Not all fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs. But can they eat oranges? Yes, in very small quantities.
Oranges are full of healthy vitamins and nutrients like potassium and fiber. Plus, they’re low in sodium, which makes them a healthy snack if given in limited amounts: maybe one or two segments a day. This fruit is also full of vitamin C, which can benefit your dog’s immune system.
Hazards of Oranges for Dogs
While oranges aren’t toxic for dogs, there are a few things you should keep in mind when feeding them as a snack. First, oranges do have a moderate sugar content and can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset if your dog eats too much. If you want to try giving your dog an orange, it’s a good idea to start slowly to see how their stomach reacts. Make sure you peel the orange and remember to remove all seeds.
Stop feeding your dog oranges at once if you notice any unusual behavior. Even if your dog loves the fruit and shows no signs of adverse reactions, limit their intake of all treats, including oranges, to no more than 10% of daily calories. Limiting treat intake can help prevent digestive upset and weight gain.
Not all dogs enjoy the tart taste of an orange or a strong citrus smell. Other dogs will eat anything you put in front of them, including both the fruit and the peel. Orange peels aren’t toxic, but they can become lodged in your dog’s digestive tract, causing an obstruction and requiring surgery to correct. It’s best to keep oranges out of your dog’s reach for those reasons.
Here at the AKC, we field many queries from anxious dog owners about what is and isn’t safe for their canine companions to eat. Questions range from the obvious (“Can dogs eat steak bones?”) to the trendy (“Can dogs eat quinoa?”) Check out more “Can dogs eat…” articles on AKC.org to see what other foods could be harmful to your dog, including cherries, avocados, and onions.