Like us, dogs also need vitamin C to have healthy skin, coats, and immune systems. Meanwhile, mandarin oranges are one of the best fruits on which we can rely for vitamin C. So, you might have thought, Can dogs have mandarin oranges?
Well, the answer is yes. They can be a healthy addition to dogs’ diets. They are a good source of fibre that promotes dogs’ overall health. Along with their nutritional benefits, mandarin oranges taste great, which can attract any dog.
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What Are Orange Mandarins?
Orange is a citrus fruit filled with nutrients. We often see it in different forms. Such as satsuma, tangerine, Valencia, poncan, and Mandarin. We sometimes get confused with mandarin oranges and tangerine oranges, as they have almost the same appearance. However, mandarin oranges are a bit sweeter and smaller.
Whether it is about having this fruit as a whole or with other desserts, it turns out to be a tasty treat for everyone.
Can Dogs Have Mandarin Oranges?
Mandarin oranges do not have any toxic substance, but nutrients. We all know oranges are full of vitamin C, and mandarins are no exception. Since this nutrient helps with bodily functions, you can often include it in your dog’s diet.
Citrus fruits tend to disagree with dogs’ digestive systems. So you must limit your dog’s access to mandarin oranges. Giving them a slice or two would be great. However, they can get an upset stomach if you give them too many slices. As mandarins are fine in small amounts, you better limit their intake.
How Much Mandarin Oranges Can Dogs Have?
As said earlier, dogs can have Mandarin oranges in less quantity as they are citrus fruits. For example, if your dog weighs 20 pounds, you can give him around 200 to 300 grams of mandarin oranges.
Let’s make it easier for you: a dog can have one or two segments of orange without expecting any side effects. If he is a small breed, go with one segment; if he is a large breed, go with two segments.
Benefits Of Having Mandarin Oranges For Dogs
Mandarin oranges can offer many health benefits and nutrients to the dog’s body. Their key ingredients are vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibre. Antioxidants will help regulate metabolism and fight against free radicals. Again, the fibre will keep the digestive system proper, and the vitamin C will boost the immune system. With a small amount of vitamin A, these fruits will also improve your dog’s growth and eye vision.
As mandarin oranges are low-fat, low-calorie, and low-cholesterol, they can be a good addition for your obese canine friend.
Risks Of Having Mandarin Oranges For Dogs
Along with some nutrients, mandarin oranges can lead to some side effects. For instance, your dog can have diarrhoea and vomiting when he eats too many oranges. Besides, taking high amounts of vitamin C can be a threat to kidneys. That’s why most vets deny feeding dogs with citrus fruit who have kidney stones because the citric acid can irritate the urinary tract.
Another health risk that oranges can pose is hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia occurs from taking an excessive amount of sugar. Meanwhile, mandarin oranges have both citric acid and sugar in high amounts. The more your dog eats sugar, the more susceptible he will be to this disease. It means oranges can act like poison for diabetic dogs.
Another reason why mandarins can be risky for dogs is that some dogs are allergic to citrus fruits. If your dog falls into the same group, eating mandarins can cause him itching, hives, and swelling.
Different Ways To Feed Mandarin Oranges To Dogs
Before you feed a mandarin orange to your canine friend, wash it first. Then take its peel out and remove the seeds and piths. Then take some of its segments and cut them into tiny pieces. Now the treat is ready for your dog.
You may offer the pieces of mandarins to your dog by adding some plain yoghurt. Or you can serve them with other fruits and veggies.
You can also grate the fruit with the skin and put it in a salad. To add extra flavour, you may pour some honey on it. If you don’t have enough time to prepare any grand dish for your dog, simply cut the orange’s flesh into small pieces and add them to your dog’s regular food.
When Can Dogs Have Mandarin Oranges?
As said earlier, mandarin oranges are high in sugar. Hence, you can’t feed them to your diabetic dog. Again, if your dog’s diet already includes sugar, you should avoid sweet fruits like mandarins. Again, allergic dogs can have more severe health issues after eating these oranges. It means your dog can only have Mandarin oranges when he is not allergic and does not have any health issues. Because sometimes the citric acid reacts with medications that are given to dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Mandarin Oranges?
Which oranges can dogs have: clementines or mandarin?
Both mandarin and clementine are safe for dogs, as they don’t contain any toxic elements. Since dogs can’t ingest citrus fruits easily, you must limit their quantity while feeding your dog.
Is citrus toxic to dogs?
Citrus found in lemons and oranges can be made for dogs if they take it in small quantities. However, the citrus found in grapes and raisins is completely harmful to dogs.
Can dogs have an orange peel?
Dogs cannot have orange peel as it can cause choking hazards for them. Besides, the oil in orange peel is pathetic in taste and cannot attract any dogs.
Can puppies have mandarin oranges?
Along with adult dogs, puppies can also have small amounts of mandarin oranges. Just make sure they don’t eat more than one segment.
Final Thoughts
Since mandarin oranges belong to the citrus family, you may wonder, Can dogs have mandarin oranges? Well, it can be safe for dogs to have them in small amounts.
Always stay certain about the quantity. Feeding too many segments of mandarin oranges can pose health threats that can put your dog under the vet’s observation. Also, you should check for the symptoms after your dog eats oranges, like having watery poop, etc. If your dog faces such health threats after eating oranges, stop his intake and take him to the vet immediately.
