Can Dogs Eat Cuties?

Cuties are a name brand of mandarin oranges. They’re very popular with adults and a great snack for kids! If your child has snuck one to the dog, or you just love to share with your pup, you might be wondering if dogs can eat Cuties.

Cuties are non-toxic to dogs. However, they are high in sugar which can hurt dogs with diabetes or high blood sugar. Oranges can also cause diarrhea and stomach upset in some dogs, so it’s best to start with very small amounts to see if your dog can tolerate this fruit.

If you also have a cat, be sure not to feed them Cuties, as citrus is toxic to cats.

In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits and risks of feeding Cuties to your dog, if all parts of the orange are safe, and more.

Are Cuties Safe for Dogs?

Cuties aren’t toxic to dogs, but they also aren’t always healthy for them. Oranges contain a lot of sugar and, although it’s natural sugar, it’s still not great for dogs in high amounts. If you do feed your dog cuties, be sure to feed them in moderation.

For dogs with diabetes, oranges can cause high blood sugar, so it’s likely best to avoid these and other sugary snacks if your pup has this disease.

Oranges can also cause stomach issues in some dogs. Namely, your dog may get pretty bad diarrhea after eating a cutie or other type of orange.

That said, Cuties also contain lots of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium. While your dog should get all of these nutrients in their dog food, a few small pieces of Cutie won’t hurt most dogs and can provide some health benefits.

Vitamin C can boost your dog’s immune system, protect them from illness, and make it easier for their bodies to absorb iron.

Fiber aids a dog’s digestive system, helping it to stay regulated, and potassium gives your dog energy.

Do Dogs Like Oranges?

Many dogs won’t eat Cuties or other citrus fruits even if offered. This is because they are very acidic and just don’t smell or taste good to them.

However, some dogs love oranges and will get excited for them as a treat! They can be a great high-value reward in this case, or just a fun snack while the two of you bond.

Can Dogs Eat Orange Peels?

No, dogs cannot eat orange peels. They’re difficult for them to swallow and digest.

Orange peel might get lodged in your dog’s throat, blocking off their airway and causing them to choke.

It can also get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract, creating a bowel obstruction. Often, dogs with bowel obstructions need surgery to remove the item blocking their digestion.

Can Dogs Eat Orange Seeds?

Orange seeds aren’t toxic to dogs, but they can pose a choking hazard. This is especially true if your dog is small, as they’ll have a smaller throat than larger dogs.

It’s best to remove all seeds from the Cutie before feeding them to your dog.

How Many Oranges Can a Dog Eat?

Your dog should never be fed a whole orange, not even a small Cutie. This would be way too much sugar for them and is likely to upset their belly.

Large dogs can eat a maximum of two orange slices–you might be able to get by with three Cutie slices since these guidelines apply to a large orange.

Smaller dogs should be fed even less, and if your pup is very tiny you might want to stick with just half a slice.

To start, feed your dog even less than advised above. This way, if they get an upset stomach, you’ll know not to feed them oranges again.

It’s always good to add new foods to your dog’s diet slowly, and it’s even more important in this case since Cuties are known to cause diarrhea in some dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Other Citrus Fruits?

Technically, dogs can eat other citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit. However, they’re not likely to enjoy them–especially lemons!

Citrus is very acidic and sour, and these aren’t flavors dogs tend to like. Please don’t give your dog lemon to be funny–they are not in on the joke and it’s just mean.

Instead, I recommend offering less acidic fruits like blueberries, bananas, or strawberries. These are all dog-safe and your dog will likely prefer them to citrus.

In case you’re both a dog and cat guardian, please remember: While citrus fruits are safe for dogs, they’re toxic to cats!

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/baibaz