Can Dogs Eat Oranges? Peel, Seeds and Segments

The ASPCA notes that the stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of citrus contain citric acid and essential oils that can cause irritation and possibly depression of the nervous system in significant amounts. Eating the fruit itself usually leads to only a minor stomach upset. The guidance is therefore to keep amounts small.

Peel the orange, remove seeds and white pith, and offer one segment. Watch for stomach upset. If your dog dislikes it, do not push it.

• Peel completely.
• Remove seeds.
• Offer one segment.
• Skip if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

Peels are tough and contain oils that can irritate. Orange juice is mostly sugar and acid, so water is better. Marmalade and orange candy contain sugar, and some contain xylitol. Skip them.

Avoid oranges if your dog has diabetes, kidney problems, or a sensitive stomach, unless your vet agrees. This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Dogs differ by size, age and health, so ask your veterinarian if your dog has a medical condition, is a puppy, or is on a special diet. Extras like this should stay a small part of the day's food. A common vet guideline is that treats and extras make up no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.

Many dogs find the smell of citrus unpleasant, which is why some owners use it to keep them away from certain objects. If your dog turns away, do not force it. Those that like the taste may enjoy one segment, but there is no nutritional need to feed oranges.

The peel and white pith are bitter and contain oils that can irritate the stomach. The ASPCA lists stems, leaves, peels and seeds as parts of citrus that contain irritating compounds. Juice is sugary and acidic, so it is not recommended. If your dog eats a lot of peel, watch for vomiting or diarrhea and call your vet if it persists.

Lemons, limes and grapefruit are more sour, and the ASPCA's warning about citrus oils applies to them too. Clementines and tangerines are milder, and the same preparation rules apply: remove peel, seeds and pith, and give one segment at most. Citrus plants in the garden should be kept out of reach.

One segment is plenty for most dogs, and a toy dog may do better with half. Citrus is acidic and sugary, and the ASPCA notes that the fruit usually causes only a minor stomach upset in dogs. Start small and watch.

Offer it peeled, with seeds and pith removed.

Common mistakes include giving the peel, offering orange juice, and sharing orange desserts or marmalade. Another mistake is assuming all citrus is the same: lemons, limes and grapefruit are more sour and the ASPCA's warning about essential oils applies.

If your dog eats a lot of peel, watch for vomiting and diarrhea.

Puppies and dogs with sensitive stomachs may react to acidic fruit. Dogs with diabetes should avoid sugary fruit unless a vet advises. Dogs with kidney or digestive problems should have only vet-approved foods.

If your dog has a condition, ask your vet whether oranges are suitable.

Oranges, clementines, tangerines, lemons, limes and grapefruit are all citrus. The ASPCA notes that parts of citrus plants contain citric acid and essential oils that can irritate. The fruit itself usually causes only a minor stomach upset, but sour fruits are less pleasant.

Sweet citrus, such as a segment of clementine, is the easiest to share, and sour citrus is better avoided. Always remove peel, seeds and pith. Keep citrus plants, peels and essential oils out of reach, since oils are concentrated.