Mandarins are some of the tastiest fruits around, so you might be wondering, “Can my dog eat mandarins?” Like many human-healthy foods, it can be hard to know if these delicious treats are safe for canine consumption. And while the experts will tell you that mandarins are technically not toxic for dogs, there may be reasons for you and your local Dog Minder not to toss a few segments to your pup.
We’re here to give you all the answers to the simple question, “Can my dog eat mandarins?” So let’s jump in!
You guessed it: an image of mandarins.
Can my dog eat mandarins? The general consensus
Mandarins are a type of small orange packed with flavour and healthy nutrients. They’re juicy, easy-to-peel and absolutely delicious when in season. Some vets even say that the Vitamin C found in oranges could be beneficial to your dog’s health.
But does that mean you should be feeding your dog mandarins all the time?
While mandarins aren’t considered toxic for dogs, these types of oranges should not become a regular part of their diet. Because while most dogs can eat mandarins without a risk for serious medical repercussions, that doesn’t mean there won’t be some digestive discomfort.
Mandarins are high in acid, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset. The extra sugars are a no-no for doggos. Even though the sugars found in mandarins are natural and fine in moderation, adding more sugar to your dog’s diet is never recommended because of the risk for weight gain and blood sugar regulation issues. Even if you regularly exercise your dog and have a dedicated Dog Walker to take them out when you’re not home, your dog should still be getting a healthy diet instead of a sugary one.
The other problems with mandarins are the seeds and peel. As we mentioned in our article Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?, dogs don’t have the ability to break down plant matter like herbivores. When you give them high-fibre foods, they can experience blockage and uncomfortable bloating.
So, unfortunately, while the answer to the question of “Can My Dog Eat Mandarins” is yes, you shouldn’t risk it. Best to stick to the Human Foods Your Dog Can Eat if you really want to give your fur baby a special treat.
What if you’ve been feeding your dog mandarins before getting the official answer on “Can my dog eat mandarins?”
If you’ve been throwing your pup a few segments of mandarin every time you’ve eaten one yourself, don’t panic. Vets say that dogs can eat up to one whole mandarin without feeling too uncomfortable. Even if they had some vomiting or diarrhoea, they’re probably not in significant medical danger. As long as the vomiting and diarrhoea pass normally, the mandarins won’t be a big threat to their immediate safety.
If, on the other hand, your dog got into a whole crate of mandarins and ate several, peels and all, it’s worth calling up your vet and letting them know what’s going on. Probably, your dog will feel significant discomfort and may need to be seen by a professional.
Day-to-day, there are much healthier snacks to share with your four-legged friend. So, if you have been giving them mandarins up until you read this article, don’t feel guilty. Simply switch to a more dog-friendly treat and move on! After all, that means more mandarins for you to enjoy on your own, and new exciting treats for you to share with your pup!
The final verdict
The answer is no, friends! Mandarins aren’t toxic for doggos, but they’re not good for them either. Make sure that you and your dedicated Pet Sitter don’t leave unpeeled mandarins around the house and that you keep all that juicy goodness to yourself!
