Can dogs eat oranges?

Oranges are not toxic to dogs and while they can eat them without seeds or peels, that doesn’t mean they should. To avoid upset tummies, don't feed dogs citrus fruit.

Medically reviewed by Ari Zabell, DVM and Heidi Cooley, DVM

Are oranges good for dogs?

Oranges, clementines, and mandarins may have lots of vitamins and minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium — but that doesn’t mean they need to be part of your pup’s diet.

Most dogs are pretty stable with their regular food. Commercial dog foods are formulated to be nutritionally balanced and include essential vitamins and minerals. Too many treats or table food could cause an imbalance in your pet's digestion — and promote poor manners! See why nutrients in pet food matter

What are the risks of feeding dogs oranges?

Some dogs have sensitive stomachs. Any time you feed your dog food from the table, it could cause digestive issues like gas, diarrhea, or vomiting. Because oranges, clementines, and mandarins are acidic and high in sugar, they could upset the balance of your dog’s tummy. Be extra cautious around what your dog eats if they have a health condition.

If your dog gets ahold of citrus fruit, the seeds and peels are choking hazards and hard to digest. Peels may contain toxins and could also cause blockages in their digestion.
Monitor your dog’s condition if you know they’ve consumed them. Always dispose of peels and seeds in a place where your dog won’t be able to reach them.

Can puppies have oranges?

If your puppy can eat solid food, then it’s generally safe for them to have a little bit of orange. A puppy’s stomach is more sensitive and prone to upset digestion, so take it slow and only offer them a little bit.

Can dogs have orange juice?

Do not give dogs orange juice. Store-bought orange juice contains a lot of sugar as well as citric acid. Both can be harmful to a dog’s digestion.

Which fruit is most toxic to dogs?

Grapes, raisins, and currants are poisonous to dogs. Always keep them away from your pet. Ingesting them could lead to kidney failure and even death. Even just one grape puts them at risk.

Si cree que su mascota puede haber comido algo tóxico, llame a la línea de ayuda de intoxicaciones para mascotas al 800-213-6680. Más información en www.petpoisonhelpline.com

It's also best not to feed tomatoes to dogs. While red, ripe tomatoes are technically not toxic for them, there are two toxins found in the seeds, stems, and leaves. Definitely do not give them unripe green tomatoes, which could lead to tomatine poisoning.

Rewarding your dog with food 

Often the act of giving — not the treat itself — makes a moment fun for your pet. And while it’s tempting to share your food with them, people food isn’t designed for their bodies.

At its best, feeding pets people food encourages poor behavior like begging, eating food from tables or counters, sneaking into the garbage, or nabbing food from unsuspecting guests. At its worst, sharing the wrong food can be life-threatening to your dog, and it often leads to upset tummies or weight gain.