It is normal for dogs to beg for table scraps when their favorite human sits down to eat. But has your dog ever begged for oranges? Did you give it to them, or did you refrain, thinking it might be harmful? As a dog parent you will find that these furry friends aren’t all about meat; they want sweet and flavorful fruits as well.
Fruits such as bananas, blueberries and apples are well-loved by dogs and are also safe for them, while grapes and macadamia nuts can be downright poisonous. Which category does orange fall into? Is it going to hurt your dear pup? Let’s find out!
Are Oranges Bad for Dogs?
Although not all fruits and vegetables are good for dogs, oranges are fine for your fluffy friend. They are a good source of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, folate, and thiamine and when taken in small quantities, they serve as tasty treats for your dog. However, the acidic nature of oranges isn’t fit for dogs and hence they should be taken in moderation.
How Your Dog Can Benefit From Eating Oranges
1. Boost Immune System
Research shows that the nutrients in an orange can have positive impact on the dog’s immune system. Isn’t this cool? Who doesn’t want their pet to be healthier?
2. Gets Rid of Toxic Substances
Has your dog ever ingested toxic materials? Other than boosting the dog’s immunity, oranges flush out toxic substances such as propylene glycol, onion powder among other oxidative toxins from its body.
3. Healthy Snack
Oranges are full of potassium and fiber while also being very low in sodium, making them a healthy snack especially when taken in small quantities.
Also Read: Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomach – Guide of Healthy Foods
Why Moderation is Essential When It Comes to Oranges
Although oranges are a good source of vitamins, they may have some health hazards to your pet when consumed in excess.
1. Additional Calories
Oranges contain natural sugars which are basically additional calories. It can have a negative effect on obese dogs.
2. Digestive Issues
Are you aware that oranges do cause upset stomach and diarrhea in dogs? Although the outer rind of an orange contains large amounts of vitamin C, additional vitamins and minerals, you must keep it away from your dog. They are difficult for the dog’s digestive system to break down and could cause gastrointestinal issues.
3. Diabetic Dogs
For diabetic dogs orange as a treat is a no-no. It can affect their blood sugar values due to the high levels of natural sugar. If your dog is diabetic, then you should be careful to not give it treats that have high amounts of sugar, including oranges and such sweet fruits.
Also Read: Best Dog Food for Allergies – Most Popular on the Market
What’s the Way Forward?
To avoid the health dangers associated with excessive consumption of oranges; start by giving your dog a small segment of orange minus the peel and seed. See how they react to it. If you notice your dog exhibiting signs of discomfort, do not give him this fruit.
Make sure you are not giving your dog so much orange that it disrupts their health and nutrition. For most dogs, one to three sections of an orange is sufficient. Giving them any more might lead to trouble. You can consult your vet to learn what’s the safe amount of orange you can feed your precious fur baby.
Are you aware that dogs produce vitamin C on their own? Dogs on balanced diet do not require vitamins or mineral supplementation from fruits. However, if you want to get some grateful kisses in return, you can give your pet oranges in moderation.
Other Foods
Other than oranges, what other foods can your furry friend feed one? There is a long list of some of the best tasting dog food that your pooch can feed on. They include Kitchen Embark, Merrick Classic Beef and Barley and Carrot among others. These foods are not only good tasting but also a rich source of nutrients. In addition, they can help fatten up a dog only after being examined by a vet and verifying that it’s not infected by worms and other related diseases.
What Foods Should Be Avoided?
What foods should you avoid giving to your friends? Can dogs eat pork? Pork is actually a good meal for dogs. However, since dogs are prone to being allergic to this meat, always ensure that it is well cooked before giving it to your pet. Foods that you should avoid giving your pooch include avocado, baby food, alcohol, and apple seeds among others.
Conclusion
Are oranges good for dogs? We can answer this question confidently now. Ensure that you stay in track with your friend’s health and well-being. His happiness and health begins with you. Get it right from the start. It’s worth it in the end!
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