Can Dogs Eat Cuties?

Perhaps you got a sweet tooth and picked up a bag of Cuties, or maybe your kids did, wondering if it’s okay for the dog to have one.

Cuties are small, bite-sized fruits in various flavors, including mandarin, Clementine, Cara Cara Navel, Weigela Red Navel, and Satsuma.

They’re often seedless, easy to peel and have a sweet taste that makes them a popular snack at home.

So, can dogs eat cuties? Dogs can eat Cuties.

They’re a healthy snack for both dogs and humans alike.

Cuties are an excellent source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants, which help keep your dog healthy and improve its immune system.

However, as with any food, it’s crucial to give Cuties to your dog in moderation.

Too much of a good thing can lead to weight gain and other health problems.

In this article, we’ll discuss the nutritional value of Cuties, whether or not they’re safe for dogs to eat, and how to feed them to your furry friend.

After reading this, you’ll be an expert on sharing Cuties with your dog.

How to Prepare Cuties for Dogs

While cuties are safe for dogs to eat, it’s essential to prepare them properly before feeding them to your pet.

Some parts of cuties, such as the seeds and rind, can be dangerous for dogs if ingested.

The following preparation steps will ensure your dog safely enjoys this delicious snack.

• Remove the stem or leaves from the Cutie, as these can be choking hazards.

• Peel and remove the cutie rind. The rind can be difficult for dogs to digest and may cause an upset stomach.

• Thoroughly clean the Cutie to remove any pesticides or other chemicals present on the fruit.

• Remove all the white parts of the Cutie, as these are poisonous to dogs.

• Split the fruit open and carefully remove any seeds. Seeds are choking hazards and may also contain toxins harmful to your dog.

• Remove the white stringy bits from the Cutie. These are also poisonous to dogs.

• Carefully cut the thinnest slices of fruit possible. Thick slices are difficult for dogs to chew and may cause choking.

• Set two slices of orange aside for your dog; don’t give more than two Cuties per day.

• Cut your dog’s orange slice into smaller pieces to prevent choking.

• Freeze the orange pieces as a summer treat. Your dog will love this refreshing and healthy snack on hot days.

Health Benefits of Cuties to Dogs

Your dog can benefit from eating Cuties in several ways.

The high levels of Vitamin C found in Cuties help improve your dog’s immune system and keep them healthy.

The antioxidants present in the fruit also help protect your dog from cancer and other diseases.

Read below for the comprehensive health benefits of Cuties to dogs.

Dietary Fiber

Cuties contain dietary fiber, which helps regulate your dog’s digestive system.

Fiber is an integral part of a healthy diet for humans and animals.

It helps keep your dog’s digestive system regular, thus preventing constipation.

The soluble fiber in cutie is especially beneficial for dogs because it dissolves in water, forming a gel-like substance.

This gel slows down the digestive process that keeps your dog feeling full after eating.

Thus, dietary fiber is essential for overweight or obese dogs, as it helps them lose weight by making dogs feel satisfied after meals and preventing them from overeating.

Moderate Natural Sugar

Cuties contain moderate amounts of natural sugar.

Natural sugar is not as harmful to dogs as processed sugar.

In fact, moderate amounts of natural sugar are beneficial to your dog’s health.

Natural sugar provides your dog with energy and helps them stay active.

It also helps the absorption of other nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals.

However, too much natural sugar leads to weight gain and other health problems, so giving Cuties to your dog in moderation is crucial.

Rich Supply of Vitamins and Minerals

Giving your dog cuties is a great way to ensure they’re getting their daily recommended intake of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, B, and C and potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

Vitamin C

Cuties are a good source of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that helps keep your dog healthy.

It helps improve your dog’s immune system and keeps their skin and coat healthy.

Vitamin C also helps protect your dog from cancer.

Potassium

Potassium found in cutie is a critical mineral that helps maintain fluid balance in your dog’s body.

It also regulates blood pressure and heart function.

Potassium can also help prevent muscle cramps.

Calcium

Calcium is an essential mineral for strong bones and teeth.

It also helps regulate muscle contractions, heart function, and nerve transmission.

Thus, a slice of cutie a day helps keep your dog’s bones and teeth healthy and their muscles and nerves functioning properly.

Magnesium

Magnesium is another vital mineral found in Cuties.

It helps with energy production, protein synthesis, and muscle contraction.

Magnesium also helps prevent arthritis because it aids various biochemical reactions in the body, maintaining normal muscle and nerve function that keeps the heart rhythm steady and supports a healthy immune system.

Vitamins A and B

A slice of cutie provides your dog with small amounts of Vitamins A and B.

Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for vision, immune function, and reproduction.

Vitamin B helps the body convert food into energy and plays a role in cell growth and metabolism.

Risks of Feeding Cuties to Dogs

Though cuties have health benefits to dogs, there are risks associated with feeding them to your furry friend.

For instance, choking and cutie toxicity are two risks to be wary of.

Choking Hazard

Cuties pose a choking hazard to dogs.

The fruit’s small size and round shape make it easy for dogs to choke on them.

If you feed your dog cuties, cut them into small pieces and supervise your dog while eating.

Cuties are also a choking hazard because of the seeds.

The seeds can get caught in your dog’s throat and cause them to choke.

If you do feed your dog cuties, remove the seeds first.

Cuties Toxicity in Dogs

Cuties contain toxins that are harmful to dogs.

For instance, hesperidin is found in the peel and seeds of the fruit.

Hesperidin can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive thirst in dogs.

If you feed your dog cuties, remove the peel and seeds first.

The seeds of cuties contain cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide when metabolized.

Cyanide is poisonous to dogs and can cause death if not treated immediately.

Treatment of Cuties Poisoning in Dogs

If you think your dog has eaten cuties and may be experiencing symptoms of cyanide poisoning, seek veterinary help immediately.

Treatment for cyanide poisoning involves activated charcoal to absorb the toxin, IV fluids to flush the toxin from the body, and oxygen therapy if necessary.

Giving a teaspoon of honey may help ease symptoms of cuties poisoning.

Can Dogs Eat Cuties FAQs

Are all cuties safe for dogs?

All cuties aren’t safe for dogs.

Some cuties, especially those with seeds, can be poisonous to dogs.

Remember to feed ripe cuties since unripe ones cause stomach upset.

Can any breed of dog eat cuties?

Any dog breed can eat cuties, but remember to remove the seeds and peel them first.

However, consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Can cuties kill my dog?

Cuties can kill your dog if they eat the peels and seeds since they contain limonene and cyanogenic glycosides.

These toxins release cyanide when metabolized, which is poisonous to dogs.

Conclusion

Although cuties present health benefits to dogs, there are risks associated with feeding them to your pet.

For instance, choking and cutie toxicity are two risks to be wary of.

Remove the seeds and peel the fruit before feeding it to your dog if you choose to give them this snack.

If you have any concerns, consult with your veterinarian.