Oranges and Your Dog

Dog lovers understand that when we love something, we want to share it with our pooches. This is especially true when it comes to the foods we eat: the joy we feel when we give our canine fur babies a healthy snack makes treating them just as much of a treat for us. Most dog owners are aware that there are some human foods that should never be given to their pups: grapes, raisins chocolate, onions, garlic, avocados, macadamia nuts, and xylitol top this list. But what about oranges and grapefruits? 

 A Little, Not a Lot

While the flesh of oranges isn't toxic, too much at once can give your dog considerable gastrointestinal issues due to the high fiber and citric acid content it contains. That same high fiber, as well as the Vitamin C from citric acid, is also what makes very small amounts of orange or grapefruit pieces a healthy treat in moderation. The Vitamin C can help boost your pup's immune system, and limited amounts of fiber can aid in digestion just as it does for us humans. Oranges and all other fruits that are considered dog-safe such as bananas and blueberries are also high in natural sugars. So, if your dog is diabetic or sensitive to sugar, then you will want to be especially stingy in sharing any fruit with them or simply refrain altogether. 

Make sure to check with your veterinarian before introducing citrus treats to your pup's diet. If you are given the green light, stick to oranges or tangerines only. Do not feed your dog grapefruits, lemons, or limes. Start with a very small piece to see if your dog likes it and to ensure that there are no digestive issues or skin irritation. If all is well, stick to tiny bits every once in a while, as a rare and special tasty treat. You can put a little piece into their regular food or kibble, freeze tiny pieces for a cold treat on a hot day, or mix a small piece or two into a doggie smoothie.

The Peel Has No Appeal

By comparison, the peels, rinds, and seeds of any citrus fruit are toxic to dogs due to high limonene content (the same flavonoid that makes citrus zest equally bitter to and healthy for humans) as well as a compound called psoralen. Likewise, fruits that have mold on their rinds contain mycotoxins which can cause a whole host of health complications, so make certain that any pieces of flesh you give them are seed-free with any rind or peel pared completely out. If you have citrus trees in your yard or home, make sure to pick up any dropped fruits, and especially those that have mold.  Rinds are also concentrated with essential oils that are poisonous to dogs, so if you have a dog that likes to explore everything with their mouth, make sure to get fruits out of their reach.

Likewise, dogs should never be served orange juice, as it is way too concentrated for safe consumption. We humans may turn to orange juice when we have the sniffles to stave off a more serious illness, but if your pup is under the weather, your vet is your best bet. For your pup's hydration, stick to water.

Make Fleas Flee

The essential oils found in citrus, while not meant to be ingested, can work wonders around the house for flea control--with the added bonus of aromatherapy!  Just take those carefully pared peels and put them in a saucepan of water. Bring the water to a boil, turn it down, and simmer for one to two hours. This simple heat-derived chemical process leaches out the essential oils while making your home smell divine! Let the mixture cool and then blend the peels and water in a blender or food processor. Strain the resulting pulp until you get a fragrant liquid. This is your flea treatment for your home: put your pet in a separate area and treat for fleas with a veterinarian-approved medication. Do not spray your pet with the essential oil mixture!  Instead, spray the essential oil mixture generously on all flea-ridden bedding, carpets, etc. While you're waiting, you can mix some fresh-squeezed orange juice into an oatmeal dog shampoo to help treat for fleas and control itching and then treat your pet with a veterinarian-approved flea and tick medication. Make sure to let the treatments dry completely before allowing your pet to return to the bedding area.

In summary, while oranges and tangerines can and should be a big part of our nutritional palette that we might be tempted to share, it should only be a limited part of your dog's gustatory experience. Put another way, the flesh of oranges and tangerines are unique and healthy treats in moderation. Additionally, the rinds should never be ingested but are great for a DIY flea control hack. Just remember to check with your vet when it comes to all things regarding your pup's nutrition and health.

SOURCES:

The 9 dangerous foods that you should never feed your dog

Can dogs eat oranges? Safety, benefits, and risks explained

Can Dogs Eat Citrus? Safe Fruits for Your Pet

Can Dogs Eat Citrus Fruit? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ – Dogster

Can dogs eat oranges? What an expert says about the fruit, peel

Can Dogs Eat Oranges? Read Before You Feed | Purina

Can Dogs Eat Grapefruit? What To Know - A-Z Animals

How To Make Organic Citrus-Based Flea Spray | Cuteness

6 Natural Ways to Repel Fleas and Ticks - The Animal Keeper

Home Remedies For Dog Fleas To Protect Your Pet | ABC Blog