Can I give my dog oranges?

Video: Dog vs. Orange : Cute Dog Maymo

Has your dog ever begged for oranges when they see you eating some? If so, you may be wondering if they are safe for dogs to be consuming. This fruit is considered to be very healthy so it’s logical for owners to ask.

In particular, many wonder if the vitamin C in an orange can be of benefit for dogs. In fact, canines produce their own so they usually don’t need any extra. Let’s look at some other factors so you can make your own determination regarding feeding oranges.

From a health standpoint, you probably aren’t doing your dog any favors by feeding them this delicious but acidic fruit. Oranges, in our humble opinion, shouldn’t be a regular part of your furry friend’s diet and they certainly aren’t required.

Can I Give My Dog Oranges? Answer: Yes, but not often

Oranges, or the tangerine, aren’t considered toxic but they are probably not the best fruit for canines.

While some will tell you that there are benefits, others consider all citrus fruits to be ill-suited for pets. It’s usually alright to feed a small portion. Needless to say, you should be removing the peel for them. When you really think about it, based on taste alone, it’s fair to say that humans can appreciate a good orange more than a dog can. Their excitement probably doesn’t match their taste buds in this regard.

Probably a better way to introduce fruits is with an excellent variety pack of naturally-flavored canine treats which are low in calories and contain no preservatives.

Always Practice Moderation

Most fruits contain high sugar content and shouldn’t be fed to dogs in large quantities. Nevertheless, they’ll usually gobble up what you provide so you have to watch out for them. Part of an orange is alright, but ration their portion to reduce the potential of disrupting their digestive system.

Oranges are high in potassium, vitamin C, folate and thiamine but there are certainly drawbacks. As previously stated, they are very acidic and can cause bouts of diarrhea for lots of dogs. This is the main reason why lots of owners decide to exclude oranges all together.

Why complicate your best buddy’s life if you can avoid it. Oranges are in no way toxic but the case can be made they are inappropriate.

Compared to Other Fruits

Other popular fruits include bananas, pear, certain berries like blueberries and strawberries, melons and apples – all without seeds. Some of these other options are considerably less acidic compared to oranges which is good. The point is, no matter what fruit you are feeding your dog, don’t overly depend on it because canines thrive on meat protein.

Video: Dogs vs. Citrus Fruits

As a reminder, never feed your dog raisins or grapes. Grapes in particular are very toxic, affecting the kidneys and leading to renal failure if eaten in large amounts.

Consider Apples Instead

The other classic is the apple which is a great source of fiber and antioxidants. Relative to oranges, they are probably a more ideal fruit to give your dog as they are considerably less acidic. That said, apples are somewhat high in sugar so don’t overdo it. Whether apples or oranges, try to learn all the details before letting Fido partake.

Don’t Forget the Protein

Fruits are good, and possibly the occasional orange, but what your dog really needs is meat-based protein in their diet. By nature dogs are mostly carnivorous so protein makes a lot of sense, much more so than feeding oranges.

Video: Dog afraid of an orange peel

Stick to skinless, boneless meat and poultry products like chicken and beef. Those smart choices will surely provide the appropriate nutrients for your dog, something that oranges definitely cannot do.

Conclusion on Oranges

Oranges, while considered to be healthy, aren’t a food that meets canine requirements. In fact, they can cause an upset stomach. This acidic fruit should only be given in moderation and monitor your dog afterwards. Getting some quality fruity dog treats is probably a better and more consistent way to introduce the world of fruits to your beloved furry friend.

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