Can dogs eat oranges? Are they good or bad for them? And what about other forms of this fruit, including clementines and satsumas?

Let’s find out.

Can Dogs Eat Oranges?

If your dog is anything like mine, he’ll eat just about anything that you eat. So, at some point in time, you may puzzle over whether dogs can eat oranges. The answer is yes, dogs can eat oranges right along with you, but only in moderation.

As you know, oranges are a great source of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. They are also low in salt. Unlike humans, dogs are able to produce their own vitamin C so it’s not as essential to add vitamin C to your dog’s diet for that reason.

But dogs who are stressed out, sick, or dogs who have overexerted themselves (I.e. race dogs or sled dogs), or who are suffering from emotional stress, may have low vitamin C levels. Dogs can become physically stressed when they are pregnant or while nursing a litter of puppies, during a growth spurt, and after a severe injury or illness. Emotional stress brought on by training, weaning a litter, or a changing homes can also deplete your dog’s vitamin C levels. In circumstances such as this, feeding your dog oranges as part of their weekly diet would help replenish depleted vitamin C levels more quickly.

So yes, dogs can eat oranges as a treat in moderation. Always consult a vet about treatment if your dog is inured, ill, or otherwise stressed emotionally or physically. But if your dog is suffering from physical overexertion or emotional stress, feeding some oranges prior to seeing a vet certainly won’t hurt and it can help replenish depleted vitamin C levels.

Are Oranges Bad for Dogs?

While oranges can be helpful for raising vitamin C levels in dogs, they are also somewhat high in sugar content which can lead to problems if oranges are eaten too regularly. If your dog is already overweight or you are worried about your dog gaining too much weight, oranges are probably not a good option for a daily supplement. Oranges are also acidic in nature which can cause intestinal problems in your dog. Always remove the seeds from oranges before feeding them to your dog as a preventative measure.

The key of course is to balance your dog’s regular food with the treats you provide each week. Treats such as oranges or other goodies, should only be about 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. If you’re a pet owner who enjoys providing daily treats for your dog, reduce their regular food amount slightly to keep the daily calories at the proper level.

How Much Oranges Can Dogs Eat?

If your dog has recently overexerted themselves or is experiencing physical or emotional stress for some reason, you may want to feed them a piece of orange. For dogs that have never had oranges, it’s best to feed just one or two segments at a time.

Large dogs should not eat more than one small orange daily. For smaller dogs, the recommendation is no more than 1/4 to 1/3 of an orange daily. Don’t forget to remove the seeds first. Watch your dog carefully for any changes in behavior. If you don’t see any ill effects, you can increase the amount of oranges your dog eats gradually over time.

If your dog begins to have trouble eating or hesitate or seem to have a sore mouth when eating discontinue feeding oranges. Check your dog’s mouth thoroughly for any signs of bleeding or sores. They could have irritated gums from the acidity in oranges. If you see any changes in behavior or bowel movements that can be attributed to your dog eating oranges, make an appointment for your dog to see your veterinarian for a checkup.

Can Dogs Eat Orange Peels?

Although dogs can eat oranges, it’s not recommended that dogs eat orange peels. The orange peels contain a much higher concentration of citric acid which can cause problems for your dog. Orange peels can also be hard for your dog to digest and can cause intestinal problems. The best part of the orange is the fleshy part anyhow. Whether you throw away the peels or recycle them, it’s best not to let your dog eat orange peels.

Can Dogs Eat Clementine Oranges?

Other kinds of oranges including Clementine oranges and tangerines are not poisonous to your dog. Just like with regular oranges though, the danger for your dog is with the sugar content. Foods like Clementine oranges which have high sugar content can cause an upset stomach if too many are eaten and over time obesity.