Can dogs or cats eat oranges?
:quality(75))
Can dogs eat oranges?
Humans tend to love the delicious citrus taste of oranges, but can dogs eat them? The good news is it's generally safe to feed oranges to your canine friend, but only in moderation. Oranges contain various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, fibre, thiamine, potassium and calcium. These nutrients can offer numerous health benefits when your pup eats oranges in the right quantities.
Also, you should always be sure that your dog only eats the fleshy part of the fruit, not any seeds or rind. Orange rind contains essential oils, which are not so essential to your pup; in fact, they can be harmful to the canine digestive system. Seeds, meanwhile, may cause intestinal blockages or pose choking hazards.
Like other citrus fruits, oranges have a substantial sugar content and are highly acidic. As a result, they may cause stomach problems like diarrhoea or vomiting if your dog eats too much. It's crucial to feed your dog oranges in small to moderate quantities.
As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first! Your vet can help you determine the right amount of oranges to feed your pup based on their size and weight. If your cat eats oranges (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, dog insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
:quality(75))
:quality(75))
Can cats eat oranges?
It's sadly unsafe for cats to nosh on oranges or any other citrus fruits. Oranges contain compounds such as limonene and linalool, which are toxic for cats. (Dogs can handle such fruits in moderation, much to their delight.)
And it's not just the fruit you need to be concerned about: The peel and leaves of oranges contain compounds called psoralens, which also pose risks. When eaten in significant quantities, psoralens can cause depression of the central nervous system, leading to an array of problems such as drooling, weakness, or even collapse in severe cases.
Oranges are also high in sugar, which can contribute to obesity and diabetes if your cat eats fruit in high enough quantities. On top of all that, cats need to derive most of their nutrients from meat, and they can't taste sweetness the way that humans and dogs can – so even if they could eat oranges, they might not get all that much pleasure out of the experience.
As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first! If your cat eats oranges, reach out to your veterinarian immediately, especially if they're showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, cat insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.
Can cats eat...
See more:quality(75))
:quality(75))
Information purposes only
The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
Pet poison emergency protocol
If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).
Food safety statuses
Could be given almost daily without harm
Not toxic, but should not be given regularly
Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet