Can Dogs Eat Mandarins?

You are having a lovely day, enjoying a beautiful mandarin.

Meanwhile, your furry friend is looking at you with those big puppy eyes, begging for a little taste.

A piece of mandarin drops to the floor, and before you can stop them, they snatch it up and gobble it down.

So, can dogs eat mandarins?

Dogs can safely eat mandarins, as they are not toxic to them.

Mandarins contain vitamins A and C and fiber and other nutrients that are beneficial to your dog.

However, mandarins are citrus fruit, so they can cause stomach upset in some dogs.

If you decide to feed mandarins to your dog, do so in moderation and watch for any signs of stomach distress.

This article will discuss whether or not dogs can eat mandarins, the benefits and risks of feeding mandarins to your dog, and some tips for feeding mandarins to your furry friend.

What are Mandarins?

Mandarins are a type of citrus fruit related to oranges.

They are small and round, with a thin, easy-to-peel skin.

The flesh of a mandarin is orange and juicy, with seeds in the center.

Unlike the oranges, they are sweeter, flat at the bottom, and have a more pronounced aroma irresistible to dogs.

Benefits of Giving Your Dog Mandarins

Feeding your dog mandarins provides them with some health benefits.

Mandarins are a good source of vitamins A and C and fiber and other nutrients.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A in mandarins helps maintain your dog’s vision and keep their skin and coat healthy.

This vitamin is useful for a strong immune system.

Thus, your dog will have better vision at night and is unlikely to develop infections.

Vitamin C

Like humans, dogs can’t produce vitamin C on their own, meaning they must get it from their diet.

Vitamin C is important for a strong immune system that helps protect against diseases such as cancer.

It also helps with the absorption of iron and the formation of collagen.

Vitamin C helps remove free radicals from the body, which can cause damage to cells.

This vitamin helps heal wounds and repair tissue.

Thus, vets prescribe vitamin C for dogs with injuries and ailments such as kennel cough.

Minerals

Mandarins supply minerals essential for your dog’s health, including potassium, phosphorus, and calcium.

Read below to learn more about the benefits of these minerals.

Potassium

Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance in your dog’s body.

It aids in muscle function and heart health.

A lack of potassium can lead to dehydration, muscle weakness, and heart problems.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a mineral that helps develop and repair cells and tissues.

It is also essential for bone health.

The DNA and RNA in your dog’s cells need phosphorus to function properly.

Calcium

Calcium is a mineral that helps build and maintain strong bones and teeth.

It also aids in blood clotting, muscle contraction, and nerve function.

A lack of calcium can lead to health problems such as osteoporosis.

Zinc and Iron

The above two minerals are in minute quantities in mandarins but are equally important to your dog’s health.

Zinc is important for a strong immune system, while iron helps carry oxygen in the blood.

Zinc helps with fertility, wound healing, and the sense of smell.

On the other hand, iron is important for energy production and cognitive function.

Water

Mandarins are a good source of water, which is essential for your dog’s health.

Water makes up 60% of your dog’s body weight and is necessary for all bodily functions.

Feeding mandarins to your dog will help keep them hydrated and prevent constipation.

Fiber

Mandarins contain dietary fiber, which is important for a healthy digestive system.

Fiber helps with bowel regularity and prevents constipation.

It also helps to control blood sugar levels and cholesterol levels.

Thus, cancer risk is reduced.

Negative Effect of Feeding Mandarins to Dogs

Although mandarins have many health benefits, you must be aware of the potential risks before feeding them to your dog.

High Sugar Content

The high sugar content in mandarins can cause weight gain and tooth decay in dogs.

Your dog is at risk of developing diabetes if they eat too many mandarins.

If your pet is already obese, avoid feeding them mandarins.

Seeds

The seeds of the mandarin contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs.

If your dog accidentally crushes and swallows a seed, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

In severe cases, it leads to respiratory failure and death.

Besides, seeds are a choking hazard for dogs.

If your dog swallows a seed, it can get stuck in its throat and cause it to choke.

Stomach Disorder

Feeding mandarins to your dog can cause stomach upsets such as diarrhea and vomiting.

This is because citrus fruits are acidic and can irritate your dog’s stomach.

If your pet is already suffering from a stomach disorder, avoid feeding them mandarins.

Peels

The peels of the mandarin contain essential oils that are toxic to dogs.

If your dog ingests the peel, it causes vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

The essential oils also cause liver damage in dogs.

Mandarin peels are sour and bitter and can cause stomach upsets.

They are also hard to digest and can cause intestinal blockages.

Another issue with mandarin peels is that they contain limonene, a toxic substance.

The peels might also have harmful pesticides that are toxic to your dog.

If you must feed mandarins to your pet, remove the peels first.

Alternatively, wash the mandarins thoroughly to remove any pesticide residue.

Tips for Feeding Mandarins to Your Dog

Now that we know the benefits of mandarins to dogs, let’s look at some tips for feeding them to your furry friend.

• Start with a small amount: When introducing mandarins to your dog’s diet, start with a small amount. This helps gauge your dog’s tolerance to the fruit.
• Remove the seeds: Removing the seeds from mandarins before giving them to your dog eliminate the choking hazard and the toxins.
• Peel the skin: You can either peel the skin off the mandarins or leave it on. If you decide to leave the skin on, wash the fruit thoroughly.
• Give as a treat: Mandarins make a great healthy treat for your dog. You can either give them a whole mandarin or cut it into pieces.

Can Dogs Eat Mandarins FAQs

How many mandarins can I feed my dog?

You can feed your dog one or two mandarins per day.

Feeding them more than that can cause stomach upsets.

Can a pregnant dog eat mandarins?

Pregnant dogs can eat mandarins in moderation.

The high vitamin C content helps prevent scurvy.

However, too much vitamin C can be harmful to the developing puppies.

Can any breed of dog eat mandarins?

Any dog breed can eat mandarins, but some dogs might be more susceptible to the side effects than others.

For example, small species are more likely to develop intestinal blockages from eating mandarin peels.

Older dogs might also have a harder time digesting the fruit.

Conclusion

Dogs are curious creatures and will try to eat anything they get.

As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to know what foods are safe for your dog and what foods are harmful.

In general, mandarins are safe for dogs to eat in moderation.

However, there are some risks that you need to be aware of before feeding them to your pet.

Remove the seeds and peel the skin before giving mandarins to your dog.

Start with a small amount and give it as a treat.

With these tips in mind, you can safely feed mandarins to your furry friend.

If you notice any side effects, stop feeding them to your dog and consult your veterinarian.