Mandarins are a popular citrus fruit that tastes great and is considered a healthy food by many people, so it’s understandable to wonder if dogs can eat mandarins oranges. Yes, you can feed your dog a small portion of mandarin if they like them, but there are a few things you should know before you start peeling one for your canine companion. Join us as we talk about the pros and cons of feeding your dog this food and some healthy alternatives.
What is Mandarin?
As you might expect, mandarin belongs to the orange family of citrus fruits. They are much smaller and sweeter than oranges, and their top and bottom are flatters. The skin is thinner and more easily peeled. Oranges can be bought all year long, but mandarins are more seasonal and come out just before fall. Clementine and tangerine varieties among the Mandarins include
Risk of Feeding Dogs Mandarins Oranges to Eat?
Here are a few reasons why you should not feed your dog mandarins.
#1. Sugar
Mandarins are high in sugar, which can cause tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, and other health issues in your dog. Obesity is on the rise, with studies showing that up to 45% of dogs over the age of four are overweight. That statistic alone should be enough to warn you against adding extra sugar to your pet’s diet.
If your dog is already overweight, has diabetes, or has other sugar-related health issues, you should not feed him mandarins.
#2. Seeds
Clementines do not have seeds, but mandarins and tangerines do, and these seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide, which can be harmful to your pet’s health. While the amount required is large, and your pet must chew or crush the seeds to expose the cyanide, the risk exists. So, if you want to give your pet mandarins or tangerines, you should take out the seeds first.
#3. Peels
The peel of a mandarin is very sour and hard for your pet’s digestive system to break down. This can make your pet sick to its stomach, throw up, or have diarrhea. Another issue with eating peels is that they are likely to contain pesticides, which can be extremely toxic to your pet’s health. Pesticide poisoning can cause diarrhea, confusion, drinking too much, pawing at the face, tremors, rashes, and other problems.
#4. Upset stomach
Even if the seeds and peel are removed, feeding your dog too many mandarin oranges can cause stomach upset and possibly diarrhea.
Benefit Feeding Dogs Mandarins Oranges to Eat?
There are a few good reasons to give your dog a few treats here and there.
#1. Vitamin C
Mandarin is high in vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which acts as an antioxidant, preventing disease and keeping your pet healthy. Vitamin C can also help get rid of free radicals and make oxidative stress go away. Veterinarians give it to dogs with a wide range of illnesses, such as cancer, kennel cough, bacterial infections, joint disease, and more.
#2. Vitamin A
The vitamin A in mandarin will help protect your dog’s mucous membranes and improve his night vision.
#3. Minerals
Mandarin contains a variety of minerals, including calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc. These minerals are involved in numerous processes within the body and help to energize and keep your pet healthy.
#4. Water
The mandarin also contains a lot of water, which will keep your pet hydrated and prevent constipation.
Can Dogs Eat Mandarins Oranges
If dogs eat Mandarin oranges, they are not considered toxic. Your dog, on the other hand, might not feel so good after devouring the tempting fruit. Citrus fruits are not designed for canine digestive systems and will likely upset them if consumed in large quantities. If your dog is diabetic, the sugar levels in the oranges may be harmful, and you should contact your veterinarian.
If your dog consumes unpeeled mandarins, the orange peel may cause gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea. For this reason, unpeeled citrus fruits should be kept out of the reach of your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Other Citrus Fruits?
All citrus fruits, including mandarins and oranges, are safe for dogs to eat. They all have a sour taste to them. Some dogs enjoy the sour taste, while others do not. Other citrus fruits besides oranges include mandarins, clementines, tangerines, and others. All of these citrus fruits are high in both fiber and sugar.
Healthy dogs, like humans, can eat mandarins, clementines, and tangerines. Feeding your dogs these other citrus fruits should be handled with the same care that you use when feeding them oranges. They should be completely peeled, with all of the seeds removed. Mandarins can be distinguished from oranges. They are distinguished by their slightly flat tops.
Clementines and tangerines are both types of mandarin. All of these citrus fruits are safe for your dog to eat in moderation. However, keep in mind that clementines and tangerines are sweeter than oranges and should thus be fed in smaller amounts.
Can Dogs Eat Mandarins Peels?
Yes, dogs can eat the peels of mandarin. They are high in fiber and nutrients. They can become lodged in your dog’s throat, causing him to choke. Dogs should not eat the pith (the white part) of the peel because it contains bitter substances that can make them sick. The Mandarin’s skin and flesh are safe. The skin also contains a lot of citric acids, which can be harmful to dogs if they eat too much of it.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Mandarins Oranges?
This question’s answer is a little tricky. It is dependent on the dog’s digestive system and how the mandarin was processed. Some dogs can consume canned mandarin oranges without incident, whereas others may experience stomach upset, diarrhea, or even anaphylactic shock if they do.
Can Dogs of All Sizes and Breeds Eat Oranges?
Mandarins are eaten by almost all dog breeds. It is not the breed that distinguishes between dogs that eat oranges and those that do not. Oranges have an acidic, sour, and sweet taste that some dogs dislike. As a result, they do not eat oranges. However, some dogs adore the same flavor. There are no restrictions on dogs eating oranges unless they suffer as a result of doing so.
Oranges can be eaten by any breed of dog. It makes pet owners wonder if they should buy one for their dogs. Oranges, which are high in natural sugar, are not recommended for small puppies, according to veterinarians. Puppies have delicate systems that are easily harmed. Dogs with diabetes are also not permitted to consume oranges. Because of the high sugar content, they may experience diabetic shock. Dogs with gastrointestinal diseases should avoid eating oranges because they are not the best digestive foods.
Are Oranges Harmful to Dogs?
Vets recommend that dogs only eat foods that are good for their health. However, humans frequently struggle to determine whether a particular citrus fruit is safe or toxic to dogs. Oranges are one such fruit that has caused concern among many dog owners. It is now known that dogs can eat oranges.
Certain fruits are poisonous to dogs. When dogs consume such foods, they develop several health issues. Oranges are a favorite of some dogs. Dogs can eat mandarin oranges as long as they do not have any serious digestive issues.
Oranges are not toxic to dogs, but they are high in natural sugar. Dogs’ blood sugar levels rise after eating oranges. This may not be a problem until they are only eating oranges in moderation.
Some dogs even eat orange peels. However, feeding them orange peels is not recommended. Orange peels can become lodged in their stomachs and cause gastrointestinal issues.
How Many Oranges Can Dogs eat?
To stay in good shape, dogs must adhere to certain dietary guidelines. Any food, whether eaten too little or too much, can cause health problems in dogs.
Remember to get a diet chart from your vet to determine the exact amount of food your dog can consume. Dogs frequently overeat foods they enjoy, but you must know when to intervene. Dogs can eat oranges, as we now know. However, it should be done with caution. The number of oranges your dog can eat is determined by its size. A large breed of dog can consume two to three orange segments in a single day. Smaller breeds of dogs, on the other hand, will not be able to digest as much.
As a result, they should only be fed one to two segments. Oranges should only be consumed as a treat and not as a regular part of the diet. It is recommended that the calories from snacks do not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake.
How to Feed Your Dog Mandarin
Many dogs dislike the taste of citrus fruits, so don’t be surprised if your dog shows no interest in trying a segment. If you want to give it to your dog, make sure to peel it and remove the seeds (the seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide), and only give them a small segment to see if they like it.
If your dog doesn’t seem to like mandarin, try other non-citrus fruits like apples or bananas, or better yet, stick to some tasty dog-friendly treats instead. Remember to always follow the 10% rule when feeding your dog treats, ensuring that only 10% of their daily calorie intake comes from treats, with the remaining 90% coming from a complete and balanced diet.
Alternative to Mandarins for Dogs
These sweet and juicy fruits will appeal to dogs. Here are some mandarin alternatives for your dog to consider:
- Oranges
- Grapefruits
- Apples
- Bananas
- Nectarines
Consider feeding your dog oranges instead of mandarins. Oranges are high in vitamin C, which is essential for dogs’ immune systems. Consider grapefruits if you’re looking for a different type of citrus fruit to feed your dog. They also contain a lot of fiber and vitamin C, and they can help your dog’s skin stay healthy.
If you want to give your dog a sweet and nutritious treat, try feeding them diced apples. They also contain phytonutrients, which can aid in the overall health of your dog. Apples, unlike some other fruits, have low sugar content.
Finally, if you’re looking for a high-protein fruit to feed your dog, consider bananas. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, fiber, and protein. Also, consider feeding your dog some of the fruits listed above as a healthy and delicious alternative to mandarins. Your dog will enjoy the flavor, and you’ll know they’re getting the nutrients they require.
Conclusion
Dogs can eat mandarins and oranges in moderation as a snack. They are high in vitamin C, which can aid in the reduction of potentially harmful free radicals, the reduction of inflammation, and the promotion of healthy aging. We hope you enjoyed learning about the health benefits and risks of feeding your dog mandarin oranges. It’s perfectly fine in moderation, and your dog may benefit from it, but it can quickly become too much, and several health problems, including obesity, can emerge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Citrus toxic to dogs?
Essential oils and a chemical compound found in citrus fruits are toxic to dogs. “These can be found in plants, tree parts, skin, and pithy white parts,” Dempsey says.
Are there any fruits dogs can't eat?
What Fruits Should Dogs Avoid?
- Avocado. Persin, a toxin found in this fruit, causes dogs to vomit and have diarrhea.
- Cherries. Cyanide is found in cherry pits.
- Grapes. Grapes have been linked to sudden kidney failure in dogs.
- Tomatoes. Solanine, which is toxic to dogs, is found in the green parts of the tomato plant.
Can dogs have popcorn?
Fully popped, unseasoned popcorn is safe for dogs in small quantities as long as it is popped without the use of oil, such as air popping.
Can dogs have broccoli?
Yes, as long as it’s done in moderation. Broccoli should be considered a nutritious snack rather than a meal. Serve this vegetable alongside a well-balanced dog food designed to meet your pet’s specific nutritional needs.
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