Can Dogs Eat Tangerines

Can Dogs Eat Tangerines

Author WDF Staff

07.08.2021.


Dogs are highly motivated by food. They don’t really care what type of food you offer them; they will probably want to at least try a bit of it. Luckily, dogs can eat many kinds of fruit, so if you are interested in sharing some with them, picking tangerines is probably not a bad idea. This delicious summer fruit is packed with healthy nutrients, sweet, and refreshing. If you ever wondered, “Can dogs eat tangerines?” here is what you should know.

Are tangerines safe for dogs?

The shortest possible answer to the question “Are tangerines safe for dogs?” would be - Yes. However, there are a few things you should know before you decide to feed some to your dog. Like with any other non-essential food for dogs, the key thing is portion control.

tangerine closeup

Too many tangerines can cause digestive issues. However, if you feed your dog the recommended amount of tangerines, you should be fairly safe, and your dog will enjoy all the benefits tangerines can offer them.

Are tangerines good for dogs?

We feel like this cannot be stressed enough - if fed in limited amounts, tangerines can be very beneficial to dogs. They are absolutely packed with healthy nutrients, but too many can become problematic. Tangerines have a high sugar content, which can cause gastrointestinal issues. Some of the best nutrients in tangerines are;

  • Vitamin C - Vitamin C is an essential vitamin for the overall well-being of humans and dogs. It is excellent for the immune system and the growth, repair, and development of all body tissue.
  • Folate - Folate, or vitamin B-9, is essential for many body functions. It plays a crucial role in the development of red blood cells and overall healthy cell growth.
  • Potassium - Potassium is an essential mineral all dogs need. It helps control fluid balance, nerve signals, and muscle contractions.
  • Beta-carotene - In the dog’s body, beta-carotene converts to vitamin A, which is crucial for proper vision, immune, and reproductive systems.

Are tangerines better than oranges?

Tangerine and oranges are “related.” They share many similarities and nutrients. If you already know how to safely give oranges to your dog, you will have no problem safely giving tangerines to your dog. Unfortunately, tangerines cannot be so easily compared to oranges. They are not better nor worse. They are similar, and the way your dog reacts to them will determine which fruit is better for your dog individually.

tangerine zoomed

How many tangerines can my dog eat?

Keep in mind that tangerines are not essential for a healthy canine diet. Your dog doesn’t need them. If you provide your dog with high-quality dog food, they get all the necessary nutrients from that. Think of tangerines as healthy treats you shouldn’t give your dog too often.

The exact number of or amount of this fruit your dog can safely eat will depend on the dog’s health, size, and age. Puppies should generally avoid eating fruit because they will most likely end up with an upset stomach. If you have a healthy adult dog, you can safely share a couple of pieces of tangerine with them. Make sure you don’t feed your dog too many pieces because the sugar in tangerines can cause an upset stomach.

How to safely give tangerines to dogs?

One great thing about tangerines is that they are naturally seedless. Seeds are usually a part of the fruit that should not be given to dogs, so there is no need to worry about that. To safely give your dog tangerines, you should remove the skin and the white pith of the fruit. You don’t necessarily have to peel the thin skin of every single piece, but it will help prevent your dog from getting an upset stomach.

Can tangerines be bad for dogs?

Too much of a good thing can be bad for dogs. The key thing about feeding tangerines to your dog is portion control. Allergies are uncommon, but they can happen. Make sure you feed only a tiny bite to your dog the first time they are trying this fruit. Keep a close eye on them for the next 24 hours, and make sure they don’t get any bad reactions.

tangerines

If your dog grabs ahold of many tangerines while you are not looking, they will most likely end up with diarrhea and start vomiting. If they eat the peel, they might end up constipated. It would be best to keep fruits and veggies outside of your dog’s reach.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Before you decide to introduce something new to your dog’s diet, you should talk to your vet and make sure they give you the green light.

In conclusion

Tangerines are delicious, healthy, and refreshing. They can offer our dogs and us some health benefits, but the critical thing is to control the amount. Don’t allow your dog to eat as much as they want. If that happens, they will most likely experience digestive issues.

World Dog Finder team

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