For a fat-free, low-calorie, and high-fibre diet, we often include oranges, like clementines, in our meals. Thanks to its vitamin C, fibre, sugar, and water content, it supports our taste buds and offers health benefits at the same time. Being caring dog owners, we may also want to offer these benefits to our dogs. But can dogs have clementines?
Since clementines are full of nutrients and contain no toxins, they can be a good addition to dogs’ diets. But make sure they eat these fruits as little as possible because high citric acid can lead mammals to an upset stomach.
Hopefully, it is clear that dogs can eat clementines, but with a few exceptions. This article will relate to them.
All About Clementines
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Clementines are citrus fruits, also known as tangors. They are a combination of sweet oranges and Mandarin oranges. Again, their species are citrus and clementine.
Clementines can be seedless, sweetclems, and Monreal. In different regions, people call them with different names.
Anyway, these citrus fruits have a high percentage of vitamin C and a lower percentage of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin E, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and so on.
Can Dogs Have Clementines?
Apart from grapes, raisins, and lemons, dogs can have almost all citrus fruits. However, the amount should always be moderate. Not only clementines but also tangerines and mandarins are safe for dogs. It means dogs can eat all types of oranges in the urge to have good amounts of vitamin C.
We know clementines include several nutrients that can only do good for our and our dogs’ bodies. Mammals can’t process fruits and veggies like us, so feed your dog these fruits in fewer quantities. Besides, dogs can produce vitamin C naturally, which makes the meat less orange.
Well, your vet is going to decide whether clementines are going to be good for him. Sometimes, the previous health records of our pets don’t allow them to eat certain human foods.
Benefits Of Having Clementines For Dogs
Whenever we think of having vitamin C, oranges, like clementines, come to mind. 100 grams of clementine contains 81% vitamin C, and we know there are endless benefits to vitamin C. It can protect your dog against cell damage, treat his cold, cataracts, cancer, and scurvy, and boost immunity at the same time.
Its antioxidant properties are also a saviour for dogs, who may get damage from free radicals. Besides, for heart disease, the high amounts of vitamin C present in commenting can be a great aid.
Clementines have few amounts of vitamin B6, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. They also play a role in strengthening bone health, muscle health, brain health, eye health, and skin health.
Another benefit that we miss is the taste. Clementines and all other oranges have good amounts of sugar, which enhances their taste. Hence, this fruit can be a favourite one for your canine friend.
Clementines can keep your dog hydrated. Thanks to its water content. A 100-gramme serving of clementine has 86.58 grams of water. It means these fruits are mostly filled with water, which can take care of your dog’s skin health.
Risks Of Having Clementines For Dogs
Dogs may go through some side effects if they consume them more than needed. One of the main reasons for the good taste of clementines is because of their sugar content. Well, 100 grams of clementine have 9 grams of sugar.
The more a dog eats clementine, the more he ingests sugar. This can cause him to gain weight and lead to obesity. Besides, this sugar content can harm the blood sugar levels, which is not good for a diabetic dog.
Another issue associated with clementine is when dogs eat its peel too. A clementine’s peel has an acidic citrus oil named d-limonene. This can disrupt the digestive system, resulting in vomiting and an upset stomach. Clementine’s peel can also be responsible for creating an intestinal blockage.
We know Clementine is rich in citric acid. Meanwhile, too much citric acid can irritate dogs’ GI tract. Also, dogs can’t process fruits as much as we can. Hence, eating too many oranges can be a threat to their health.
This fruit also contains high amounts of fibre, which cures constipation, not upset stomachs. If your dog is dealing with diarrhoea, clementine can worsen his condition.
Sometimes, dogs also ingest the clementine seeds along with the flesh. This can cause intestinal blockage, but not severe harm.
How Many Clementines Can Dogs Have?
How much clementine a dog can have depends on the amount he is comfortable with. For example, you have to offer him a tiny bit of clementine first. See if he is eating it comfortably. If he doesn’t give any reaction after having the part of the orange, you must try offering some more, but with tiny pieces. Yet, if you see him at ease with eating it, maybe he is fine eating this citrus fruit.
Anyway, small dogs, like Yorkies and pugs, should not have more than a half-segment of a clementine. Medium dogs, like Border Collies and Basset Hounds, can have one segment. And large dogs, like German Shepherds and Pit Bulls, can have up to two segments.
When Can Dogs Have Clementines?
No doubt, clementines can be a healthy treat for dogs as they are rich in nutrients. However, offering this fruit to them requires some exceptions.
As said earlier, clementines have good amounts of sugar, which is why a diabetic dog should avoid them. Not only diabetic but also overweight or obese dogs should avoid these fruits. Their sugar content can add up to more calories, leading to extra weight gain and several diseases.
We know grapes and raisins are poisonous to mammals. One of the reasons your dog can’t have them is because they are citrus fruits. Some dogs are even allergic to citric acid. This can restrict your dog from having clementines and all other oranges. So make sure your dog is not allergic to this acid or any fruits.
Most importantly, your dog should have clementines when his vet allows it.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Clementines?
Can dogs eat clementines every day?
Dogs should not eat clementines every day. It is because they are citrus fruits and full of vitamin C, which a dog hardly needs. Hence, it is better to add a small portion of clementine to your dog’s diet occasionally.
Are tangerines safe for dogs?
Like clementines, tangerines and all other oranges are safe for dogs. As they are citrus fruits, dogs should have them in small amounts and infrequently.
How do you offer clementines to dogs?
Always offer fresh and organic clementines to dogs. Also, peel out their skin and remove any seeds, if any. If he is a small breed, offer him a half-segment of Clementine, and for a large breed, one segment would be fine.
Which citrus fruits are bad for dogs?
Citrus fruits like grapes, raisins, lemons, and limes are bad for dogs. All ingredients in grapes and raisins are toxic to them. Meanwhile, phototoxic compounds, like psoralens, are present in lemons and limes. These compounds make these citrus fruits toxic for dogs.
Final Verdict
Along with some health benefits, clementines can also pose some health risks. Hence, we may still wonder, Can dogs have clementines? The answer is yes, if the quantity is small, if they don’t have any allergies, and if their vets approve of eating them.
Sometimes our paw friends get curious and eat more clementines than necessary. In such cases, you must let your dog throw up and observe his symptoms. Then tell your vet about them.
After your dog eats too much clementine, don’t offer him any citrus fruits for a couple of days.
