Oranges always fall into the category of the healthiest foods. Thanks to its antioxidant properties and vitamin C. Those who care about their dogs may think, Can dogs have orange juice?
Orange juice can be safe for our paw friends if the organic liquid is extracted from the orange’s flesh. Usually, we drink commercial orange juice from markets that have added sugar and preservatives. This type of orange juice is not good for dogs, even in the slightest amount.
If you are considering offering this as juice to your paw friend, you must be certain of its amount and take other precautions. This article will introduce you to some terms related to this concept. So stay tuned.
Can Dogs Have Orange Juice?
When we say dogs can drink orange juice, we mean the natural extract from the orange flesh. But when we say dogs can’t drink orange juice, we mean commercial or market-based orange juices. They are full of sugars, additives, flavourings, preservatives, and so on.
Even if you consider offering orange juice to your canine friend in a natural way, you need to ensure that he has any allergies or not. Besides, dogs’ diets should include very small amounts of vitamin C. If your pet is already getting vitamin C from his other meals, avoid orange juice for him.
Is Orange Juice Safe For Dogs?
Orange is rich in vitamin C, and so is orange juice. If you extract some liquid from the orange, you will get only vitamin C, antioxidants, and some minerals. These all can improve a dog’s immune system, bone health, and muscle health. Besides, they can protect dogs from skin issues and free radicals. Since orange juice is watery, it can make them feel hydrated and refreshed.
Other nutrients in orange juice include potassium, magnesium, carbs, and calcium in small amounts. These can help dogs have better muscle, brain, bone, skin, coat, and immune systems.
What Are The Risks Of Having Orange Juice For Dogs?
Compared to the benefits, orange juice offers more risks to dogs. Along with vitamin C, orange juice is high in citric acid. Meanwhile, highly acidic beverages can upset a dog’s tummy, resulting in gas, bloating, vomiting, and diarrhoea. Sometimes, this acidic element can make your dog dehydrated instead of hydrated when they consume the drink in high quantities.
Most commercial orange juice has added sugar. This can put weight on dogs and lead them to obesity. Also, this can spike their blood sugar levels, which can be life-threatening for a diabetic dog. The sugar content present in orange juice can also be a reason for dogs’ heart disease, tooth enamel, weight gain, and so on.
Let’s say the orange juice that you are offering to your dog does not have added sugar, but it has natural sugar. Hence, consuming this juice too much can give the same results as consuming added sugar in dogs.
Some commercial orange juices are labelled as sugar-free, and we think they are safe alternatives for our paw friends. But the truth is, that sugar-free juices contain artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, that are toxic to dogs. So don’t fall for the sugar-free orange juices, as they will lead to toxicity and organ damage in dogs.
The market-based orange juice can also have additives and flavourings for an enhanced taste. Meanwhile, these ingredients pose health risks to our canine friends. The symptoms could be an upset stomach, skin rashes, irritations, vomiting, etc.
Can Dogs Have Orange Juice Sometimes?
As I said before, orange juice is a great source of vitamin C. It has downsides for dogs because of its acidic nature.
Well, dogs tend to produce vitamin C naturally in their bodies. That’s why vets don’t tell us to include vitamin C in their diet frequently. This means that offering them orange juice would be extra for them. However, serving this juice to them occasionally may not be a bad idea if taken in small amounts. Just don’t add any sugar or other ingredients to it.
Some dogs are allergic to citrus or other acidic fruits. In that case, orange juice is not going to help them, even for a few sips.
Let’s say your dog fits into the position of having this tangy drink. Yet, you need to make the last call to his vet. If he allows, only then can you let your dog take a sip of orange juice.
How Much Orange Juice Is Fine For Dogs?
So we agree that small amounts of orange juice in natural form can be good for dogs sometimes. But our query doesn’t end here; we must be certain of the right amount.
For example, a Yorkie or any extra-small dog can have ¼ teaspoon of orange juice. A beagle or any small breed can have ½ of a teaspoon. Again, a Basset Houndscan can drink less than one teaspoon of orange juice. German Shepherds and other large dogs can drink 1 ½ teaspoons of this juice. Lastly, Newfoundlands and other extra-small dogs should not drink more than two teaspoons of orange juice.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Orange Juice?
Do dogs like orange juice?
The sweet, tangy, and fruity taste of orange juice can attract many dogs. We often see them licking the leftover orange juice from the floor as they enjoy its flavour.
Can dogs drink any citrus juice?
Citrus juice, like lemon juice, grape juice, and lime juice, is not safe for dogs as it is highly acidic. But if they take one sip of these juices, maybe they won’t have to deal with any side effects. However, any juice that has added sugar and flavourings is harmful to dogs.
What happens if a dog drinks too much orange juice?
The acidic nature of orange juice can be harmful to dogs. If dogs take it too much, they will suffer from gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, watery poop, bloating, gas, and so on.
What is better for dogs? Apple juice or orange juice?
Apple juice would be a safer option for dogs, as it is not as acidic as orange juice. Besides, it has more nutrients and can hardly cause any side effects. But yes, the apple juice should be natural and free from any toxic ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Since dogs can’t handle citrus fruits, we may wonder, Can dogs have orange juice? The answer is yes; small amounts of orange juice or any citrus juice won’t have dogs as long as it doesn’t have toxic ingredients. Before that, you have to ensure whether your dog has any allergies to plant-based foods or not. Besides, monitor his daily intake; if his diet includes vitamin C, it is better not to offer him this juice.
Don’t panic if your pet ever drinks too much orange juice. You need to stay calm, monitor his symptoms, and let him throw up everything. Afterwards, tell his vet about his intake and reactions accordingly.
