Can Dogs Have Citrus? Is It The 'Zest' Treat You Can Give Them?

Citrus is a class of fruits that belongs to the Rutaceae family.

From tangerines to clementines, there is a wide variety of citrus fruits. There are over 100 varieties of citrus fruits in the world.

Dogs are primarily carnivores, but they can have fruits and vegetables from time to time. Not all the fruits we eat are suitable for dogs. While some have a positive impact on your pet dog's health, others might cause an upset stomach or other digestive issues.

Dogs love to have a good time just as much as we do. They love to play, run around and explore their surroundings. And like us, they also enjoy a tasty treat now and then.

Most dogs are not a fan of any citrus fruit. In fact, some might even go to the extent of running away from you if they get a whiff of any citrus fruit. So can dogs have citrus? The answer is yes, in moderation! Citrus fruits are a great source of nutrients for dogs and offer many health benefits.

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of citrus fruits for dogs and provide some tips on how to give them their ‘zest’ fix!

Can dogs of all sizes and breeds eat oranges?

This citrus fruit is a fruit rich in vitamin C, so it is safe for dogs of all breeds and sizes to eat oranges.

How many oranges can dogs eat? The size and breed of your dog influence its ability to have and digest an orange.

For instance, your dog will be able to have one or two small slices of orange with no problem if it is a smaller breed.

If your dog is a larger breed, it can even tolerate a whole small orange. You can feed two or three segments of the fruit to dog breeds like German shepherds, but if you do the same with a breed like Pomeranian, it will immediately have an upset stomach.

Dogs can eat orange peels. However, it is important to make sure that the orange peel is washed properly being given to your dog. Orange peels can be a wonderful source of fiber for dogs. However, orange peels can often block gastrointestinal tracts and may sometimes lead to serious conditions in dogs.

When feeding your dog oranges, remove the pith and seeds. Orange seeds are toxic to dogs as they contain cyanide and can also present a choking hazard.

Can puppies have other types of citrus?

Puppies can have citrus as a snack or as treat occasionally.

Oranges are not the only option. We mentioned a wide variety of citrus fruits exist.

Since all citrus fruits are safe for dogs and puppies when given in small quantities, feel free to feed any type of citrus to your pet dog. Lemons, limes, clementines, tangerines, and grapefruits are some of the nutrient-rich citrus fruits that your pet dog can eat.

Since citrus fruits are rich in fiber, they can keep your pet dog's stomach full for a while. However, it is best to avoid grapefruit as it contains a large amount of acid.

Can citrus kill dogs?

No, citrus fruits can't kill dogs. However, they can cause some adverse reactions in dogs.

Can citrus fruits make dogs sick? The answer to this question is a little more complicated. While citrus fruits generally aren't toxic to dogs, they can make them sick in some cases.

Dogs have a sensitive digestive system. They cannot process all the foods that we do easily. For example, grapefruit can cause digestive issues in dogs.

Lemon juice and orange juice can be high in sugar (though lemons have less sugar) and calories, which can lead to weight gain if your dog eats too many of them. Citrus fruits can cause gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea and vomiting in dogs.

They can also cause skin irritation if your dog licks or eats the fruit peel; the peel of the orange contains most of the oils. How citrus fruits affect your dog's health depends on the number of citrus fruits you let them eat. Moderation is key.

The fleshy part of the fruit is safe for dogs when given in moderation. Citrus foods should not be fed regularly. Many citrus fruits are sweeter, like two varieties of mandarins: tangerines and clementines.

Diabetic and overweight canines should avoid citrus, as it can lead to excess calories. Citrus fruits contain a compound called psoralen.

Psoralen can cause photosensitivity in dogs. This means that the dog's skin will be very sensitive to light. The dog may develop a rash or blisters if it is exposed to too much sun or artificial light.

Benefits Of Citrus For Dogs

Citrus fruits are packed with nutrients and are not only beneficial for humans but also for dogs. They can be a healthy snack for your dogs. Here are some of the health benefits of feeding citrus fruits to dogs.

As we all know, citrus fruits are full of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant. It helps to get rid of the free radicals that damage cells. Vitamin C also boosts your dog's immune system. It reduces inflammation and fights against cancer in dogs. Interestingly, dogs are capable enough of producing their own vitamin C.

Citrus fruits also have a good amount of potassium. Potassium is an essential nutrient in ensuring the proper functioning of kidneys in dogs. It regulates kidney function, muscle function, and heart function.

Unlike meat, citrus fruits have manganese, which is essential to maintain healthy bones in dogs. It helps in metabolizing protein and carbohydrates to synthesize fatty acids. Fatty acids help to keep your dog's energy at an optimal level.

Citrus fruits are sweet and sour. They have a moderate sugar content and help balance your dog's blood sugar level. It is advisable to not give oranges to dogs who are diabetic, even though the sugar is natural.

Citrus fruits also have high water content.

Alternatives To Citrus

If you are concerned about your dog having gastrointestinal problems from eating citrus fruits, there are a few alternatives you can try.

You can give your pet dog apple slices, watermelon slices, strawberries, or blueberries. Bananas are a great low-calorie alternative to citrus fruits.

Bell peppers and cooked or baked potatoes also have antioxidants and vitamin C. These foods contain natural sugars and antioxidants that can be beneficial for dogs and can be considered as healthy as citrus fruits.

Alternatively, you can also give your dog a vitamin C supplement to ensure they are getting the nutrients they need. Fruits should only be part of occasional treats that makes up 10% of your dog's diet.

Another interesting fact is that 100 g of orange juice contains 0.0017 oz (50 mg) of vitamin C, 0.29 oz (8.3 g) of sugar, and 0.007 oz (0.2 g) of fiber.