Even though they can be found in almost every store these days throughout the year, many people associate oranges with the holiday season.
Their distinctive and intense smell and taste evoke memories and these fruits are simply tasty and healthy, supporting the immune system. But is it worth introducing them to a dog’s diet? Can Dogs Eat Oranges? Find out if the dog oranges they are good or not.
The benefits of oranges
Oranges are highly appreciated citrus fruits that can be eaten both raw and in the form of various jams or marmalades, without forgetting that these fruits are also used in cosmetics and natural medicine.
Vitamin C has a powerful antiscorbutic, anti-radical effect, as well as enhancing the body’s immune defences. Oranges also promote digestion and relieve any intestinal pain.
Due to the fact that oranges have such a wide range of uses and health benefits, many dog owners wonder if they should be given to their pets or if they are harmful to them.
Can Dogs Eat Oranges?
Oranges, due to the presence of essential oils, have a very characteristic, intense smell (irritating to dogs), and even the sweetest fruits have a sour taste.
Therefore, the vast majority of quadrupeds are simply not interested in this type of snack, and when they encounter it they often run away in a hurry!
But as in any case, there may be exceptions here too. Does your dog like oranges, tangerines, grapefruit and other citrus fruits?
Veterinarians advise against giving oranges to dogs.
If you want to please Fido, you can serve him other treats that are much healthier, so forgo the oranges.
Why can’t the dog eat orange?
The dog should not eat not only oranges, but also other citrus fruits, such as tangerines, grapefruits, and lemons, limes, tangelos, clementines, etc.
Although they are a real treasure trove of beneficial vitamins and minerals (mainly vitamin C, but also, for example, B vitamins), the dog’s body reacts badly due to the presence of acids and essential oils.
Pulp, seeds and peel are bad for pets. In the latter case, a further danger is represented by plant protection products e pesticideswhich are sprayed on the fruits during the cultivation period.
If you want to use the orange peel, for example to decorate a cake, remember to wash it well first!
How many oranges can you give a dog?
The safest answer is… none! Eating citrus fruits can lead to many unpleasant and dangerous effects for Fido, which we will discuss in more detail below.
Having this knowledge, it is enough to give up diversifying the animal’s diet with these types of products.
Has your faithful friend eaten a piece of tangerine or orange, but nothing bad happened, but on the contrary, he seems to like this snack?
Keep in mind that next time your dog may not be so lucky, even if he gets a small amount of fruit again.
Symptoms after eating citrus fruits
Very common symptoms after eating oranges, tangerines and other citrus fruits are varied allergic reactions, such as the appearance of rashes and itching. The dog may also struggle with persistent stomach problems, such as vomiting and/or diarrhea, which can also lead to severe dehydration of the body.
Also, eating an orange can cause urinary discomfort. Therefore, if you notice any annoying symptoms, go to the vet.
A particularly dangerous situation occurs when a noxious and toxic product is ingested by an elderly and/or sick dog.
What to do when the dog seeks variety and eats fruit?
If the dog receives high-quality food, it should be a balanced meal, that is, provide his body with the necessary nutrients. If the dog is looking for other foods, even “non-obvious” ones such as citrus fruits, he could be struggling with some type of shortage.
It is therefore worth, once in a while, to visit a vet and perform basic blood tests.
Another reason Fido is attracted to fruits like oranges is because maybe he likes variety, he appreciates the sweet taste.
After you see that oranges are not a good idea for your dog, you can alternatively offer Fido the following fruits, such as:
How to introduce a new food into the dog’s diet?
If you decide to offer your pet a new food, give it just one small amount of the product and watch for any symptoms unwanted.
Also, remember to introduce only one new ingredient in his diet at a time. Because if your dog eats some new foods and has an allergic reaction, you won’t be able to determine which food caused it.
Oranges, tangerines, grapefruit and other citrus fruits are not recommended in a dog’s diet. The valuable and beneficial nutrients offered by these fruits can be successfully found in other products, so your four-legged friend will not feel their shortage.
If your pooch likes citrus for some reason, make sure that don’t have access to them: keep them, for example, in the fridge or high up on the shelf.