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Can Dogs Have Orange Juice? 3 Risks of Orange Juice for Dogs

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: May 18, 2022 • 1 min read

While dogs can enjoy the benefits of oranges by eating pieces of the fresh fruit in moderation, dogs cannot have orange juice. It contains large amounts of sugars and additives that can cause GI upset and negative side effects like vomiting or diarrhea, especially in smaller dogs.

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Can Dogs Have Orange Juice?

Dogs cannot have orange juice due to the high amounts of sugar, acids, and dangerous additives. While clementine, tangerine, or orange slices in small quantities offer dogs health benefits as a source of vitamin C and potassium to help boost their immune system, feeding your dog orange juice can lead to an upset stomach and other health problems.

Is Orange Juice Good for Dogs? 3 Health Risks of Orange Juice for Dogs

While you can let your dog eat oranges as an occasional treat if you remove the orange peel, juice from citrus fruits can harm your dog’s digestive system and overall health. Orange juice is dangerous because it contains:

  1. 1. Citric acid: Both fresh oranges and orange juice are high in citric acid; if your dog drinks large amounts of orange juice, it can lead to stomach upset.
  2. 2. Lots of sugar: Commercial orange juices contain significant quantities of added sugar, and freshly squeezed orange juice is full of natural sugar. Too much sugar in your dog’s diet can lead to stomach problems and weight gain or obesity. The high sugar content can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which is particularly dangerous for diabetic dogs.
  3. 3. Potentially dangerous additives: The fruit juice may contain added flavorings or ingredients that can be dangerous for your dog. Artificial sweeteners such as xylitol are toxic for dogs and can lead to serious health problems.

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