Can dogs eat mandarin oranges? The short answer is yes. Your pup can enjoy a slice or two of mandarin, should you feel like sharing. However, like most human foods and fruit, feeding your dog mandarins comes with its pros and cons.
Every dog is different, and this fruit may or may not agree with your dog’s digestive system. This is why it’s important to always talk to your dog’s veterinarian before trying new foods with your pooch. If you get the go-ahead from your vet, then you can certainly try feeding mandarin to your pup and see how they like it.
What are mandarins?
The mandarin is a citrus fruit that’s part of the orange family. These are seasonal fruit that is smaller and sweeter than oranges. Your pooch may be more inclined to eat this citrus food more so than oranges because the taste is slightly different. Also, the skin is thinner and easier to peel than oranges, so it will be easier for you to share with your doggo, as well.
How is mandarin good for dogs?
Mandarins have plenty of health benefits for dogs as it does for humans. For example, this citrus fruit contains vitamin A, vitamin C, water content for hydration, and minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, and zinc.
Your dog won’t necessarily need to eat mandarins to get these nutrients, though. Their commercial dog food should make up about 90% of their diet, and all of these nutrients are already in that dog food. However, giving your pooch a mandarin slice here and there won’t hurt them. It will just give them a little nutritious boost. So can dogs eat mandarin? Yes.
How is mandarin bad for dogs?
Even though one or two small slices in moderation will be okay for your pup, there are a few reasons why you might not want to share this tangy snack with your furry friend. One reason is the sugar content. Mandarins are high in sugar which can lead to tooth decay, diabetes, and obesity. If your dog is already overweight or has diabetes, then this is definitely one fruit you’ll want to avoid adding to your dog’s diet.
Mandarins also contain seeds, which are not safe for your dog to ingest. Not only are they difficult to digest, but the seeds contain cyanide. This is a poison that dogs should not consume. They will get sick. Similarly, the peel is not safe for your dog, either. It’s sour and may cause your dog to have an upset stomach if they can successfully swallow it. So yes, the peel, if not chewed well, can get lodged in your dog’s throat and become a choking hazard.
Pesticides may also be on the peel, which can cause your dog to get sick. Symptoms of pesticide poisoning may include diarrhea, confusion, excessive drinking, tremors, rashes, and more. In addition to all of this, mandarins might cause an upset stomach for your pooch. The citric acid from the mandarin may be difficult for your dog’s digestive system to break down, causing them to feel under the weather.
How to safely feed your dog mandarin
If you’re looking to share this fruit with your dog, then it’s best to start slow. Once you get the go-ahead from your vet, you can give your pup a slice and see how they react. If they like and want more, you can share a second slice, but then wait. Monitor your doggo for a few days and ensure the mandarin agrees with their system. If it does, then you’re welcome to toss them a slice here and there. Alternatively, you can add a slice or two as a food topper for some extra flavor on their dog food.
If you’re looking for a creative way to share mandarin oranges with your doggo, then you can certainly try this homemade recipe: Pineapple Mandarin Cupcake Dog Treats Recipe.
Should you feed your dog mandarins?
So, can dogs eat mandarins? Yes, they can, in moderation. Should you feed your dog mandarins? That is completely up to you and your dog’s veterinarian. Mandarins have plenty of health benefits, as long as they’re given to your dog in small quantities. Of course, you’ll always want to watch your dog make sure they don’t eat more of the fruit than they should. Keep an eye on them to know that the fruit agrees with their system.
Since 10% of your dog’s diet should consist of treats and other food, it’s not recommended to share a couple of slices of mandarin with your dog every day. Instead, this should only be a treat once in a while. Your pup will surely enjoy it, especially on a hot summer day.
Similar reading: what other citrus fruits dogs can and can’t eat
Can dogs eat mandarin? Yes.
