Can a Goldendoodle (or any other dog) Eat Oranges?

A piece of orange fell on the floor and my dog ate it! Will they be ok? Should I call the vet?

What human food is safe for your dog versus what is not is a topic many of us have a keen interest in.

I’ve been doing some research on healthy eating for dogs, especially the introduction of human food into their diets. One food I took an interest in is oranges. Are they good? Are they bad? Will they make my dog sick? If oranges are good, how much should we be giving them?

I would like to share what I’ve come up with. Ideally, this will help all of us get and keep our Goldendoodles and any other dog on a healthy path by being a little better informed.

Can a Goldendoodle (or any other dog) Eat Oranges?

Can a Goldendoodle eat oranges? Research has shown that oranges, tangerines, and clementines can be eaten by our furry loved ones. While some known fruits that are good for our dogs are apples, blueberries, and bananas, oranges are especially high in vitamin C. They also contain potassium and some fiber.

Vitamin C is an important part of your dog’s diet as it has been shown to have great effects on their immune system. Not only can it help his or her immune system, but some vets have stated that if they are exercised excessively or tend to be higher stress, their bodies may not produce sufficient vitamin C. Oranges can serve as a supplement.

Oranges: The Good and the Bad

The Good

During my research, I’ve found the following benefits to providing your dog with oranges as a regular part of their diet:

• Oranges provide a low-calorie supplement to a dog’s diet.
  • This is especially good if your dog loves food and must be on a calorie-restricted diet.
  • It is also beneficial if you would like to give your dog a treat but want something that is healthy.
• Many dogs love oranges and they make for a fun treat.
  • As mentioned in the cons, below, some dogs do not like the citrus smell and will not eat oranges.
• Oranges provide vitamin C.
  • This can serve as a supplement for dogs whose livers don’t produce enough vitamin C for various reasons (excessive exercise and dogs prone to stress).
  • Some experts have stated that Vitamin C can also help if your loved one has ingested certain oxidative toxins.
    • While it can help, if your pet has ingested a potential toxin, the use of vitamin C should not replace a vet’s visit.
• Some aging dogs have limited diets (such as protein restrictions) and giving them oranges can serve as a healthy, low-fat, non-protein substitute with added health benefits of vitamins good for your dog.
• Many experts say that replacing your dog’s store-bought treats with nutrient rich fruits and vegetables such as oranges can benefit your furry friend’s health over time.

The Bad

While there are lots of benefits to giving your dog oranges, you should also consider some of the cons as you move forward with deciding whether they are right for your furry friend.

• Just like humans, there are dogs that will have an allergy to oranges. For this reason, introduce oranges slowly. Experts say that signs of an allergic reaction are as follows:
  • Swelling
  • Coughing
  • Sneezing
  • Hives
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea (diarrhea may also be a sign of overindulgence)
  • Intensive thirst

If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact your vet as soon as possible.

• Studies have shown there are a number of dogs who just don’t like a strong citrus smell and will not eat oranges.
  • If this is the case with your dog it is perfectly normal, and you will just need to try other treats that may be more appetizing to them.
• While oranges are not bad for your dog, they do contain sugar and are high in acid content. Too many oranges can give your loved one an upset stomach.
  • Too much of a good thing is just that. You don’t want to give your dog too many oranges as it could result in painful gas or diarrhea. Just like humans, too many fruits and fibers can wreak havoc on digestive systems.
  • Many experts recommend limiting the amount to one to two slices a day to ensure your dog tolerates them well.
• Avoid giving your pet orange rinds and seeds as they can be very difficult for them to break down in their digestive system. In addition, they may contain toxins that are bad for your pet.
• Some dogs have problems digesting oranges. If you choose oranges to be part of your dog’s diet, you should introduce them slowly to ensure your dog can tolerate them.
• If you have other concerns about introducing oranges to your dog’s diet, please discuss with your veterinarian.
• Oranges may not be great for dogs with diabetes or cancer. Before making the decision to give a dog with diabetes or cancer this treat you should discuss any risks with your vet.
• You will want to stay away from processed oranges you can buy at the grocery store. They often contain added ingredients that are not good for your dog. In addition, steer clear of foods that may contain fake orange flavor such as some yogurts, ice creams and other store-bought foods.
• Most experts recommend staying away from orange juice for your pet.
  • It is high in concentrated sugars and citric acid (even if it is freshly squeezed).

Should I Give My Goldendoodle Oranges?

Should you give your Goldendoodle oranges? Experts agree that if your dog likes oranges than go for it!

Oranges are a great source of vitamin C, help with digestion and most importantly they are a sweet treat for your furry loved one! They are an excellent addition to an already healthy diet and can be added to their favorite foods (ways to serve them are listed below). Experts recommend introducing them slowly and not letting your pet overindulge. For many of our Goldendoodles, oranges are just one more great thing we can give them to let them know we care.

What Are Some Creative Ways to Give My Dog Oranges?

While oranges are a bit more difficult to be creative with, there are a few ways I’ve found you can serve your furry friend oranges.

One rule of thumb, regardless of how you choose to serve oranges is to ensure they are well rinsed before serving to get of any residue dirt or chemicals. In addition, experts recommend staying away from any type of orange juice so you may not want to puree the oranges as it will result in high sugar and acid content.

Also, be sure to remove the peel and any seeds as these can be harmful to your dog’s digestive system. They may also contain some toxins that are not good for your loved one.

Following are some of the most common as well as some creative ideas to get you thinking:

• Sliced oranges
  • It’s okay just to just slice them up and give them to your dog as a treat. Most research suggests not giving oranges whole to your dog as it may pose a choking hazard, especially in smaller dogs.
  • Some people even suggest freezing the sliced oranges for those hot summer days.
• Mix oranges in with their favorite food
  • It has been suggested that you can even mix oranges into your dog’s favorite foods. For example:
    • Chicken and oranges
    • Ground beef and oranges
    • Dog food and oranges
    • Oranges and apples
    • Carrots and oranges
    • Oranges and bananas

In order to answer some additional commonly asked questions about oranges for dogs I’ve come up with a Q&A below:

Do I need to give my dog organic oranges?

The use of pesticides is a highly debated issue and for oranges, the suggestion would be to apply the same standards for your dog as you would for yourself. Whether you go organic or not, be sure to wash the oranges prior to serving them to get rid of any lingering dirt or chemicals the berry may have come in contact with.

How much orange is considered safe for my dog?

How much orange can depend on how your dog’s stomach tolerates it. Some experts recommend that any combination of treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Remember, your dog may be able to tolerate a little more or a little less depending on their system and other health factors. Also, oranges tend to be higher in acidity which can increase risks for an upset tummy so start slow.

Can oranges upset my dog’s stomach?

As mentioned above, experts recommend introducing any new food to your dog slowly. You should know quickly if your dog’s system is sensitive to oranges and should stop providing them if this is the case. Also, too much of a good thing is just that. Even if your dog can tolerate oranges, too many can cause diarrhea and other digestive issues. If there are other health concerns you have, consult your vet before giving any new food to your pet.

Can I give my dog the peel and the seeds of the orange?

Most experts recommend removing the peel and any seeds from an orange before serving it to your dog. Studies have shown that the peel can be hard on your dog’s digestive system and both the peel and the seeds may contain toxins that are not good for your dog.

Will my dog like oranges?

Just like humans, not all dogs like the same foods. However, since oranges have such a strong smell many dogs will not eat them.

Can my puppy eat oranges?

Your puppy can eat oranges, but you may want to watch them closer than you would their adult counterparts to ensure they don’t have any adverse reactions. As with adults, you will want to watch for any digestive issues or allergies with the introduction of a new food. Signs of an allergic reaction are detailed above.

Is it ok to give my dog orange-flavored treats from the store?

While oranges can be good for your dog, beware of orange flavoring and other store-bought orange products as they can be high in sugar or contain other ingredients that may not be healthy for your pet. Should you have questions on whether you should give your furry loved one store-bought orange treats, contact your vet to ensure there’s nothing to be concerned about.

Are there fruits other than oranges that I can give my dog?

There are! Other fruits listed as safe for our dogs are apples (stems and seeds removed), bananas, watermelon (seeds removed), blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cantaloupe (seeds removed) and mango (peeled and seeded). Some experts have stated that your dog can even eat cranberries! However, cranberries tend to be sour and many dogs won’t eat them.

Is it ok to give my dog orange juice?

Experts recommend avoiding orange juice for dogs as it results in a concentration of sugars and acid which can have negative effects on your dog’s digestive system.

How do I know if my dog is having an allergic reaction to oranges?

As mentioned above some signs of an allergic reaction are swelling, coughing, hives, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, intensive thirst or difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, or any other worrisome signs after giving your dog oranges, contact your vet immediately.

What are some fruits I should avoid giving to my dog?

One of the top fruits you should avoid giving your dog is grapes, no grape or raisin is good for your dog and could at best land you at the vet and at worst kill your loved one. Other fruits to avoid are cherries and tomatoes. In addition, lemons, limes and grapefruit can cause an upset stomach.