Tangerines are not dangerous for dogs. The taste of a mandarin does not differ much from the taste of an orange, so in general, when a puppy enjoys one of these citrus fruits, it will do the others too.
Although the dog adores mandarins, the precautions to be taken are similar to those for oranges. A mandarin is just an edible snack or reward; it cannot be part of its regular diet. In addition, it should be offered in small portions, peeled and without seeds.
Can a dog eat mandarin oranges?
The answer to this question is yes. The fruit brings great benefits to dogs, and the truth is that many of them enjoy eating it, so you just need to know which of them are not harmful to these animals.
In this sense, dogs can eat mandarins, although many may not accept them, because they are citric fruits, and these fruits have odors and flavors that are not attractive to all dogs. If yours is stepping away, you should not force it to eat the mandarin. However, if you notice it being curious, there is no problem in letting it eat a few slices. Below I will explain how to give mandarins to dogs and what benefits they bring.
How to offer mandarin oranges to a dog?
Now that you know it’s not bad for a dog to eat mandarins, how should you have it eat them? The fruit should not be an important part of your dog’s diet, making it ideal to take up to 10-15% of the daily menu. Therefore, it is possible to offer it as a reward or treat, because it is much healthier than the snacks bought from the supermarket.
Before you give your dog mandarins, remember to wash them, remove the whole peel, the white threads, and extract the seeds. You can also try to ensure that the mandarin is sweet, as the bitter taste might make your dog reject it. Once the fruit is ready, a good idea to get your dog to eat the mandarin is to take some pieces with you while walking and offer them for hydration, as well as using pieces as a reward during training.
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When it comes to knowing how to give your dog mandarin oranges, the really important thing is not the time, but the frequency and the amount you give it. In this way, as I said, fruits should take up 10-15% of the total daily ratio and it is not recommended to always offer the same type of fruit. So, you can give it to your dog a maximum of 3 times a week, because the variety is essential for keeping your animal healthy.
The benefits of mandarin oranges for dogs
Mandarin is good for dogs because it brings multiple benefits to their body. Of all, the most prominent are:
- It provides water, so it contributes to hydration.
- Contains vitamin C and antioxidants for a stronger immune system.
- It is rich in fiber, beneficial for the intestinal tract.
- It is an additional source of calcium and protein.
Can dogs eat oranges?
As with the mandarin, orange is a good citrus fruit for dogs, as long as the taste is sweet and your furry friend does not reject it because of its intense smell.
Processed dog food also has some nutrients, but they are usually poor in antioxidants and some vitamins. For this reason, it is always advisable to include such fruits in their diet. Your dog will also appreciate trying new things! Fruits can be an excellent option because they are healthy, fresh, and delicious for them.
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How to give oranges to your dog?
The suggestions on how to offer your dog oranges are the same as how to offer the mandarin. Please note that this is a reward, so under no circumstances should it be an important part of the diet.
The benefits of oranges for dogs
The orange is one of the most beneficial fruits for people, due to its richness in vitamins and minerals. The same benefits also apply to animals, and the most prominent are the following:
- Contains vitamin C, which contains antioxidants that prevent aging.
- Contains fiber.
- It’s refreshing.
- It is rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
- It provides water during long walks.
- It offers vitamins B1, B2, and E.
Can dogs drink mandarin and orange juice?
They can, however, it is not the most recommended option. With the possibility to give the dog the whole fruit, it is recommended to drop the juice idea for two reasons.
- Mandarins and oranges are rich in fibers that are lost after squeezing them to obtain the juice, so if our intention is to give the animal that extra fiber, for example, to combat constipation with natural remedies, juice won’t do it.
- On the other hand, when they are crushed, the digestive process is much faster and, as a result, the natural sugars of the fruit go into the blood faster, which is counterproductive, because they favor weight gain. This applies to all fruits, so, it is recommended not to opt for juice.
That said, if your dog loves mandarins or oranges, give them whole slices, peeled and without seeds so that it can enjoy the food.
Tips on how to introduce new foods into your dog’s diet
When you offer your dog new food, remember that it should be introduced gradually to avoid digestive problems. If your dog is curious about the mandarin or orange, try giving it a few pieces and watch for diarrhea or discomfort within the first 24 hours. If everything is good, you can continue to give the fruit up to 3 times a week, always in small proportions. In addition, this will allow you to see if your dog is allergic to that new food or not.
Furthermore, you should not forget that, although they are healthy, fruits also contain sugar, so offering mandarins and orange juice instead of the whole fruit, as I have already said, could be harmful to your dog.
How much mandarin and orange can my dog eat?
This is one of the main doubts that arise about the new foods that we can offer to our dogs. It is best to always offer a small amount to see if it likes it and, to exclude food allergies.
Remember that although a dog enjoys mandarins and oranges, it does not mean that another will do the same. Do not force your dog to eat food that it doesn’t enjoy. Then we have the golden rule of snacks and rewards, which shouldn’t surpass 10% of the total daily calories your dog needs.
What other citrus can I offer my dog?
At this point, I think you have a clear idea of the citrus you can give to your puppy. Oranges and mandarins are sweet, that is the main reason dogs eat them. Although it is necessary to remember that not all dogs will enjoy these fruits.
On the other hand, the citric acid in lemon or grapefruit is not very attractive, and it is rejected by most dogs. This is because dogs can perceive the bitter taste in them, similar to some toxic foods that they have learned that are bitter, as a capacity to survive.
Mandarins and oranges are a great option for your dog’s reward. However, they should not be considered an important part of their daily diet. With only 42 kcal per 100 Gr of orange, its nutritional contribution is minimal. Of course, the vitamin C it offers can be beneficial.
Another important fact of vitamin C, being soluble in water, is that there is no risk of hypervitaminosis. In other words, the possibility of an overdose of vitamin C is null because any excess will be eliminated through urine.
Remember to talk to your veterinarian before adding these fruits or any other new food to your dog’s diet.
