Can dogs eat Oranges?

Yes, dogs can eat oranges but only in very small quantities. While oranges are safe and contain helpful vitamins and nutrients, your dog isn't equipped to process the high acidity and sugar in oranges. So knowing how much and the proper method for feeding your dog oranges is important. Continue reading for more information.

Please note that before introducing any new food into your dog's diet, you should consult your veterinarian.

Are oranges good for dogs?

Oranges offer Vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, all of which are beneficial to your dog. But, the high sugar content in oranges can lead to weight gain or be harmful for dogs with diabetes, and the peel and seeds can be harmful for your dog (learn more later in this article).

• Oranges have high sugar content, so make sure to limit how much you give them. See our recommended feeding guide, below
• Make sure to remove the seeds and peels from oranges. This is important - the seeds and peel can cause obstructions and contain trace amounts of toxins
• All fruits and vegetables, including oranges, are only good in moderation and should only comprise 20% of the calories your dog eats each day

Whether or not your dog likes oranges can depend on how they respond to sweet snacks. According to Stanley Coren PhD., DSc, FRSC, dogs can taste sweet flavors just like humans so your dog will like oranges if they like sweet snacks.

Health benefits of oranges for dogs

• High in Vitamin C for immune system support
• High fiber content to support digestion
• High potassium which is essential for kidney, heart, muscle, and digestive health

Can oranges be bad for dogs?

While small amounts of oranges are not dangerous for dogs, orange seeds and peels can contain trace amounts of toxins so you should take care to remove both seeds and peels before sharing oranges with your pet. Some dogs may respond to fruits differently, so always check with your veterinarian before introducing a new snack.

Health risks of oranges

• Orange seeds contain toxins and can cause intestinal blockage
• Orange peels can cause gastrointestinal distress that triggers vomiting or diarrhea
• Oranges are safe for dogs to eat in small quantities, but too much of it can give your dog an upset stomach. Make sure to limit fruits and vegetables to ~20% of your dog’s daily caloric intake
• Allergen Warning: most dogs are not allergic to oranges, but 10% of dogs show intolerance or allergens to new foods. Watch your dog for stomach issues, itchiness, ear inflammation, or hives. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, stop offering the food and talk to your vet immediately. Continue reading to learn more about allergic reaction and food poisoning symptoms.

How to feed oranges to your dog

Oranges are unsafe for dogs in large quantities and should not be consumed regularly. Consult the feeding chart below to find the amount of oranges that is appropriate for the size of your dog and continue reading for recommended methods of feeding your dog oranges.

How many oranges can I feed my dog?

If you're feeding oranges to your dog as a treat, remember that treats should only account for 10% of your dog's caloric intake. While dogs can eat oranges, you should not feed your dog oranges every day and only on rare occasions limited to the following:

There are several ways dogs can eat oranges safely – make sure to peel them and remove the seeds

• Feed wedges directly to your dog
• Frozen wedges for a cool treat on hot summer days

Avoid these ways of feeding your dog oranges

• Orange juice
• Orange muffins
• Orange ice cream

What to do if your dog ate oranges

If your dog ate a few wedges of orange, don’t panic. Small amounts of orange are not dangerous for your dog. Monitor your dog and make sure they do not have an adverse reaction. However, if your dog is experiencing any of the symptoms listed below he or she might be having a bad reaction and you should consult a veterinarian immediately.

What to do if your dog ate orange peels

If your dog has eaten an orange with the peel included, it is recommended to give your veterinarian a call. They will be able to provide you with the best advice and will let you know if you should bring your dog in to the office for observation or an exam. 

What to do if your dog ate orange seeds

One or two seeds will not have any significant impact on your dog, so don’t worry if you miss a couple while preparing a snack. However, if your dog eats an entire orange - seeds and all - a call to your veterinarian is recommended.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction

• Itchiness
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
• Red, inflamed skin
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Sneezing
• Itchy ears
• Chronic ear infections
• Itchy, runny eyes
• Constant licking

Symptoms of poisoning

Oranges are not poisonous for dogs, but if your dog experiences any of the following symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately:

• Vomiting or diarrhea can occur within hours of consuming a poisonous substance. Vomit and feces may contain pieces of the substance.
• Lethargy and weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Dehydration
• Limited urination or no urination
• Bad breath
• Tremors and seizures
• Coma