Can I feed my dog an orange?

Yes. Dogs can eat oranges!

You may think that dogs are all about meat and bones, but some do go crazy over fruits as well. There are, however, many types of fruits that are unsafe for dogs; but oranges are thankfully not one of them.

You need to give oranges to your dog in moderation and DO NOT give the seeds or peels. [1] They may not be toxic but, they can cause an upset stomach and even diarrhea.

An excellent way to start off is to give small pieces at first, then wait a few days before giving again, so you can be able to see if there are any adverse effects. Oranges are off course high in Vitamin C which is a significant health bonus.

Can dogs drink orange juice?

If you make the orange juice yourself from fresh oranges, this is fine. But store-bought orange juice contains too much sugar, plus, it is highly acidic and can lead to dental problems. It is recommended to limit the amount of sugar you feed your dogs.

Orange juice can be toxic due to the inclusion of artificial sweeteners [6] so rather don’t take the risk. Give your puppy water if they are thirsty.

How about clementines and tangerines?

These are in the same family as oranges, so they are safe. Avoid grapefruit though, as it is toxic.

The benefits of oranges

Just like humans, dogs receive Vitamin C from oranges. [2] This is beneficial if they have ingested toxic substances such as propylene glycol, onion powder, or any other toxins that can cause them harm. It will boost their immune system.

It also naturally cleanses their systems, and oranges are quite a healthy snack for dogs.

Although dogs naturally produce vitamin C, stress or extreme exercise can overwhelm the liver’s capacity to make Vitamin C. In such cases, oranges or Vitamin C supplements [3] would be a good idea. (Cases like this are sporadic, however.)

The drawbacks in oranges to watch out for

You should always keep in mind that oranges have a high sugar content which can add to the number of calories that your dog is consuming. They can also affect blood values in dogs that are diabetic, which is due to the Vitamin C. Avoid oranges in these cases.

The rind of an orange actually contains a higher concentration of Vitamin C, but you should never give your dog the peel because it is difficult for the dog to break it down in the digestive system.

The orange seeds contain the chemical Cyanide. [4] Although hugely poisonous, your dog would have to eat plenty of them to have an adverse reaction. In case they eat the seeds accidentally, it’s not necessarily a medical crisis or emergency, but never give it to them intentionally. They can cause blockage and constipation.

How do I feed my dog oranges?

Just as you would – peel the orange, remove the seeds and cut into small pieces. Give it as a treat or dessert, and your dog will absolutely love it.

Orange dog treat recipes

Fresh oranges are great snacks, but your pup might appreciate them more if they’ve been incorporated in a lovely home-made snack. Check out our quick and easy recipes below.

If your pup has a sensitive tummy, try these foods for delicate stomachs.

Orange carob dog treat recipe

This recipe will make 35 delicious treats for your dog;

Ingredients

  • 4 oranges, that have been peeled and pureed.
  • 2 and a half cups of flour
  • 1/8th of the flaxseed meal.
  • 1 large egg.
  • ½ a cup of carob chips.
  • 1tablespoon of olive oil.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Use parchment paper to line the cookie sheets.
  2. Peel the oranges, split them and add to the blender.
  3. Add the flaxseeds, flour, carob chips, eggs and olive oil in a large bowl and mix very well.
  4. Add the orange puree to the mixture and stir well.
  5. Knead into a dough and roll the balls on a floured surface which should be ¼ inches in thickness. Cut using a cookie cutter and place on the cookie sheet.
  6. Put in the oven and cook for at least 20-25 minutes.
  7. Remove and cool overnight and seal in an airtight container.

Orange and cranberry recipe

A super delicious recipe that will leave your home smelling of the sweet citrus fruit.

Ingredients

  • 1 orange that has been zested and juiced.
  • A half a cup of dried cranberries.
  • 1 large egg.
  • ¼ cup of honey.
  • 2 cups of any type of
  • 1 cup of whole or rolled oats.
  • ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line all the cookie sheets using parchment paper.
  2. Use a food processor or blender to grind the oats for at least 40 seconds till they are fine.
  3. Combine the oats and flour in a bowl and set it aside.
  4. Dice the dried cranberries into tiny pieces and add them to the flour and oats mixture.
  5. Add the vanilla extract, honey, and eggs into a bowl and mix them well.
  6. Grate or zest the orange peel and add it to the mixture.
  7. Slice the orange in half. Squeeze the juice into a bowl. Do not worry about the pulp. If it gets into the dough, it is okay. But remove the seeds before baking.
  8. Knead the dough into a ball, and split into five smaller balls. Roll each on the countertop and cover with the parchment paper. Roll this to ½ or ¼ inches.
  9. Put in the oven and bake for 1-2 hours.
  10. Remove and cool overnight.

Final say on feeding oranges to dogs

When it comes to oranges, many people are of the opinion that dogs will dislike them or that they shouldn’t eat them at all. Most people, therefore, are hesitant to feed their pups oranges, but in reality your dog will probably love the citrusy treat!