Dog owners love to feed their dogs treats, mainly to show their love and affection.
However, most of them will hesitate before introducing new treats such as orange chicken to their dogs.
After all, it’s not something that is often on the menu when they eat.
Avoid bowel problems or upset stomach by finding out if the orange chicken is suitable to give to your dog.
So, can dogs eat orange chicken? No, orange chicken is not suitable for dogs.
Although this chicken isn’t toxic to dogs, its sauce has ingredients that aren’t great for their health (like garlic, onion powder, and ginger).
One or two pieces of orange chicken are acceptable for your dog to consume, but overeating can lead to serious health issues.
This article will address whether or not dogs can eat orange chicken. In addition, it’ll explore the possible effects of a dog eating an orange chicken.
Is Orange chicken safe for your dog to Consume?
Orange chicken is not safe for dogs to eat if you feed them large amounts of it regularly.
However, an occasional piece or two is acceptable.
This dish has tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that many people find irresistible, but the sauce that makes it tasty can cause your dog harm.
The sauce contains garlic, onions, and chives which can be toxic to your dog if consumed in large quantities.
These ingredients contain chemicals called organosulfides which destroy your pet’s red blood cells, causing anemia.
The symptoms of anemia include:
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Dark urine
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
The sauce also contains garlic which can cause damage to your dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Even small amounts can cause anemia, requiring emergency medical treatment if not caught quickly enough.
Also found in the sauce, onions are even more toxic than garlic, especially when consumed raw.
Too much onion causes vomiting, diarrhea, and an upset stomach in your dog.
Sugar is another ingredient in orange chicken that is dangerous for dogs.
Dogs’ digestive systems cannot process sugar as effectively as ours.
Sugar ferments in their digestive tracts, resulting in bloating and gas. It also causes weight gain and diabetes if consumed regularly.
The high amounts of sugar and salt may lead to obesity and pancreatitis.
Other ingredients like soy sauce and rice vinegar are also harmful to dogs. They contain sodium and other minerals that can be toxic in large amounts.
Can dogs eat orange chicken without sauce?
Dogs should not eat orange chicken, even without sauce.
Although oranges are not toxic to dogs, they contain ingredients that could upset your pup’s belly, including citric acid and sugar. They also have a lot of sugar, leading to excess weight gain or diabetes.
Feed your dog an apple to taste the sweet orange flavor without upsetting their stomach.
Just slice up some apples and sprinkle them with cinnamon. The apple sweetness will be appealing, while the cinnamon helps with digestion and supports good gut health.
Do dogs get any health benefits from eating orange chicken?
Your pup can feed on occasional servings of orange, but on a minimal basis.
While it’s a good source of protein for canines, some potential dangers are associated with overfeeding orange chicken to your dog.
If you want to serve it to your dog, then a piece or two of cooked and boneless chicken are the best options.
Chowing Down: The Benefits of Chicken
Chicken is an excellent source of lean, low-fat protein for dogs. It’s one of the most common meat ingredients used in dog food.
Since protein is essential for supplying your pup’s energy and aiding muscle mass and strength, many dogs love it.
It also contains vitamins like B6 and B12, necessary for boosting metabolism and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
So yes, dogs can benefit from a tiny bit of orange chicken once in a while.
Some No-No’s and Dangers
So what makes chicken potentially harmful for pups?
Avoid feeding your dog any raw or undercooked orange chicken.
These foods, including raw eggs or raw meats, can contain bacteria such as Salmonella or Listeria that cause food poisoning in humans and pets.
The more they ingest, the greater their chances of developing hemolytic anemia, a condition usually fatal for dogs.
Chicken bones also pose a severe health threat to dogs because they can splinter and cause choking or severe throat damage.
They are also prone to splintering and can puncture or block the digestive tract when ingested or chewed on. This can cause severe complications and may even lead to death.
So what is a dog owner to do if they want their pup to enjoy a taste of Chinese food just like everyone else?
Make your orange chicken at home using safe ingredients for your dog. Use boneless skinless chicken breasts and only cook them with safe ingredients such as brown rice, carrots, and green beans.
Try something else like plain meat or even a vegan option if that’s what you’re eating.
If you’re looking for a tasty treat that’s safe for your pup, try making them a batch of homemade dog treats. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Chicken and oatmeal biscuits
- Bacon and cheese dog treats
- To add orange flavor to the dish, add a teaspoon.
Most importantly, if your dog has allergies or is overweight, you need to consult with your vet before feeding them any new food.
When my dog eats orange chicken, what should I do?
Don’t panic; it may get a stomachache when your dog eats a small amount of orange chicken.
Track how much orange chicken your dog ate and know how large or small he is. You probably don’t need to worry if it ate only a few pieces.
If a small dog consumes a significant amount, stay vigilant for any signs that may indicate something went wrong with their digestive system. These include:
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Pale gums
- Difficulty breathing and other symptoms
Safely feed your dog small pieces of orange chicken by making the sauce from scratch without including the harmful ingredients.
For instance, leave out sesame oil and other MSG ingredients.
These products can cause stomach upset and digestive issues in your dog.
Also, share small pieces of chicken with your furry friend. Dogs can become sick after consuming large amounts of protein since they don’t need as much as people do.
While your dog may love orange chicken, avoid feeding it without consulting your vet first.
Taking extra precautions is always better than reactive measures.
Conclusion
Simply put, dogs should not eat orange chicken.
The sugar and fat content of such dishes can have adverse effects on your dog’s health, such as pancreatitis, obesity, and diabetes.
However, there’s nothing wrong with occasionally having a little treat for your dog.
Yet, it should never be replacing its normal food regime. Go easy on them, and don’t make it a regular thing.
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