Should I share oranges with my dog?
Yes, dogs can eat oranges, but in general, do oranges have any health benefits?
Oranges are packed with vitamin C. For humans, this is a huge bonus. For dogs... not so much.
Unlike people, dogs naturally produce their own vitamin C!
You don’t have to add it to your dog’s diet. But there are times when vitamin C can give your dog an extra boost. Today, we’ll cover some of those reasons. And we’ll mention some precautions you should take before sharing oranges or other citrus fruits with your dog.
3 benefits of vitamin C
Vitamin C plays many roles. Benefits:
- It is suitable for tissue growth and repair
- It is important in the formation of calcium and iron, strengthening the immune system
- Provides proper functioning of the adrenal glands.
While it's not necessary to add vitamin C to a healthy dog's diet, there are times when a little extra vitamin C can be a good thing.
How to (Safely) Share Oranges with Your Dog
Oranges are safe for dogs, but… there are three things to consider before giving your dog oranges.
Oranges are sweet
Oranges contain a lot of natural sugars and are very acidic. If your dog eats too much, it can upset his stomach. When you first offer oranges, do it slowly and see how he reacts. If everything goes well, give him more. But remember to limit the portion given; one or two slices is enough for a large dog.
Seeds and husks can cause obstructions
Orange seeds and peels can cause gastrointestinal blockage.
If your dog suffers from this problem and accidentally eats some, be aware of the symptoms of an intestinal obstruction…
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Less responsive
- Slimy or sticky gums due to dehydration
- Belly sensitive to touch
- Swelling in the belly
Some dogs shouldn't eat oranges
If your dog is diabetic or overweight... it's best to avoid oranges.
Oranges have a moderate to high sugar content. It can cause unnecessary sugar spikes in dogs with diabetes... or increase the calorie intake of overweight dogs.
Although puppies can eat oranges, their stomachs are more sensitive. It is not advisable for them to eat them, so reconsider and give them another snack .
So, can dogs eat oranges?
Yes, dogs can eat oranges. As well as tangerines, clementines and mandarins. They can also eat other citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes or grapefruits. Now whether they actually like or want them is another story...
Some dogs don’t like the taste of citrus fruits. So if you give your dog a piece of orange and he doesn’t seem interested… don’t worry!
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