Why only in moderation for dogs
Orange 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, so an orange is not something it needs.
The fruit is acidic and sweet. A larger amount can irritate the stomach and cause diarrhoea, and the sugar is unhelpful for an overweight dog.
The peel contains essential oils, is bitter and hard to digest, so it should come off. Some dogs dislike the smell of citrus, and there is no need to persuade them.
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, tinned oranges in syrup or marmalade.
What to watch out for
- The acid and sugar can cause vomiting or diarrhoea if the dog eats more.
- The peel is hard to digest and irritates the stomach, and a larger piece can block the gut.
- The pips are hard and of no use to a dog.
- Orange juice is high in sugar and has no fibre.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
-
Flesh
In moderationThe flesh of a peeled orange without pips is fine in small pieces and only now and then.
-
Peel
Not safeThe peel contains essential oils and is hard to digest, so do not give it.
-
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
- Watermelon Yes, watermelon is fine for dogs: give small pieces of flesh without seeds or rind, especially as a cooling treat on a hot day. Safe
- Pears Yes, pears are fine for dogs: give small pieces of ripe pear without the core, seeds or stalk. Safe
Looking for a treat?
The "Dog treats" category compares prices for 10,376 products across shops. It is a product category, not a recommendation of what to give.