally pass on unnecessary treats like oranges.
- If they have diabetes. Oranges have moderate-to-high sugar content compared to other fruits, so they might not be the best treat option for dogs with this condition.
- If they have gastrointestinal issues. Oranges can potentially cause stomach upset if your dog already struggles with gastrointestinal issues. It’s best to start off by giving them just a little bit until you know how the fiber will affect their sensitive stomachs.
Dr. Dwight AlleyneIt is important to only feed oranges in moderation because of the sugar content which could contribute to weight gain and other issues related to diabetes. It is also important to consider parts of the orange that a smaller pet could potentially be a choking hazard such as the seeds or stringy portions of the fruit.
How should I feed an orange to my dog?
Preparing an orange for your pet is easy. Start by slicing both ends of the orange with a knife, then carefully slice away the orange peel. When the peel has been removed, slice the fruit into small pieces.
🚨Before you feed it to your puppy or dog, be sure to remove any of the seeds within the slices.
Once you have some chunks of clean and prepared orange, it’s time to give it to your pet. Here are a few fun ideas to get you started:
Orange-based food toppers
If your dog likes oranges, they can be used as a food topper to entice your dog to eat more of their regular food. Simply chop or blend orange pieces until they are small or well-mixed, and stir them into your dog’s usual dog food.
Snacks
Oranges can be given to your dog plain as tasty snacks. Just remember to feed them in moderation.
Fruit smoothies
Dogs love smoothies, just like humans do! Try incorporating oranges by blending them with other dog-safe fruits like blueberries, apples, bananas, and strawberries. Then, you can feed it to your pup in a bowl or as a food topper.
Frozen into a KONG toy
Freezing orange chunks into your dog’s KONG toy is a simple way to keep them cool on a hot summer day. First, blend some orange pieces alone or with other dog-safe fruits, stuffing the mixture into your dog’s KONG toy or other similar dog toy. Then, freeze it.
No blender, no problem! You can also do this same method with small chunks of diced fruit or oranges!
Dehydrated oranges
If you have a dehydrator or an oven at home, you can dehydrate orange slices for a less messy version of the snack. Just dehydrate using your method of choice, and feed to your pet on occasion.
👉 Dehydrated fruit of any kind contains more concentrated sugar per ounce, so you’ll only want to feed them to your pet in small amounts.
🚨Be sure to avoid store-bought dehydrated fruits because they usually have added sugar and preservatives which are bad for dogs.
Fruit yogurt treats
To prepare this treat for your pet pal, blend up orange pieces with plain, sugar-free, and xylitol-free yogurt. Then, freeze or serve chilled.
Fruit popsicles
Homemade doggy popsicles are perfect for a hot day, and help keep your pup hydrated. Blend up oranges with low-sugar fruits and dog-safe yogurt, just like you would for the fruit yogurt treats or for the smoothie option above.
When you’re done, put your fruit and yogurt mixture into an ice cube or popsicle tray and freeze it overnight. For an added treat you can use a bully stick at the popsicle stick.
👉 Remember — treats like oranges should only be fed to dogs in moderation and shouldn’t be a staple part of a dog’s diet.
Feed oranges in moderation
While oranges are high in fiber and vitamin C, they are also high in sugar — and should be fed to your pet in moderation. Looking for more inspiration? There are plenty of other fruits and veggies to give your pet as a treat or a snack. Feel free to experiment with pet-safe fruits and veggies until you find options that your pet likes
Oranges are a safe treat for dogs when given in small quantities, and they can be incorporated into a dog’s diet in lots of fun ways. They’re high in vitamin C, water, and fiber — all of which can help your dog thrive.
Always remember to forgo the peel and remove any seeds from the orange slices to make them safe to eat. If you’re ever unsure if your dog should eat a new food, consult with your veterinarian before introducing it to them. They can offer you tailored insights based on your pet’s specific dietary needs.
Frequently asked questions
Are oranges toxic for dogs?
No. Oranges are not toxic for dogs, but they should be fed to dogs in moderation. This is primarily due to their high sugar and fiber content, which can upset their stomachs.
How many oranges can a dog eat?
Generally speaking, a dog should only eat a few slices from a small orange as a treat. Too many orange slices can lead to gastrointestinal upset and elevated blood sugar.
Can dogs eat satsumas?
Yes, dogs can safely enjoy satsuma oranges, as well as other citrus fruits — like grapefruits and clementines.
Can dogs have a slice of orange?
Oranges in moderation are fine for dogs that can tolerate them. A slice should be an appropriate amount for your dog, in most cases. If you’re not sure, speak with your veterinarian for tailored nutritional advice.
Why are oranges bad for dogs?
Oranges can be healthy for dogs in measured amounts. They are high in Vitamin C, fiber, and water, all of which can be healthy for your dog. Despite this, however, they’re still high in sugar — so it’s best to feed them to your dog in moderation.
What happens when a dog eats an orange?
Nothing really happens when your dog eats an orange, beyond a boost of Vitamin C and hydration to their systems. However, too many oranges can lead to runny poops or tummy troubles, which aren’t fun for either of you.
