Can dogs have oranges? Keep an eye out for these toxic parts of the fruit.
Just like humans, dogs have unique personalities and behaviors. Some dogs can balance hamburgers on their heads without batting an eye. Others will tear through cabinets and jump up on counters to get a bite of something yummy.
Snack-stealing dogs can cause headaches for owners, who may worry that their dog got into human food while they were out.
We’re breaking down the foods that are safe and toxic for dogs, for both the safety of pets and the sanity of their humans. Here’s what a vet expert told us about oranges.
Can dogs eat oranges?
Oranges are not toxic to dogs, so there’s no cause for concern if your pup accidentally eats one, says veterinarian Diana Watkins, who owns 143 Veterinary Services in Massachusetts.
But just because oranges are technically safe doesn’t mean they're healthy. There aren’t any benefits to feeding your dog an orange, plus the acidity can cause gastrointestinal issues just like it would for humans, Watkins explains.
In general, owners should be cautious about giving their dogs human food, Watkins says. Regulated dog food has everything your pup needs for a nutritional diet. If they fill up on human food, it may cause an imbalance.
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Can dogs eat orange peels?
While the fruit itself may not be toxic, the outside peel can cause health complications for dogs. We know you’re probably not giving your pup an orange peel to snack on, but it’s important to keep an eye out for dogs who will eat anything in sight.
Moldy oranges are particularly dangerous – especially for owners who live in warm states with orange trees. Keep your yard clean of fallen fruit; moldy oranges are toxic to dogs because of the mycotoxins, Watkins says.
Orange peels also contain essential oils, which we may use as wellness products, but are poisonous to dogs. If dogs ingest or get essential oils on their skin it can cause burning, difficulty breathing and walking, drooling, lethargy, muscle tremors or vomiting.
If you have concerns about your pet’s hygiene, address them with advice from a veterinarian, not “self-prescribed alternatives” like essential oils.
“It’s not an actual science-based product and is so much more dangerous than using scientifically designed alternatives,” Watkins says.
Can dogs have orange juice?
Orange juice is similar to whole oranges – it’s not toxic to dogs but there’s no reason to give it to your dog on purpose.
Large amounts of orange juice can cause gastrointestinal issues from the acidity and may give your dog a sugar rush, Watkins says. Sugar is not poisonous for dogs but is unhealthy in large quantities.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Can dogs eat oranges? Advice on both the fruit and peel from an expert
