Can Dogs Eat Oranges?

Yes, dogs can eat oranges in small amounts. A segment or two of peeled, seedless orange is safe for most dogs.^1,2 The peel, pith and seeds should be removed: the peel is tough to digest, can cause a blockage and contains oils that irritate the stomach.^1,2,3 Oranges are sugary and acidic, so skip them for diabetic or overweight dogs, and skip orange juice.^2,1 Dogs make their own vitamin C, so they don't need oranges for it.^4,2

Orange Nutrition for Dogs

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central values for raw oranges and orange juice. Segment weight is our estimate.^5,6

How Much Orange Can a Dog Eat?

A healthy adult dog's treats, including fruit, should be no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.^7,8 Using the Merck Veterinary Manual's energy formula for a neutered adult, that works out to roughly 35 calories of treats a day for a 10-pound dog, 59 for a 20-pound dog, 98 for a 40-pound dog, 150 for a 70-pound dog and 196 for a 100-pound dog.⁹ Your dog's real needs depend on age, activity and body condition. PetMD suggests the amounts below, once or twice a week.² The American Kennel Club allows one or two small segments a day depending on size, but for small dogs that uses up much of the daily treat allowance, so less often is better.¹

How to Serve Oranges to Your Dog

• Peel the orange and remove the white pith and all the seeds.^2,1
• Give a segment, or cut it into smaller pieces for small dogs.
• Mix a little into food, or freeze segments in a chew toy.²
• Introduce it slowly. Some dogs don't like the sour, citrus smell, and that's fine.¹

Are Orange Peels Toxic to Dogs?

Orange peel isn't highly toxic, but it shouldn't be fed. It's tough and hard to digest and can cause an intestinal blockage.^1,2 The peel and the orange tree contain essential oils and psoralens that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression and skin irritation; the ASPCA notes the fruit itself is edible but the skins and plant material can cause problems.³ Citrus oils such as d-limonene and linalool are concentrated in the rind.¹⁰ Concentrated citrus essential oils used in diffusers and cleaners are a bigger risk and should be kept away from dogs. If your dog ate a lot of peel, watch for vomiting, diarrhea or signs of a blockage and call your vet.²

Mandarins, Clementines and Tangerines

These are safe in small amounts, peeled and seedless, like oranges. They're slightly sweeter, so keep portions small and skip them for diabetic or overweight dogs.^2,1,11 Avoid canned mandarin segments in syrup. Lemons, limes and grapefruit are too sour and acidic for dogs.^2,10

Can Dogs Drink Orange Juice?

It isn't toxic, but it's not a good choice. Juice is concentrated sugar and acid without the fiber of the fruit: a cup has about 21 grams of sugar.^2,1,6 Fresh water is all a dog needs to drink.

Do Dogs Need Vitamin C From Oranges?

No. Unlike people, healthy dogs make their own vitamin C in the liver, so they can't develop a deficiency from diet. A complete dog food covers their needs, and extra vitamin C from fruit isn't harmful but isn't needed.^4,2

Risks and When to Skip Oranges

• Too much: diarrhea, gas or stomach upset from the sugar and acid.^1,2
• Diabetes and weight: don't give oranges to diabetic or overweight dogs.²
• Seeds: a choking risk for small dogs.¹
• Fallen fruit and trees: keep dogs from chewing on orange tree leaves and peels in the yard.³

Can Puppies Eat Oranges?

A tiny piece is fine, but puppies are more prone to stomach upset from acidic foods. Start with a small piece with no peel or seeds.^2,8

When to Call the Vet

Call your vet if your dog has a poor appetite, seems tired or uncomfortable, or keeps licking his lips or gulping after eating it. Get care right away for repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool, weakness or collapse.^12,13 Call your vet if your dog ate a lot of peel, leaves or seeds and is vomiting, has diarrhea or seems unwell.^3,2

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