Can Dogs Eat Oranges? Health Benefits, Safety Tips and More

Oranges are a bright, juicy fruit packed with vitamin C and many other benefits for humans and our four-legged family members. With flavors ranging from super sweet (navel) to tangy (clementines), you may want to offer your dog multiple types of citrus to see what they prefer. Just always be sure to give your dog only the fruit — never the peel, rind or seeds (more on that below).

Are Oranges Good for Dogs?

A symbol of prosperity and longevity, this fragrant and popular citrus fruit can be enjoyed by humans, puppies and adult dogs.

Health benefits

Oranges are filled with vitamin C, a great immunity booster for dogs (and humans). The fruit also contains:

• Fiber (good for digestion and heart health)

• Potassium (helps regulate many bodily functions)

• Phosphorus (helps with the formation of bones and teeth)

• B vitamins (essential for many cellular functions)

Talk with your veterinarian if your dog has any medical concerns, like diabetes, as oranges have moderate to high levels of sugar.

Dental consideration

It's important to note that the citric acid in oranges can be detrimental to your dog’s teeth — the acid can contribute to tooth decay. Offering your dog plenty of fresh water after they eat oranges will help rinse your dog’s teeth.

How Many Oranges Can Dogs Eat?

No more than 10% of your dog’s total daily calories should consist of healthy snacks and treats. There are approximately 45 calories in one small orange, so a smaller dog can have two or three diced pieces (from an orange slice), while a larger dog can have two to three slices per day.

What Happens if a Dog Eats Too Much Orange?

Because of the high fiber and sugar content, if your dog eats too many oranges, they may experience digestive upset like diarrhea. The acidity can also cause stomach upset if your dog overindulges. These issues will typically resolve on their own, but if you have any concerns, contact your veterinarian.

Are Dogs Allergic to Oranges?

Orange allergies are not common with dogs, but it is always best to offer a very small amount at first and monitor your pup’s reaction. If any vomiting, diarrhea or skin irritation occurs, discontinue feeding your dog oranges and contact your veterinarian for advice.

How to Prepare Oranges for Your Dogs

Some dogs are put off by the tangy citrus flavor of oranges, while others enjoy the sweetness. Don't be surprised if your dog prefers one type over another.

First, carefully wash and peel the skin, then remove any seeds from the fruit. There are a variety of ways for your dog to enjoy oranges:

• Fresh — diced or sliced, depending on the size of your dog

• Mixed with plain, nonfat yogurt and frozen in fun molds

• With cranberry, applesauce and oat flour in homemade biscuits (seek out online recipes and get creative)

It may be tempting to offer your pooch orange juice, but it's concentrated with sugar and calories and not a good alternative.

Don’t Feed a Dog Orange Peels, Rinds or Cores

Never feed the peel of the orange to your dog. It contains an essential oil called limonene, which can be toxic to dogs and cause liver injury. The rind also has a large amount of fiber and could potentially be a choking hazard, so make sure your furry friend doesn't eat this. In addition, orange seeds can be a choking hazard, so remove them as well.

Last but not least, beware of moldy oranges — they can contain mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds produced by certain types of fungi. If your dog eats any of these above, contact your veterinarian right away.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Dogs

Taking good care of your pet's well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for pet care throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian near you that accepts CareCredit.

CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

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Author Bio

Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth) has been practicing veterinary medicine at pet care facilities in California since 2001. Most recently, she served as medical director of the VCA PetPoint Medical Center and Resort in Irvine. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified as a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2010.