Can dogs eat mandarin oranges? Mandarins are a popular citrus fruit having an amazing taste. They are considered healthy for humans. But being a pet owner, you have wondered, Can dogs eat mandarin oranges?
The simple answer is yes; you can give mandarins to dogs but in a moderate amount. According to vets, these oranges contain vitamin C, which greatly benefits your dog’s health. However, there are some things that you need to know before giving this citrus fruit to your dog.
Read this article till the end to know more about, Can dogs eat mandarin oranges?
Can Dogs Eat Mandarin Oranges?
Can dogs eat mandarin oranges? Well, mandarins belong to the orange family of citrus fruits. They are smaller and sweeter than oranges and contain plenty of vitamin C.
Mandarins are easy to peel as they have thin skin. They are seasonal and arrive just before the fall. Some of the mandarin forms include tangerines and clementines.
Although they are not toxic to dogs, your pet might not feel great after consuming them. The canine digestive systems are not made for citrus fruit.
Therefore, overconsumption leads to digestive problems. If your pet is already diabetic, the sugar level of these mandarins can be dangerous, and you need to call your vet.
Besides, eating unpeeled mandarins leads to vomiting and diarrhea. Thus, you should keep unpeeled mandarins out of your pet’s reach.
Are Mandarins Good For Dogs?
Can dogs eat mandarin oranges? Do they provide any benefits? Mandarins are rich in vitamin A and C, but your pet’s balanced diet will provide enough of these nutrients. So, there is no need to add these oranges regularly to your pet’s diet.
Mandarins provide numerous benefits to your dog, and here’s how:
Vitamin C
Mandarins are loaded with vitamin C, act as antioxidants, and keep your pet healthy. It also aids in removing free radicals and reverses the oxidation effects. Vets recommend consuming this fruit for dogs with cancer, bacterial infections, and joint diseases.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A in mandarins helps in protecting mucus membranes in your dog. It also enhances night vision in your pet.
Did you Know?
We have written many articles about what dogs can eat. But did you know about this one? Can Dogs Eat Guava?
Minerals
Mandarins contain plenty of minerals such as calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. These minerals are important for numerous functions in your body. These mandarins provide energy to your dogs and keep them healthy.
Water
Moreover, water found in mandarins keeps your pet hydrated and prevents constipation.
Are Mandarins Bad For Dogs?
There are several reasons why you might not want to feed this fruit to your dog. These include:
Sugar
The high sugar level in mandarins can cause various health problems in dogs. These include obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. These problems can become worse in your pet if mandarins are consumed regularly.
Seeds
Mandarin, as well as tangerines, contain seeds that have a bit amount of cyanide. Cyanide causes health issues in your dog, and he needs to chew the seeds to expose it. Therefore, removing these fruit seeds is important before feeding your pet mandarins.
Peels
The mandarin peel is quite sour, and dogs’ digestive systems find it harder to digest. The consequences are vomiting, diarrhea, and an upset stomach.
In addition, peels of this citrus fruit also contain toxic pesticides to your dog’s health—pesticide poisoning results in diarrhea, confusion, tremors, rashes, etc.
Upset Stomach
Giving your dog too many mandarin oranges lead to an upset stomach and possibly diarrhea.
How to feed Mandarin to Your Dog?
Well, you can give your pet a few slices of mandarin oranges if he is healthy and doesn’t have health problems. Instead of the whole mandarin, 25% of it is recommended but not every day. Make sure to remove all the seeds and skin before feeding them.
Always feed your pet after dinner, so the mild citric acid doesn’t cause an upset stomach. In case of any adverse reaction to the fruit, stop feeding it immediately. Diarrhea, stomach problems, and hyperactivity are some common symptoms in the case of any problem.
Final Thoughts
Can dogs eat mandarin oranges? Yes, but in a moderate amount. It offers numerous benefits to dogs, containing vitamin C, A, minerals, and water.
Mandarins also have some risks associated with feeding them because of sugar, seeds, and peels. Consuming a high amount leads to many health problems.
So, instead of feeding your dog regularly, serve them a few slices of mandarin oranges as an occasional treat.
