Can dogs eat oranges?

Oranges are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. Because of these nutrients, many pet owners want to feed this fruit to their dogs as a snack. But, oranges aren’t always the best choice for canines. Instead, other fruits that aren’t as high in sugar — like strawberries or blackberries — can be fed as a topper or a treat.

👉 One small orange covers 92% of a human’s daily vitamin C needs. But this doesn’t mean it’s a good snack for your dog!

You should only give the fleshy part of an orange to your dog and discard all of the peel! Less is more. Low-sugar fruits and fresh veggies are healthier options for dogs than oranges.

Is the orange pith the most nutritious part?

The orange pith is the safest and best part of the orange! The stringy, spongy white area between the peel and the fruit is good for your dogs (and you)! It’s not necessarily the most nutritious, but it does have some benefits like decreasing inflammation.

Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber

These nutrients are the most significant reasons to feed oranges to your dogs. Just one small orange contains the following nutrients:

• Vitamin C. 92% of the daily value for humans
• Dietary fiber. 2.8 grams (gm)
• Potassium. 5% of the daily value
• Sugar. 12 gm
• Water. 86% by weight
• Calcium. 5% of the daily value

Safe types of oranges

Always remember to remove the orange seeds before feeding to Fido. Some of these oranges are sweeter than others, so do your research!

• Tangerines
• Mandarins
• Clementines

👉 Learn about other safe fruits for dogs and human foods to avoid feeding your pup.

Oranges are high in sugar and not a good topper for dogs in the long term. Plus, owners may forget to remove the seeds! There are many better options out there, and for some dogs, you should skip oranges altogether. Don’t give your pup oranges if:

• They’re overweight
• They have diabetes
• They have gastrointestinal issues

There are easy ways to slice up an orange. Try these quick steps, and you’ll have a few pieces for your dog in just a few minutes.

1. First, slice both ends of the orange with a knife to give yourself a flat surface to cut from.
2. Then, carefully slice away the orange peel, careful to not remove too much of the fruit.
3. Next, slice between the segments of the orange to cut away neat slices.
4. Before you feed it to your dog, check and remove any seeds within the slice.

According to the authors of “The Forever Dog”, there are many low-sugar fruits that you can share with your dog. These are also great topper options that can be put on meals. The toppers in this resource are referred to as “longevity toppers.”

• Green banana. Bananas are high in potassium but also high in sugar. Yet, unripe bananas have lower fructose content and offer anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
• Raspberries or blackberries. Berries are a great source of prebiotic fiber and are full of polyphenols. Dogs will enjoy a greater amount of antioxidants in their blood.
• Strawberries. This fruit has both antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Always remove the green stems. This treat is great for overweight dogs. Strawberries typically don’t cause an upset stomach.
• Pomegranate. Did you know that pomegranate protects the heart? Many dogs will eat this tart fruit, and you should try mixing them with food. The health benefits are endless with this fruit!

👉 Remember, treats like oranges should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories intake Trusted Source American Kennel Club (AKC) Registry of purebred dog pedigrees. Go to source . 

Many vegetables also have high amounts of vitamin C and are great grab-and-go treats. However, be careful with diabetic dogs or canines who have an upset stomach after eating high sugar content. It’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian about giving your dog a small piece of orange if you have any concerns. Stay away from orange juice!