Why only in moderation for dogs
Mandarin flesh is not toxic to dogs. It is mostly water and rich in vitamin C, but a dog's body makes its own vitamin C.
Mandarins are sweeter than oranges, so they contain more sugar. A larger amount can upset digestion, and a dog that is overweight or has a health problem that limits sugar is better off without them.
The peel contains essential oils and is hard to digest. Over the holidays mandarins and their peel sit on the table and in the bin, so keep them out of your dog's reach.
How to give it
- Peel the fruit and remove the pips.
- Give a segment or part of one, cut smaller for a small dog.
- The first time, give very little and watch how your dog feels.
- Do not give juice or tinned mandarins in syrup.
What to watch out for
- The sugar and acid can cause vomiting or diarrhoea if the dog eats more.
- The peel is hard to digest, and swallowed peel can block the gut.
- Sugar and extra calories: take care with an overweight dog.
- Tinned mandarins in syrup are high in added sugar.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
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Flesh
In moderationThe flesh of a peeled mandarin without pips is fine in small pieces and only now and then.
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Peel
Not safeThe peel contains essential oils and is hard to digest, so do not give it.
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Pips
Not safeRemove the pips: they are hard and of no use to a dog.
What to give instead
- Apples Yes, apples are fine for dogs: give small pieces without the core and seeds, as an occasional treat. Safe
- Blueberries Yes, blueberries and bilberries are fine for dogs: give a few washed, unsweetened berries as an occasional treat. Safe
- Pears Yes, pears are fine for dogs: give small pieces of ripe pear without the core, seeds or stalk. Safe
- Carrots Yes, carrots are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, unseasoned and cut into pieces, they make a crunchy, low-calorie treat. Safe
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