Yes, dogs can eat clementines in moderation. Clementine is a hybrid of mandarin oranges and sweet oranges. Clementines are packed with Vitamin C and essential nutrients. Naturally, dogs will want to eat everything. However, keep a check on your dog’s consumption.
Table of Contents
What Are Clementines?
Clementine is a citrus fruit, first cultivated in Algeria by Clement Rodier. Clementines are considered to have less acid than oranges. The Clementine plant does not grow in extreme weather conditions. It is because this plant needs more secondary heat to develop. Apart from Algeria, many believe that it was also cultivated in China. There are three types of clementines:
Seedless: These clementines do not have seeds and are now majorly grown in North Africa.
Monreal: These also grow in North Africa. The Monreal clementines grow through self-pollination.
Sweetclems: These are comparatively smaller than the other types of clementines.
Are Clementines Safe For Dogs?
Yes, clementines are safe for dogs in moderation. However, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as:
Seeds: Seeds of any fruits and vegetables are strictly prohibited for dogs to consume. They have cyanide and can cause choking hazards.
Peel: Clementine peels are hard to digest. They may lodge into the esophagus and irritate your dog’s stomach.
Pith: The white pith of the clementines are not preferable for dogs to consume due to the fibrous amount. And it may also irritate the throat.
Why Are Clementines Good For Dogs?
Clementines are good for dogs due to the presence of many essential nutrients. Let us look into the nutrients clementines can help a dog:
Vitamin C: Clementines are packed with Vitamin C. It acts as an antioxidant, which helps keep the immune system healthy.
Potassium: Potassium is an electrolyte essential for your dog’s health. It helps electrical charges in the heart and the proper functioning of nerves and muscles. If your dog lacks this vital mineral, you may notice that they are constantly fatigued, abnormal, or have no desire to eat.
Folate: Folate ensures fast cell development during puppyhood, adulthood, and pregnancy, regulates homocysteine levels in the blood and employs amino acids to construct new proteins. Vitamin B9 or folate has a role in regular blood production, immunological function, cell division, and tissue development.
Choline: This will aid in the healthy development of your dog’s brain and protect the liver from diseases such as hepatic lipidosis. Choline also aids hydration in your dog by decreasing water loss via skin.
Manganese: Manganese is required to produce energy, metabolize protein and carbs, and form fatty acids in dogs. Manganese is a component of many enzymes and aids in the health and preservation of bone and cartilage in joints.
Fiber: Fiber is an excellent source of nutrients for a dog’s digestive system. The healthy bacteria usually found in your dog’s colon digest fiber into fatty acids. This fatty acid then aids in the recovery of the colon by preventing the expansion of any harmful bacteria.
Why Are Clementines Bad For Dogs?
Although clementines provide essential vitamins and minerals to dogs, they also have their share of downsides. Let us see how clementines affect dogs:
Fiber: Clementines have a high amount of fiber. Excessive fiber consumption can lead to:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Stomach pain
Abdominal issues
Nausea
Natural sugar: Clementines have excessive sugar in them. The amount of sugar present is harmful to dog consumption. The consequences of sugar consumption are:
Diabetes
Obesity
Weight gain
Cardiovascular issues
Joint issues
Hyperactivity
Restlessness
Lethargy
How Many Clementines To Feed My Dog?
Moderation is the key! You must not feed your dog clementines often. One or two segments of clementines for a large dog are okay once a week. Also, before introducing clementines to dogs, consult your vet.
What If My Dog Ate Clementines?
If your dog ate excessive clementines accidentally, look out for the symptoms like:
Diarrhea
Nausea
Hyperactivity
Restlessness
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Stomach issues
Take your dog to the vet to resolve the issue. Follow as per the vet prescribes.
Remember, these effects will only appear if your dog consumes clementine peel, seeds, or pith. If your dog has consumed just the segments without the fibrous part, your dog will not show symptoms, but you can provide water to ease his discomfort.
Frequently Asked Question
Can puppies eat clementine?
No, puppies should not eat any human food until they grow up to be an adult. Their stomachs are more vulnerable than adult dogs. Therefore, if they consume clementines, they may face severe issues.
Yes, dogs can eat oranges in moderation. This is because they are packed with Vitamin C and other minerals essential.
Can dogs eat orange peels and seeds?
No, dogs cannot eat orange peels and seeds. This is because they contain oils and cyanide, which are toxic for dogs.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, dogs can eat clementine in moderation, without the peels, seeds, and the pith. They are rich in vitamin C, fiber, potassium, manganese, folate, choline, and antioxidants. Clementine can be a good summer treat if fed after consulting the vet. Ensure a healthy and happy life for your dog.
