Yes, dogs can drink orange juice. You can give orange juice to your dogs but ensure to keep it to just a few sips. According to veterinarians, orange juice is high in nutrients but also contains large amounts of natural sugars, which are harmful to dogs. Some orange juice brands add more sugar to make the juice sweeter, which makes it harmful to dogs. If you feed your dog orange juice, always remember to examine the ingredients to ensure no additional sugar.
Table of Contents
Is Orange Juice Good For Dogs?
Orange juice is packed with nutrients and vitamins but its high level of acidity and large quantity of sugar makes it bad for dogs. Orange Juice is low in sodium and has essential nutrients, making it a healthy treat for dogs but in moderation. The Vitamin C in orange juice helps improve the immune system of dogs. Orange juice includes:
Calories
Protein
Carbohydrates
Vitamin C
Folate
Potassium
Magnesium
Side Effects of Orange Juice on Dogs
Consuming large quantities of orange juice can result in negative side effects given the high acidity and large amounts of sugar.
The high sugar content will lead to:
Loss of enamel on your dog’s teeth.
Diabetes
Obesity
The acid present will lead to:
Acidic stool
Gastrointestinal problems
Vomiting
Diarrhea
How Much Orange Juice Should I Feed My Dog?
You can feed your dog a few sips of orange juice at a time. It is not unsafe to give your dog a little amount of orange juice many times a week if needed. Oranges include natural sugars which are fine for dogs to consume in moderation. However some companies add more sugar to make the drink sweeter but such added sugar is bad for dogs. If you feed orange juice to your dogs, always remember to examine the amount of sugar present in the canned drink.
While serving new foods to your dog for the first time, including orange juice, be sure to give only small quantities to begin. Observe your dog’s response to the new food or drink. If this causes diarrhea or an upset stomach, it’s best to avoid that particular treat.
Healthy Alternatives to Oranges
Baby carrots, pears, bananas, strawberries, apples, sweet potatoes, watermelon, blueberries, asparagus, broccoli florets, and brussels sprouts are all great alternatives to oranges.
Can Puppies Eat Oranges?
Puppies can eat oranges, but they can cause gastrointestinal issues particularly in adult dogs. Hence, it is advised to feed your puppy a minimal quantity of orange.
Which Part of the Orange Should Be Avoided by Dogs?
The orange peel and seeds should be strictly excluded before serving orange slices to your dog. The peel is hard to digest and will lead to intestinal difficulty. The peel oils can also cause severe GI upset, leading to dehydration, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Can Dogs Eat Mandarins, Clementine, and Tangerines?
Dogs can eat Mandarins, Clementine, and Tangerines. They can have all varieties of oranges, as long as you peel them first and be aware of the quantity you’re giving him.
Can Dogs Have Other Types of Citruses?
The plump of citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and grapefruits are nutritious for dogs. Most dogs do not like these fruits as they are bitter and acidic.
Final Thoughts
Oranges are a prime source of potassium, vitamin C, and fiber; only in moderation, the juicy flesh of an orange can be a delicious treat for your dog. Vets advise tossing the peel and only serve your dog the orange flesh without any seeds. If your dogs like orange juice and does not seem to undergo any adverse consequences on drinking, it is safe to give them as a treat in moderation (a few sips at a time).
