Can Dogs Eat Clementines? Are Clementines Safe for Dogs?

Clementines are such a fun and tasty treat. You may wonder if you can share one with your dog. Your dog may be looking at you with those sad eyes and tilted head, wondering the same exact thing! Clementines are not a clear yes or no when it comes to whether or not dogs can have them. There are some dogs that will do fine with a few clementines in moderation, and others will not. We will break down everything you need to know about clementines and sharing them with your dog.

What Are the Health Benefits of Clementines?

Clementines are low in calories and often considered a tasty snack for humans. As far as the health benefits go, clementines have a good amount of vitamin c in them, as many citrus fruits do. There is a little bit of vitamin B in a clementine as well. The question then becomes, do these health benefits transfer over to a dog?

Do Those Health Benefits Transfer to Dogs?

First of all, it is important to note that clementines are not harmful to feed your dog. Although they are not a food, you need to run out and add to your dog’s diet immediately they can offer some health benefits. The vitamin C in the clementines will absolutely transfer over to your dog, and although there is no reason to unnecessarily add vitamin c to your dog’s diet, it shouldn’t hurt them.

Clementines contain quite a bit of sugar. If you start giving your dog more sugar, they will eventually gain weight. Obviously, it is essential to try and keep the weight of your dog in check. The best possible time to give your dog some clementine would be after quite a bit of exercise. If you think your dog may actually be lacking in vitamin C after a long day of running and playing, then it may be worth giving them some clementine.

What Could Go Wrong If Dogs Eat Clementines?

Since clementines are acidic, they could cause your dog to have some stomach issues. If your dog is above average in weight, clementines would also be a bad choice to add to the diet of a dog.

Another problem with clementines is that they are sort of hybrid fruit. Anytime you feed your dog anything you really want to make sure it is a natural ingredient. So, in other words, a slice of orange may be better than a clementine. It is always essential to consult your vet prior to giving your dog any new food. However, it is also important to think back to thousands of years ago and the food that dogs had access too. If you do your best to keep things as natural as possible, most of the time, the food is safe for your dog.

How Much Clementine Can I Give My Dog?

It is really only recommended to give your dog a slice or two of clementine a day. This food should be considered more of a treat that a dog gets after going on a long walk with you. Feel free to sit on the front porch and share a clementine together. Again, there is not enough evidence that clementines are a high-quality source of nutrition that you would need to add this to your dog’s diet as a staple.

What Fruits Can You Feed Your Dog?

All this talk about fruits and how the clementine is not a bad option to give a dog in moderation may have you questioning what would be a great fruit to give a dog. Here are a few of the best options that you can feed your dog when it comes to fruit.

What Fruits Are Dangerous to Give Dogs?

Most fruits are high in sugar, so giving them to your dog in moderation is very important. However, there are a few fruits that can actually be dangerous to your dog, not just because of the sugar content but for other reasons as well. Here are some fruits you should avoid giving your dog.

Conclusion

The bottom line with clementines and dogs is that they are not harmful, and it’s okay to use them sparingly. If you want to see how your dog does with clementines, give them a slice and monitor the rest of the day closely to see if they develop any stomach issues or pain. As always, it is a great idea to talk to your vet before adding any new foods to your dog’s diet.

Featured Image Credit: Couleur, Pixabay