Oranges are popular citrus fruits along with lemons and limes. There are several types of oranges, but two of the most common varieties are clementines and mandarins.
Today we will focus on clementines. They are small and easy to eat. Imagine you bought some ripe clementines at the market. And, while you’re at home, you catch your dog chewing a piece of that tangy fruit. Should you panic?
In these moments, us dog owners ask, “Can Dogs Eat Clementines?”
In this article we will tell you whether clementines are safe for dogs to eat. You’ll also learn whether this food has benefits and/or if it has harmful effects on our dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Clementines?
The short answer is yes; Dogs can absolutely eat clementines.
Even though there are many types of fruits that are not good for dogs such as grapes, apricots, and avocados, clementines are not one of them.
In fact, clementines are a good food for our furry pooches. It contains a number of benefits for dogs.
What are the Benefits of Clementines for Dogs?
Just like for humans, clementines are a rich source for certain minerals and vitamins for dogs.
It is rich in Vitamin C, Fiber, Folate, Choline and Potassium. Let’s uncover the benefits of these things here:
- Vitamin C is great for strengthening a dog’s immune system as well as their bones.
- Potassium keeps your dog’s bones strong and healthy. This makes clementine a good food for older dogs.
- Clementine is a great source of fiber. Fiber helps in solving a dog’s digestive problems. Foods rich in fiber such as clementine can help against bowel movement problems.
- Both folate and choline are great for dogs. They are essential vitamins that help in preventing things such as fatty liver.
Another positive aspect of clementines are that they contain certain antioxidants that delay the dog’s aging process. So if you want your dog to stay young for a little longer, clementine may be the right fruit for the job.
Precautions to Feeding Clementines to Your Dogs
However, please note that clementines should be consumed in moderation by your dog. Also, not all parts of clementines are safe.
In particular, always avoid feeding your dog the peel of clementine.
First and foremost, the peels of clementines are tough to ingest and digest. In the worst case, this could cause a serious obstruction in your dog’s stomach. Additionally, the peels may also contain harmful bacteria and pesticides.
And, not all dogs can or should eat clementine. Overweight dogs or diabetic dogs should stay away from this fruit.
Clementines contain high levels of natural sugar. Although natural sugar is far healthier than added sugars, moderation here is key. Too much can impact the blood sugar levels of your pooch, especially if he/she is diabetic.
Clementines and other citrus fruits like lemon and lime are also acidic. This can cause an upset stomach to your dog.
In conclusion, as long as your dog does not suffer from certain conditions, clementines may help boost their overall health. To avoid problems, it is best to feed your dogs 1 to 2 segments of clementine per day.
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
Up next we look at a popular vegetable found in Asian food… Can Dogs Eat Bok Choy?
