While some dogs may not be fond of the acidic taste in mandarins, the fruit is generally safe. They are vitamin-packed and loaded with other vital nutrients and minerals, thus a good supplement to the dog’s meal.
However, you need to keep watch of the number of mandarins you feed your dog, as excessive consumption may lead to stomach upsets. Read along to learn how to feed your dog mandarins and the right amounts to provide them.
What Are the Benefits of Mandarins to Dogs?
Mandarins have several nutritional benefits for your dog, including:
Source of Vitamin C
They are a source of vitamin C, a vital nutrient in strengthening the dog’s immune system and improving recovery after an illness. It also helps remove free radicals in the body to keep the dog healthy.
Contains Antioxidants
They also have high levels of antioxidants which have anti-inflammatory advantages. You should consider giving your dog a piece if you notice signs of inflammation in your dog, like redness or swelling in the paws or other body parts—a common problem in dogs. Studies have also shown that foods rich in antioxidants reduce cognitive dysfunction, especially in aging dogs.
They Are Rich in Minerals
Mandarins are also a rich source of minerals like magnesium and potassium. These minerals are crucial, especially in older dogs. Magnesium helps maintain a healthy nervous system, while potassium is important in building and maintaining healthy muscles. Their high fiber content also aids in flushing out toxins from the dog’s body.
The nutritional components of mandarins can be broken down into:
|
Nutritional Value |
Nutritional Breakdown |
|
Protein |
1g |
|
Carbohydrates |
12g |
|
Sugar |
9g |
|
Calories |
47 |
|
Fiber |
2g |
What Are the Risks of Offering Mandarins to Dogs?
The risks associated with offering your dog mandarins mostly depend on the volumes you feed it. As mentioned, mandarins contain citric acid, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems in dogs. They also have high amounts of calories and sugar, which may lead to uncontrolled weight gain for your dog when eaten excessively.
If you notice any signs of gastrointestinal problems, like vomiting or diarrhea, after feeding mandarin to your dog, you should stop and consult your veterinarian. Their high sugar content may also be unsafe for diabetic or overweight dogs, and you should avoid giving them to dogs with any of these conditions.
The peels of a mandarin are also sour and difficult for the dog’s digestive system to digest. The peels may also contain pesticides which can be extremely toxic to your dog’s health. They can lead to rashes, tremors, confusion, and more. Therefore, they are better removed. It would be best if you remove the seeds when feeding mandarins to your dog. Mandarin seeds have some traces of cyanide, which may cause cyanide poisoning. They may also choke your canine or cause internal blockage.
How to Feed Mandarins to Your Dog
If you want to try offering your dog this type of orange, peel it completely and remove all the seeds. Offer the dog a small segment of the mandarin to see whether they like it. You shouldn’t feed them more than two mandarins daily to avoid gastric complications.
Also, offer them plenty of water after providing them a mandarin to wash off the citric acid. You could also top one or two mandarin segments in your dog’s dry kibble to improve texture and flavor. As you feed the fruit to your dog or any threat, keep in mind the 10% rule, such that only 10% of the calorie consumption comes from treats. The remaining 90% should be from a well-balanced diet.
Can Puppies Eat Mandarins?
Yes, you can give mandarin to puppies, but be sure to wait till they are at least a year old. Like other new treats, start with a small amount too. Due to their small sizes, do not exceed four grams (a quarter of the mandarin) when feeding a puppy to avoid digestive complications.
Are Tinned Mandarins Good for Dogs?
No, don’t feed your dog tinned mandarins. They contain high concentrations of preservatives like potassium sorbate and sulfur dioxide, which are highly toxic to dogs.
Can Dogs Drink Mandarin Juice?
No, don’t give mandarin juice to dogs. While the juice is not toxic to the dog, it is not recommended due to its high sugar and acidic levels.
What Are the Alternatives to Mandarin for Your Dog?
Here are some healthy alternatives to mandarin for your dog.
Apples
A few slices of apple can be a good alternative if you are weary of feeding mandarin to your dog. They contain high levels of vitamin C, dietary fiber, and phosphorus, which benefit your dog. You should wash and peel the apple before feeding it to your dog and remove the seeds. The core may choke the dog, while the seeds contain toxic cyanide when chewed.
Bananas
They also pack high levels of minerals like potassium and magnesium in addition to vitamins C and B6. You should feed them to your dogs in moderation as they contain lots of starch and sugar, and be sure to peel them. Like any other fruit, start with a small piece and see how your dog reacts.
Blueberries
Blueberries can also make a good treat for your dog. They are full of vitamins and minerals and famous for their high levels of phytochemicals and antioxidants. Feed them one by one to your dog or add them to the dog’s meal. You can squish them a bit to minimize the risk of choking and unlock their scent when feeding them to your dog.
Recommended reading
Other fruits that people have questions about for their dogs are dragon fruit, raspberries, bitter melon, chayote and purple jam.
Supplement Your Dog’s Diet With Mandarins
While a fresh, balanced diet comes first when feeding your dog, you can treat them to snackable additions like mandarins to improve their health. Unlike most other processed treats, mandarins and many other fruits are natural and nutritious, hence have minimal and manageable side effects. Their high levels of antioxidants and minerals are highly beneficial to your dog’s health, especially as it ages, and could help keep off common illnesses in your canine friend. However, before you feed your dog any fruit or another teat, make sure you know what it contains and its possible downsides to avoid unappealing surprises.
Photo Credits
Unsplash – Mandarins
