tangerine

Tangerines are a tasty and nutritious snack for humans. They are also a kid-friendly snack, so many people keep them around when they’re in season. On top of being delicious, tangerines are a shape that might be eye-catching to your dog, especially if you’ve got a ball-obsessed hound.

Are tangerines as safe and healthy for your dog to eat as they are for you and your kids, though? Here’s what you need to know!

Can Dogs Eat Tangerines?

Yes, tangerines are a safe food for your dog to eat. It’s best to limit their access to tangerines and other sweet citrus fruits, though, as overeating them can lead to stomach upset. This is related to both the sugar content and the acidity of these fruits. The likelihood of stomach upset is increased in dogs with known digestive sensitivities, and these dogs should not be fed tangerines.

The same considerations should be taken for other sweet citrus fruits, like clementines and satsumas. As with any treat, tangerines should not account for more than 10% of your dog’s intake in a single day.

Are Tangerines Good for Dogs?

Tangerines should only be fed in moderation to healthy dogs. For dogs with medical conditions like diabetes, they should not be fed tangerines due to the sugar content of the fruit. Although the sugars in tangerines are natural, making them better than the highly processed sugars found in candies and baked goods, they still possess the ability to negatively impact your dog’s blood sugar. If your dog already has issues with keeping their blood sugar levels in check, fruits like tangerines should be avoided.

These citrus fruits are a fantastic source of vitamin C, which helps support immunity, wound healing, the formation of collagen, iron absorption, and the formation and maintenance of bones, cartilage, and teeth. Tangerines are also a good source of potassium, which is essential for cardiac health, and fiber, which helps maintain a healthy digestive system.

peeled tangerines
Image courtesy of Pixabay

What Do I Do If My Dog Eats a Tangerine?

How much your dog ate will determine what you need to do. If your dog swallowed a tangerine whole, mistaking it for a toy, then you need to immediately contact your veterinarian. If it’s a weekend or evening, then you should contact your closest emergency vet for guidance. They may want to monitor your dog to ensure an intestinal obstruction doesn’t occur from consuming the whole fruit.

If your dog eats a slice of tangerine, there is not any real concern. If your dog is diabetic, you should reach out to your vet. They will likely want you to keep an eye on the blood sugar levels for the next day or so to ensure no significant spikes in blood sugar levels occur. If your dog has known digestive sensitivities, you should let your vet know, but it’s unlikely they will want you to do anything other than monitor your dog.

In Conclusion

Tangerines are a safe treat for most dogs, but they should not be given to dogs with digestive sensitivities or diabetes. You should also make sure you’re limiting all treats, including tangerines, to less than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. Overfeeding treats can lead to digestive upset and obesity, leading to a whole host of other problems. Tangerines are nutrient-dense fruit that is generally sweet enough for your dog to like it.


Featured Image Credit: Pixabay