When your dog sits and looks into your eyes longingly, and at this time you enjoy the sweet citrus fruits, your hand reaches out to caress your pet and give him a fragrant slice. But, is it safe for dogs to eat Orange?
What are the benefits of eating an orange
It is impossible to overestimate the benefits of an orange – it is the most useful product for vitamin deficiency, since it contains high concentrations of vitamins C (ascorbic acid), groups B, as well as A, E. Vitamin C helps to strengthen the body’s immune system, protect it from bacteria and viruses. It participates in the processes of hematopoiesis, the synthesis of certain proteins in the body, normalizes metabolic processes, and accelerates the removal of toxins from the body.
Ascorbic acid protects the body from the negative effects of stress factors. In addition, it was found that vitamin C slows down the aging process in the body and inhibits the development of cancer cells, therefore, its intake is recommended as a prophylaxis for cancer.
100 oranges contain 58.2 mg of vitamin C, while the daily requirement is approximately 90 mg. But besides ascorbic acid, orange fruits contain other useful substances:
- fiber and pectin – they are necessary for the normal functioning of the digestive system. Enveloping the intestinal mucosa, they improve its peristalsis, “feed” the beneficial microflora;
- phytoncides – have an antibacterial effect on the body;
- essential oils – have a relaxing, sedative effect;
- anthocyanins – protect body cells from oxidative processes;
- flavonoids – reduce the fragility of blood vessels, reduce the risk of cardiovascular pathologies, inhibit blood coagulation.
For humans, the aroma of citrus fruits is one of the most attractive, it ranks third after chocolate and vanilla. But there is a high possibility that the citrus smell may repel the dog.
Can a dog eat an Orange?
Veterinarians do not include an orange in the list of foods prohibited for dogs. It is possible to give an orange to a dog, but only by observing certain rules.
Orange is a vitamin rick fruit that will undoubtedly have a beneficial effect for the dog. The dog’s body independently produces vitamin C, but in case of illness, stress and other negative factors, additional nutrition will not harm. Oranges stimulate the immune system of the animal, in addition, they contain minerals – potassium, iron, as well as fiber, which the animal’s body needs.
Can Orange harm Dog?
Orange is good for dogs in small quantity. But, Orange contains natural sugars, which must be taken into account when feeding a pet – the frequent presence of citrus in the diet can cause a jump in blood sugar levels, so the fruits are prohibited for dogs with diabetes.
How much Orange can be fed to a dog:
Animals living in the wild get the nutrients and vitamins necessary for the body from plants and berries. Considering that there are no products in the natural environment that are analogous to oranges and tangerines, as well as other exotic fruits, experts do not recommend feeding them to pets.
Oranges and tangerines are a treat for pets and shouldn’t be a big part of the diet. The dog gets most of the vitamins, minerals and other substances necessary for the body from foods that form the basis of the diet. These are meat, grains and vegetables.
You should not include oranges in your pet’s daily menu, and to reward your pet, the amount of treats (in terms of calories) should not exceed 10% of the total daily calorie intake. And we are talking not only about oranges, of which a dog should not eat more than 1-3 slices per day.
But first, you can give only one or even half of the slice, previously peeled, films and seeds. You can only give the pulp, if the dog eats – you need to observe the reaction of the body. Still, oranges and other citrus fruits are considered to be among the most allergenic foods.
Note: In fact, most dogs dislike citrus fruits because of their bitter-sour taste. The dog does not ask – and it is not worth giving, even offering. He must receive all the necessary substances from a properly composed diet. Moreover, vitamin C is produced by the dog’s body on its own.
What is the danger
The restriction on citrus consumption in dogs may be due to several factors.
First of all, due to the fact that the acid, which is contained in oranges in large quantities, can provoke vomiting or diarrhea in the animal.
Secondly, and this is important, since it is this factor that can lead to negative consequences for the pet’s body, all fruits imported from other countries undergo special processing. This allows you to pick them unripe – they ripen on the road, and processing allows you to preserve the freshness and taste of the product.
For this purpose, the following are used:
- diphenyl is a water-insoluble crystalline substance that is mixed with organic solvents to produce a solution, resulting in a toxic composition. Although sanitary safety regulations require that only the outer part (peel) of the fruit be processed, there is a risk that toxic substances can get inside;
- gases, fungicides, methyl bromide – these substances are also used to prevent rotting of fruits during transportation. All of them are also toxic and, if the rules of transportation and storage are violated, they can enter the body. The longer exotic fruits are brought to us and the longer they are stored in warehouses, the more dangerous they become to health.
Of course, the body of a healthy dog is quite capable of coping with toxins, but is it worth subjecting the pet’s health to such tests?
Note: Veterinarians do not recommend overfeeding pets with exotic fruits – local fruits and berries are much healthier and safer, and even better – grown in their own subsidiary farm.
Can Dog drink Orange Juice
Not worth it, Natural orange juice is a more concentrated source of sugars and acids, in particular citric acid, and this is not good for the body.
There is one more limitation, if you nevertheless decide to indulge your pet sometimes with citrus fruit slices. Dogs should not be given the peel (the reason is the presence of toxic substances in it, which was mentioned above), seeds and internal partitions of the fetus. They are capable of causing blockage in the intestines, which will lead to obstruction and a threat to life.
Can Dogs eat Orange Peels?
No, Orange Peels are not safe for the dogs to eat. The orange peels can get stuck in dog’s digestive tranck and it may need a surgery for removal of the peel. So do not feed Orange peels to a dog.
Can Dogs eat Mandarin?
Yes, Mandarins are safe for dogs to eat.
