Can Dogs Eat Clementines
If you have a furry friend who has a sweet tooth, you may have wondered if you can feed them clementine as a treat. Since oranges are safe for dogs and clementine is a type of orange, most vets agree that it is also safe.
In this article, you will learn more about clementine and the nutritional benefits it can offer your dog.
Benefits of Clementines
Like most citrus fruits, clementine is rich in vitamin C and potassium. It is also full of other essential vitamins and nutrients that make it a great addition to your canine’s diet.
Below are the nutrients and benefits that your furry friend will derive from the fruit.
Manganese
The mineral helps in the development and strengthening of bones in your dog. It is also responsible for producing fatty acids through the digestion of carbs and protein to increase a dog’s energy level.
Potassium
In many countries, dogs eat mandarins to supplement their low potassium levels; clementine also has a generous amount of the mineral. The mineral assists with muscular function and keeping a healthy and functioning kidney.
Vitamin C
Clementine also contains this mineral in abundance. It helps boost your furry friend’s immunity by decreasing inflammation and cognitive aging.
Related: Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can’t Eat
Do Dogs Like Clementine?
Canines have more sensitive buds compared to humans. Clementine’s sweet taste makes them more appealing to them. If your dog does not like eating the fruit, there is no need to force it into their diet. Other than the clementine, your dog can eat tangerines to get the same benefits as they have a sweet taste.
How to Prepare a Clementine
It is not suitable for dogs to eat orange peels, and that is the case with clementine too. You can prepare clementine by peeling it off and removing the white piths. Once peeled, split the fruit into bite-sized pieces. Though there are varieties that do not have seeds, you should check to prevent a choking hazard to your dog.
If you are offering clementine to your dog for the first time, you will need to start small. Large amounts may lead to stomach upset. Moderation is essential when introducing something new to a dog’s diet and the fruit should be treated as an occasional treat.
Related: Best Dog Treats: 20 Excellent Products
When is Clementine Harmful to a Dog
Some dogs might be suffering from issues such as diabetes or pancreatitis, so it will not be a good idea to feed them clementine. The sugar content in the fruit might worsen their health condition.
The acidic level of a clementine may also affect your pup’s digestive tract. Nonetheless, the experience may not be as severe as that of eating lime or lemons.
Conclusion
The sweet citrus fruit is not toxic to your dog but rather adds nutritional value to your dog’s diet. You should, however, be cautious when giving clementine to a diabetic or overweight dog as it contains high sugar levels.