Can Dogs Eat Orange Peels?
A dog might sometimes find an unpeeled orange and take a bite out of it without your knowledge. If this occurs, you might be worried about what would happen to your furry friend.
Are Orange Peels Safe for Dogs?
No, orange peels can cause severe adverse effects to your canine. It is better to keep unpeeled oranges out of their reach if your dog has a sweet tooth.
The peel is not directly toxic to a dog, and it will likely not poison them when ingested. However, the peel will not be digested when eaten, and your dog might suffer from severe stomach aches.
Other than stomach upset, the peel is a potential choking hazard as it is not easily chewable. Your dog might get the peels stuck in their windpipe or throat, preventing airflow and putting your pet at fatal risk.
How to Prevent a Dog from Eating Orange Peels
Orange peels have a good smell that your dog might like. If you do not properly dispose of the peels, a curious canine can try to eat them. To successfully prevent your dog from eating orange peels, always be cautious about their storage or how you dispose of them.
What if My Dog Eats Orange Peels?
If by any chance you did not dispose of orange peels properly and you suspect your dog has eaten some, you should look out for the following symptoms:
If your dog swallowed orange peels, you should not panic. They can experience diarrhea and vomiting, but it will not last for a long time. If they experience more severe pain and are too restless, you should consult a vet immediately.
Orange Peels Substitutes
If your dog likes the scent of citrus fruits, they will likely enjoy the following safe alternatives:
- Tangerines – They are part of the citrus family and have a sweet taste. Your dog can enjoy tangerine as a treat as much as they love oranges.
- Mandarins – Dogs can eat mandarins as long as they are peeled and cut into bite-sized portions. They are pretty flat and have a slightly different taste from oranges.
- Clementine – It is known to have a sweeter taste compared to oranges. The fruit is also packed with plenty of nutritional benefits. However, its high levels of natural sugars can affect diabetic dogs.
What Citrus Fruits Aren’t Safe For Dogs?
While most citrus fruits contain many nutritional benefits for dogs, not all are safe to eat. Some fruits have a high acid content that will affect your dog’s digestive system.
They include:
- Grapefruit – If you have wondered if it is okay for dogs to eat grapefruits, then the answer is no. Grapefruit has a compound known as psoralen that is toxic to dogs. Thus when enjoying the fruit, please keep it away from your furry friend.
- Lemons – Lemons have essential oils and psoralen but aren’t necessarily deadly. However, feeding lemons to dogs can make them develop gastrointestinal problems.
- Lime – Feeding lime to your dog can make it experience severe stomach upset. Its acid levels are relatively high and outweigh its nutritional benefits.
Related: Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can’t Eat
Conclusion
Dogs should not ingest orange peels. They will probably choke your dog or cause stomach problems as they are indigestible. If your dog is a fan of oranges, you can always learn about other safe citrus fruits.
Introducing dog-friendly citrus fruits might be the best decision for your pet. Remember to always feed them in moderation.
Further Reading:
- Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit?
- Can Dogs Drink Orange Juice? All You Need to Know
- Is Orange Essential Oil Safe for Dogs?