Mandarins are some of the best foods, so you might think, “Can dogs eat mandarins?” Like many human-healthy meals, these enticing treats aren’t necessarily dog-safe. Even though experts will say that mandarins are not dangerous for dogs, you and your local Dog Minder may not want to give your dog a few pieces.
We’re here to answer the easy question, “Can dogs eat mandarins?” So let’s get started!
Can dogs eat mandarins?
Mandarins are okay for dogs to eat in small amounts if they don’t eat too many. They have a lot of good things for dogs, like Vitamin C and other nutrients, but they also have a lot of sugar.
Mandarins are in the same family as oranges, lemons, and limes. They are similar, made up of sugar, nutrients, and fruit. They are safe for dogs to eat because they are healthy and don’t have any dangerous parts.
If a dog overeats any fruit, it could give them stomach problems. It’s essential to only give your dog a small amount of mandarin at a time. Suppose your dog has stomach problems after eating a Mandarin. In that case, you should stop giving them the fruit immediately and call your vet.
How do dogs benefit from eating mandarins?
Let’s find out what good things mandarins can do for your pets. But keep in mind that it’s all about finding a good mix.
It has a lot of vitamin C: Mandarins are a great source of vitamin C for dogs. This vitamin helps their defense systems stay strong, keeps their skin healthy, and helps their bodies absorb iron.
The high amount of water: Mandarins are a good drink for dogs because they are full of water. They need to drink enough water for their systems to work well and keep them healthy and happy.
There are fibers in it: Mandarins are high in fiber and are easy on your dog’s stomach. Fiber helps them go to the bathroom, keeps them from getting back up, and keeps their guts feeling good.
It has antioxidants: Like other citrus fruits, mandarins are full of vitamins. They fight harmful free radicals in your dog’s body and help keep some diseases at bay.
Is it wrong for dogs to eat mandarins?
Here are some reasons you might want to avoid giving mandarins to your dog.
Sugar
Mandarins have a lot of sugar, which can make your dog’s teeth rot, make him fat, give him diabetes, and cause other health problems. Studies show that the number of overweight people is increasing, and up to 45% of dogs over four are overweight. Based on that number, you shouldn’t give your pet any sugar they don’t need.
If your dog is already overweight, has diabetes, or has other health problems caused by sugar, you shouldn’t feed them mandarins.
Seeds
Mandarins have seeds. The origin of this fruit has small amounts of cyanide that could make your pet sick. Even though your pet would have to eat a lot and chew or crush the seeds to get to the cyanide, the risk remains. So, if your pet wants to eat mandarins or tangerines, you should take out the seeds first.
Peels
The mandarin peel is very sour and complex for your pet’s digestive system to break down. This can make your pet sick, throw up, or have diarrhea. Another problem with eating peels is that they are likely to be full of chemicals, which can be very bad for your pet’s health. Pesticide overdose can lead to diarrhea, confusion, drinking too much, pawing at the face, cramps, rashes, and more.
Stomach upset
Even without the seeds and skin, too many mandarins may cause stomachaches and diarrhea in dogs.
How to give dogs mandarins
Step 1: make sure they want to eat it.
We’ve already said that mandarins aren’t necessary for a dog’s food, and some dogs might have trouble digesting them because of how acidic they are. So only make your dog eat mandarins if it wants to! There aren’t many health benefits, especially if they already eat a healthy diet.
Step 2: Choose the correct type of mandarin
Not every orange is the same. Even though most mandarins are sweet, some are more tangy or sour. Acidic foods can make dogs sick and even give them gut ulcers if they overeat. Because of this, you should only share mandarins that are very sweet and have low acidity.
Step 3: Cut the mandarin and clean it.
Mandarin seeds and rinds can get stuck in your dog’s digestive system, so preparing the fruit is essential. Make sure to peel the mandarin and remove the seeds from the mandarin pieces.
Step 4: Begin slowly
Mandarins aren’t healthy for your dog’s stomach, even if they’ve been asking for them for years. Start with a little mandarin slice to minimize unnecessary gastrointestinal troubles for your dog. They can likely handle mandarins if they haven’t had diarrhea, vomiting, gas, or loose stools after 24 hours.
Step 5: The key is moderation
If your dog likes and can handle mandarins, that’s great. You can hand them out at most once or twice a week. Mandarins should be a treat for your dog, not something he eats daily. Give out up to two slices at a time.
And if the stomach starts hurting, stop giving the mandarins immediately. Some dogs are more sensitive than others when it comes to sour foods.
What’s the best alternative to Mandarin for your dog?
Are you ready to discover a world full of sweet goodness?
Here are some great choices for mandarins that your dog will love:
- Apples have few calories and are a good source of vitamins A and C and fiber.
- Blueberries are a tasty way to improve your dog’s health because they are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.
- Strawberry: Your dog will love the taste of these berries, which are full of vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Watermelon: This juicy fruit is full of vitamins A and C, which makes it a great snack.
- Pineapple has an enzyme called bromelain that helps the body digest food.
- Banana: It’s a snack that’s easy on their stomachs because it contains potassium, fiber, and vitamins.
FAQs
What should I look for if my dog eats a mandarin and seems upset?
If your dog eats too much mandarin or has a bad reaction, watch for signs of stomach trouble, like vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach pain.
How much Mandarin can I give my dog?
Mandarins are best given to your dog as a treat once in a while and in small, peeled, and seed-free pieces.
Is eating mandarins dangerous for dogs?
Even though mandarins are not poisonous, dogs are not meant to eat citrus fruits. This is partly because citrus fruits are very acidic, so eating many of them could upset their stomachs.
Final Words
We hope you’ve liked this look at the pros and cons of giving mandarins to your dog’s health. It’s fine in small amounts, and your dog may get some health benefits from it, but if you give your dog too much, it can become overweight and cause other health problems.
