Feeding fruits occasionally to German Shepherds is a great idea. I also use to give my breed more often just to change their taste and provide proper nutrition.
Eating fruits generally make human beings healthy but it’s not the same for dogs. Some fruits can affect our dogs but what about Oranges, Can German Shepherds eat oranges? Are Oranges good for their health?
Oranges fall in the category of safe fruit for German Shepherds and of course, they can eat oranges. If fed in moderation it is a healthy fruit as it is loaded with Vitamin C, and A, potassium, calcium, carbohydrates, sodium, fiber, and other nutrients.
If your dogs eat oranges and like the taste of this citrus fruit then it will be a healthy snack but not all dogs like this fruit because of its citrusy taste. You should be aware of their taste and feeding behavior.
Here in this post, we will discuss all oranges- Do German Shepherds eat oranges? Why German Shepherds should eat oranges, how much to feed them, health benefits, precautions before feeding this fruit, and other fruits that German Shepherds should avoid eating.
Let’s go through the topic and discuss orange feeding for German Shepherds in detail:
Table of Contents
Do German Shepherds Eat Oranges?
Most dog owners want to feed the fruit’s flesh for a healthy snack and they also feed various citrus fruits, orange slices may be their choice for their German Shepherd.
If we talk about the nutritional value of oranges. These citrus fruits are powerhouses of nutrition that grow in warm climates, containing a high amount of Vitamin C, and A, potassium, carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, and sugar.
German Shepherds cannot eat oranges as their regular diet as it is not typically recommended as part of their regular diet, however, oranges can be a healthy snack for them on occasion.
German Shepherds may enjoy the taste of oranges, however, it is important to remember that citrus fruits can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. So it would be better to feed some other citrus fruits like tangerines, clementines, and satsumas.
Though, some breeds may not like the acidic taste of this citrus fruit. You should observe their taste by feeding them gradually, if they ignore eating then you should also step down to feed this fruit.
The better way to feed this fruit is to serve them in moderation and remove its upper skin and seeds. Feeding these components may affect their health and give birth to many health issues.
Most of you may be trying to feed commercial supplement foods for providing balanced nutrients, but you should think of the natural fruit that also provides proper nutrients as this citrus fruit protects from damage to cells and provide smoother skin.
Rather it would be better to provide a better refreshing fruit treat to your German Shepherd that does not affect their health as consuming oranges more often may not be a healthy treat.
Oranges have their nutritional values, it also plays a very important role in providing a healthy diet to German Shepherd. Because of the nutrients available in oranges, your German Shepherd should eat this fruit.
Let’s take a quick look at why your German Shepherd should eat oranges:
- If your German Shepherd is suffering from indigestion then feeding this fruit can be a great option as the fiber present in it allow for smooth digestion.
- If fed in moderation there will be a negligible chance to upset their stomach, even German Shepherd puppies can be a smaller portion of oranges.
- Feeding this citrus fruit also allows for avoiding heart disease, as the potassium available in it is highly helpful in relieving muscular pain.
Being a rich source of Vitamin C also allows for boosting the immune system of German Shepherds. Remember to remove its skin and peels before feeding as it may lead to potential hazards to the German Shepherd.
It will be better to understand the importance of oranges from the table given below.
| Nutrients | Availability |
| Vitamin A | 14 mg |
| Vitamin C | 70 mg |
| Fiber | 3 gm |
| Potassium | 237 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 15.4 gm |
| Protein | 1 gm |
| Sodium | Not available |
How To Feed Oranges To German Shepherds?
Not only oranges but all of you should feed your German shepherd in a proper diet plan whatever food you are feeding to them. Oranges are safe fruits and you must know their serving schedule.
Here are some of the important tips for feeding oranges that you can also follow without affecting your dog’s health.
Clean properly:
This is the basic thing you should consider in all types of fruits. You should wash them properly before giving them so that all the germs are removed properly as they may be grown with the help of some pesticide consumption which may damage their digestive tract.
Remove Skins:
The upper part i.e skin must be removed as the skin is hard to digest for your German Shepherd and its consumption may lead to stomach upset. So you should avoid its skin and feed only the fleshy part.
Remove Seeds and Peels:
The seeds and peels of oranges contain toxic compounds and they must not be fed to the German Shepherd. However, they may neglect this fruit because of the bitter taste present in its peels. So guys if you give this citrus fruit as a snack then you should remove its peels or it could also affect their digestive system.
Cut in Slices:
The better way to serve oranges to your German Shepherd is to cut them into small pieces and then serve them. If you are feeding this fruit for the first time then you should see give them in very little amounts, if they enjoy its taste then you may start giving them but in moderation.
Oranges can also be served in liquid form i.e Orange-juice. You can keep it in the refrigerator and allow them to drink it in summer but you should be aware of its sugar content. If your dog is diabetic then you should avoid this drink.
How Can Oranges Be Healthy Fruit To German Shepherds?
Oranges are fully loaded with rich nutrients like potassium, calcium, vitamin c, and very low sodium which makes this fruit a healthy diet if given in moderation.
To know the health benefits of oranges, let’s see below:
Health Benefits of oranges
- Because of the presence of Vitamin C, it is highly helpful in boosting the immune system of the German Shepherd.
- Oranges also contain proteins that are responsible for healing wounds and providing smoother skin to German Shepherds.
- Potassium is also present in good quantity and it plays important role in avoiding heart disease.
- The presence of fiber in oranges allows them to gain smooth digestion.
- Oranges contain folate and vitamin B which is highly beneficial when your German Shepherd is pregnant as it avoids birth defects.
You should start feeding this fruit in small slices seeing the interest in feeding if they ignore it or you see any type of side effect then you may avoid feeding this fruit.
What are the health risks of oranges For German Shepherds? You should know!
Though oranges are safe fruit if their seeds and peels are removed and fed in moderation. Oranges are not toxic fruit but you should also know some of the health risks and if your German Shepherd is facing some health issues.
Let’s discuss them one by one:
Diabetic problem:
There is natural sugar present in oranges and you should never try this fruit on your German Shepherd if they are diabetic. You must consult the vets for better guidance on what types of treats they need in case of diabetes.
Allergic Reaction:
This is one of the health risks that you should not avoid. If you are feeding oranges to your German Shepherd for the first time then check out for some of the common symptoms like change in their behavior, stomach upset, itching problems, and others as some of the GSDs may have fruit allergies.
The best way to avoid such type problems is to feed small slices in limited quantities and if you see any type of symptoms that I discussed earlier you must consult your vet for proper guidance.
Digestive issues:
Digestive issues may arise in German Shepherds because of the consumption of seeds, skins, or peels. You should be very careful before feeding this fruit, the better way to feed them is to serve them only fleshy parts.
Consuming seeds or peels may lead to indiscretion and may affect their health badly so guys are careful before feeding them.
Weight Gain:
Because of the sugar content, it may let your German Shepherd gain weight quickly, so feeding oranges will not be a good idea for your German Shepherd if they are already overweight.
Remember to feed the diet as per their weight and their body needs limited calories to live a healthy life.
Also, Read Our Post “Can German Shepherds be left alone?“
Are Oranges Toxic To German Shepherds?
No not at all, oranges don’t come in the category of toxic fruit. It is a healthy fruit that you can give to your German Shepherd occasionally. Even though I feed my German Shepherd dog frozen juice of an orange in summer, he enjoyed it very much. You should also try this treat and your dog will enjoy it for sure.
Remember to follow the proper diet plan before feeding oranges to your German Shepherds such as cleaning them properly, and removing their skins and seeds.
What Fruits Should I Not Feed My German Shepherd?
Fruits are considered a healthy diet for human beings but it is not the same for dogs. Some fruits contain toxic and should not be fed to them. Here are the following fruits that your German Shepherd should not eat.
- Avocado
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Tomato (Green)
- Star Fruit.
Always try to do some research before feeding your dogs or consult your vets so that your German Shepherd couldn’t get any type of health issues.
What fruits can German shepherds not eat?
German Shepherds should not be given any citrus fruits, such as oranges, limes, lemons, or grapefruits. Citrus fruits are too acidic for their digestive systems and can cause upset stomachs or even more serious health issues.
Other fruits that should not be given to German Shepherds include avocados and raisins. Avocados contain a toxin called persin which is toxic to German Shepherd dogs while raisins can lead to kidney failure in some cases.
Additionally, grapes are highly toxic for German Shepherds and can result in severe digestive distress or even death.
Pits, seeds, and stems of fruits such as apples, peaches, and plums should also be avoided as they can cause a choking hazard or intestinal blockages.
Ultimately, it’s best to stick with dog-friendly treats like carrots and yogurt rather than risk the health of your German Shepherd by giving them unsuitable human food. Always provide your furry friend with healthy dog food that does not affect them.
Final Thoughts:
As good dog owners, we all want to provide a healthy diet to our pets and fruits are the best option. I hope you understood the fact about the feeding of oranges and its importance. Here are some of the quick recaps from the post:
- Oranges are not toxic and can be a great treat for German Shepherds.
- Remove its skins, seeds, or peels to avoid any health issues.
- Feed this citrus fruit in moderation.
- Observe your dog before feeding this fruit if you are giving them for the first time.
- Take advice from your vets if they have any fruit allergies or health issues.
- Be in touch with your vets if you see any initial symptoms of sickness, this not only maintains their good health but your penny is also saved.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):
Can German Shepherds eat orange peels?
No German Shepherds can not eat orange peels and it is not considered safe for German Shepherds to digest because of the presence of chemical or compounds that is toxic and difficult to digest.
Furthermore, orange peels are high in fiber, which is also responsible to upset stomach in some dogs if consumed in large amounts.
Can German shepherds eat citrus?
The answer is no, German Shepherds should not eat citrus. Citrus fruits contain a compound called psoralen, which can cause skin and digestive problems for dogs. Additionally, the acidity of citrus fruits could potentially irritate or damage the lining of your dog’s stomach.
Can German shepherds Eat Tomatoes?
German Shepherd can eat only ripe tomatoes as it is non-toxic and can be fed in moderation. Unripe or green tomatoes should be strictly avoided as they contain solanine that causes heart problems, difficulty in breathing, and severe digestive problems.
Can a German Shepherd eat papaya?
Yes, a German Shepherd can eat papaya unless its seeds, skins, and peels are removed. Consumption of seeds and peels may give birth to many health issues. Overall it is a healthy fruit with many health benefits.
For more detail about papaya, you may follow our article “Can German Shepherd eat papaya?“