Mary Allen
Almost everyone loves oranges, even one or two four-legged friends. Oranges are the world’s most cultivated citrus fruit. So let’s take a closer look at how well dogs tolerate oranges.
Oranges are available in different varieties on the market. They are among the citrus fruits. The best-known varieties are navel oranges and blood oranges.
Oranges for dogs?
Dogs are allowed to eat oranges. However, feed them ripe and sweet fruits. Always give only small amounts, because the acidity can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Oranges are also rich in vitamins and minerals.
Oranges are known for their high vitamin C content. But the round fruits also contain considerable amounts of vitamin A, the sun’s vitamin D, and the B vitamins such as vitamins B6 and B12.
In addition to the vitamins, the orange scores particularly well with a high content of iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium.
But not only the pulp is impressive. Even the white skin that surrounds the flesh contains important phytochemicals. Most of the time we like to remove the white peel.
And theoretically, even the orange peel is safe to eat. The prerequisite for this is that the oranges have not been treated chemically or with wax.
Citrus fruits from Southeast Asia
An orange that you know from the supermarket today is a cross between a tangerine and a grapefruit. As such, it combines many valuable ingredients from both fruits.
Oranges originally come from China or Southeast Asia. The juicy fruit landed in Europe in the 11th century. At that time, however, they were still bitter oranges, which were not particularly suitable for consumption.
It wasn’t until the 15th century that the sweet variety made its way to Europe, where it’s grown in southern regions like Spain. Oranges are among the most popular exotic fruits.
Feed ripe oranges
For the dog, oranges are generally well tolerated and also healthy. However, they may only be fed when they are ripe.
You can’t tell how ripe an organism is from the outside. You probably pay attention to the color when buying, like most consumers. But a rich orange hue on the skin says nothing about whether the orange is ripe.
Even green oranges can be wonderfully ripe. Oranges are sold green, especially in warm regions. Because the fruits only turn orange when they survive cold nights.
That’s why you should taste test every orange before giving it to your dog. If it is juicy and wonderfully sweet, then the orange is just right.
Is orange juice bad for dogs?
The same considerations apply to orange juice as t oranges. By that, we mean, above all, freshly squeezed orange juice. However, commercial orange juice is usually made from fruit juice concentrate.
Sugar is often added. And would promote the development of tooth decay. That is why the quality of orange juice is very important. A direct juice with no added sugar is guaranteed to be more suitable for your dog than a cheap juice with a low fruit content.
If in doubt, give your four-legged friend a piece of orange and provide enough fresh water to drink. For dogs, this is healthier than orange juice.
Crush the fruit before feeding
Oranges should ideally be pureed. The white bowl is welcome to stay. By pureeing the ingredients are unlocked and the dog can use the orange better.
Are citrus fruits harmful to dogs?
Only feed small amounts at first, because the acidity can cause digestive problems. Too much citrus can cause diarrhea and vomiting. You probably already know that from tangerines.
Even if your dog grabs a whole orange and bites off a piece, don’t worry as long as the fruit is untreated.
Oranges can be excellently combined with apples or carrots and fed with quark or cottage cheese as supplementary food.
Frequently Asked Question
Why can’t dogs eat citrus fruits?
Oranges contain many minerals and vitamins. The vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and D in particular make the orange a true superfood. But like all other citrus fruits, oranges contain a lot of acids. Too much acid from citrus fruits can cause gastrointestinal problems in dogs.
What fruit can my dog eat?
Pears and apples are particularly healthy fruits for dogs, as they ensure balanced digestion with a high proportion of vitamins and the dietary fiber of pectin. Pineapple and papaya are also well tolerated due to their enzymes. Most nuts are well tolerated by dogs.
Can a dog eat a banana?
Similar to broccoli, bananas contain potassium, magnesium, and vitamin C. All of these ingredients are healthy for your dog. But you shouldn’t eat a banana every day, because these fruits are just as rich in energy and sugar.
Can a dog eat watermelon?
Dogs generally tolerate watermelons. It should be ripe fruit. As with other well-tolerated fruits and vegetables, watermelons depend on the quantity: depending on their size and weight, dogs can eat a few pieces of watermelon.
Are apples good for dogs?
Apples are among the healthiest fruits and have a positive effect on the well-being of both humans and dogs. The pectins contained in apples, which are roughage, bind water in the intestine, swell up and help against diarrhea in dogs.
How often can a dog eat apples?
Depending on the size and weight of your dog, up to one grated apple with or without the peel can be added to the food or as a snack. Because the apple with its ingredients acts like a small sponge and binds toxins from the stomach and intestines.
Can my dog eat strawberries?
Strawberries for our dogs too? To answer the question directly: dogs are allowed to eat strawberries. Because red fruits have many valuable nutrients and can spice up the dog’s daily menu. You can give your dog strawberries either directly as a whole fruit or mix them with the food.
Can a dog eat kiwi?
Clear answer: yes, dogs can eat kiwi. Kiwi is a relatively unproblematic fruit for dogs. Like other fruits, however, kiwi should only be fed as a treat, i.e. not in large quantities.
