Key takeaways:
Peeled oranges are a healthy snack for dogs, provided you feed them in moderation and take certain precautions.
Oranges are a great source of fiber and vital nutrients, such as vitamin C and potassium.
Peel oranges and remove their seeds before giving them to your dog. Both the peels and seeds contain toxins that can be dangerous at high levels. And the seeds can cause intestinal blockages.
Parents love to give their kids oranges as snacks. The fruit satisfies cravings for sweets while also offering high levels of beneficial nutrients.
It stands to reason, then, that tossing an orange wedge to your pup is a smart strategy at snack time. But is this popular citrus fruit as beneficial to dogs as it is to people? And what can pet owners do to feed their dogs oranges safely?
Here are some key things to keep in mind before adding oranges to your dog’s snack list.
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Can dogs eat oranges?
Yes. Dogs can eat peeled oranges. Before you peel or cut an orange, rinse it with running water to remove any contaminants from the peel. After you break the orange into segments, cover and refrigerate portions that you don’t give your dog. They will stay fresh in the fridge for a day or two.
Can a dog eat the skin and seeds of an orange?
No. You must remove the skin and seeds from oranges before offering the fruit to your dog. Orange peels contain citric acid and essential oils that can be poisonous to dogs. If your dog eats the skin and starts vomiting or having diarrhea, contact your veterinarian immediately. This could be a sign of poisoning.
Orange seeds contain small amounts of toxins known as oxalates and alkaloids. But intestinal blockages are the biggest risk they pose to dogs. Play it safe by removing the seeds before feeding the fruit to your dog.
What are the risks of giving a dog oranges?
There are several small risks of giving a dog oranges. An orange’s flesh and pulp are safe, but they contain small amounts of citric acid and essential oils. These could cause your pup a bit of stomach upset.
Large doses of citric acid and essential oils can also cause problems to your dog’s nervous system. A wedge or two shouldn’t be a problem, but avoid feeding your dog more than that in a single sitting.
Are oranges good for dogs?
Oranges are among the top 10 antioxidant-rich foods. Antioxidants such as vitamin C shield the body’s cells from damage.
Is a grain-free diet good for dogs? Probably not. Learn more about the pros and cons of grain-free dog food.
Can your dog eat avocados? No. You should avoid giving your dog avocados and these other human foods that aren’t safe for them, either.
Is your pup a bit plump? They may need to shed a few pounds. Read these weight-loss strategies for managing your dog’s obesity.
In animals, vitamin C has been shown to reduce “free radicals.” Cells produce free radicals as part of normal metabolism. But they can cause tissue damage if they build up over time. Vitamin C consumes free radicals and can prevent tissue damage in an animal, including to their:
Lungs
Heart
GI tract
Muscles
Other vital organs
How often can you give a dog oranges?
Give your dog orange wedges in moderation. Like most fruits, oranges contain sugar. Eating too much sugar can raise the risk of a dog becoming overweight. So it’s best to limit oranges in your dog’s diet.
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Treats should make up no more than 10% of a pet’s daily caloric intake. One medium orange contains about 80 calories — a good benchmark to help you determine how many wedges to toss to your dog.
The bottom line
A wedge or two of a peeled orange is a safe and healthy treat for your dog. The fruit offers many health benefits, such as providing them with fiber and antioxidants, which can protect against tissue damage. But you’ll need to keep your dog’s paws off the orange peel, which contains essential oils and citric acid. Both are dangerous if ingested in high amounts. And be sure to remove the seeds to protect your dog against intestinal blockages.
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References
Adubofuor, J. (2021). Nutrient composition and physical properties of two orange seed varieties. International Journal of Food Science.
Agricultural Research Service. (1999). Food and nutrition research briefs. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Brooks, D., et al. (2014). 2014 AAHA weight management guidelines for dogs and cats. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.
Economos, C., et al. (1998). Nutritional and health benefits of citrus fruits. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
FoodData Central. (2021). Navel oranges. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Kane, E. (2004). Dietary antioxidants are important for pets. DVM360.
Kass, E. (2022). Can dogs eat oranges? Healthy Pet Alliance.
Snart, J. E., et al. (2006). Oranges: Safe methods to store, preserve, and enjoy. University of California.
Wismer, T. (2018). People foods to avoid feeding your pets. Veterinary Partner.
