Can dogs eat oranges?

Updated 13/04/2024

As one of the most common (yet healthy) fast foods for us humans, have you ever wondered - can dogs eat oranges? Well it's a yes, dogs can eat oranges safely. And while there's no arguing they're clearly packed with the good stuff, oranges aren't something you should be sharing with your pup by the handful, but more on that later. Firstly, let's get into some of the most commonly asked questions around feeding your dog oranges.

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Are oranges poisonous to dogs?

If you've been wondering - are oranges safe for dogs - it's a yes. Luckily for your pup, there's nothing in oranges that's going to cause any kind of toxicity. With that said though, you certainly shouldn't be allowing your dog to chomp on oranges daily, or in huge amounts when they do. Think of a small orange slice as an occasional, zesty treat for your pooch when you're enjoying the fruit yourself.  

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Are oranges good for dogs?

So, now we know that oranges are a perfectly safe, occasional snack for dogs, can dogs eat oranges and get any of the same health benefits that us humans can? Sure - you probably already know that dogs are omnivores, which means they need a balance of protein, carbohydrate, vitamins and minerals to stay healthy. So, the vitamins in oranges that are great for the immune system can have the same healthy benefits for your pup. You should however, be feeding your fluffy companion a well-balanced dog food that's packed with all the macro and micronutrients they need, supporting their body's functioning. And with the right dog food, you shouldn't need to reach for any so-called 'human' snacks to nourish your pup. So as we've said, a small orange slice should be a treat for your pup, not a daily snack to supplement certain vitamins.

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Are oranges bad for dogs?

Like with many citrus fruits, oranges are pretty high in sugar, which is one of the reasons your pup shouldn't be consuming large amounts ever, or even small amounts regularly. And for this reason, your pup should steer completely clear of oranges if they've got diabetes. And if your pooch is overweight, you'll want to cut out any 'human' foods, sticking only to the meals recommended by your vet to help get your pup back to an ideal weight. Plus, like other citrus fruits, oranges are pretty acidic, which could irritate your dog's stomach if too much is consumed.  

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Health benefits of eating oranges for dogs

Now that we've settled the question - can dogs eat oranges - what are the health benefits that oranges can provide for both pups and their humans? Let's take a look at some of the micronutrients in oranges below. 

• Vitamin B1 and C
• Folate
• Calcium
• Potassium

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Feeding your dog oranges

The first thing with feeding your dog oranges is the portion size. Depending on your pup's size and age, they'll be able to handle more or less orange as a treat. At most, your pup shouldn't be chowing down on any more than a couple of slices, but contact your vet for a more specific recommendation before going ahead. The second is how to serve the orange to your pup. Remove the peel completely, and be sure to pop out any seeds before your dog digs in - these could pose a choking hazard.

Can dogs eat orange peels?

So, your pup can safely eat oranges, but can dogs have oranges with the peel left on? We'd advise always peeling the orange. Why? Well your pup should only be having a couple of slices, so you'll need to remove the peel to segment it. Plus, orange peel is pretty tough on the digestive system, and it may be hard for your pooch to chew on, so get rid of it for those reasons, too. 

Can dogs eat tangerines? 

Yes, just like the standard oranges you'll find at the store, tangerines are perfectly safe for your pup to try.

Can dogs eat mandarins? 

And can dogs eat mandarin oranges as well as tangerines? Certainly - mandarin oranges can be enjoyed as an occasional treat for your pup.

Can dogs eat clementines?  

Clementine oranges for dogs are also fine if you'd like your furry companion to have a taste of your favorite fruit.

Other orange products

So, now you know your pup can eat oranges, what about other orange products common in the human diet? Can dogs drink orange juice? Well unfortunately it's a no on this one. Orange juice is pretty acidic which is no good for your pup's gut, plus it's packed with sugar which is never good news for dogs. And when it comes to other foods we enjoy containing oranges, consider steering clear from sharing with your pup if it contains an array of ingredients you're not sure are safe or healthy for dogs.    

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, now we know that dogs and oranges are kind of a match made in doggy heaven, what about the other foods dogs can eat? Take a look below to get clued-up on the safest ways to feed your pups 'human' foods.   

• Apples
• Eggs
• Cheese