Owning a dog can be funny but it is not so easy. If you are a dog owner you know that you are the only responsible for your dog’s health. Among other things, you have to provide your dog balanced and nutritional diet, in order to keep him healthy and lively. It is known that dog owners love to share foods with their dogs, but it is not always a good idea.
There are certain human foods that may be poisonous for dogs, so you should be careful. Cucumbers are better over pickles. As a dog owner, it is necessary to be well informed about the foods that your dog can eat and others that may be harmful for your dog.
In this article we will talk about clementines and their impact on a dog’s health. Are clementines safe for your dog? How many clementines should you give to your dog? What are potential side effects of giving too many clementines to your dog? Read along and you will get the answers, but first we will tell you something more about clementines.
More about Clementines
A clementine is a hybrid that is very similar to tangerine and mandarin. Sometimes it is not easy to distinguish a clementine from these fruits. The exterior of a clementine is a deep orange color and it has a smooth appearance. Clementines are usually separated into 7 to 14 segments and they are easy to peel. They are seedless, juicy and sweet and they have less acid than oranges. Clementines are rich in vitamins and minerals, so they have many health benefits for people.
Also, they contain sugar and dietary fiber. But, can you feed your dog clementines? Just continue reading and you will find out.
Are Clementines Safe for Dogs?
Well, the answer is yes. Clementines are safe for dogs as long as they are eaten in moderation. As well as oranges and tangerines, clementines are not toxic to dogs but you should have in mind that clementines are rich in sugar. If your dog eats too much of them, it may cause GI upset. The citric acid which is found in clementines is not a concern to dogs, but there are citrus oil and d-limonene in the peels of clementines, which may upset your dog’s stomach. Because of that, it is recommended to peel the clementines before you give them to your dog.
Also, clementines can be very beneficial for your dog. They are rich in vitamin C, which can boost an immune system of your dog. Due to their high content of fiber and water, clementines can help dogs that are suffering from some digestive problems. It is shown that dogs will not have problems with constipation if they eat clementines as a snack.
How Many Clementines Should Dogs Eat?
Now when you know that clementines are safe for your dog, you may be wondering how much of this fruit is okay to give to your dog. We recommend you to feed him only one or two clementines per day. If you give your dog a large amount of clementines, it can cause obesity and other health problems. The most common are bloating, diarrhea and other digestive problems.
Clementines and other fruits should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. If you feed your dog treats you should decrease his daily food intake by 10% in order to prevent obesity. Have in mind that clementines should be served only as occasional treats to your dog. They should not be a regular part of your dog’s diet.
Also, it is recommended to introduce new foods slowly into your dog’s diet. Start with a very small amount of clementines and watch carefully the reaction of your dog. If there are any side effects, such as vomiting or diarrhea, you should stop feeding your dog clementines and you should find some other fruit that could be a great treat for your dog.
Have in mind that a dog’s digestive system is too sensitive and it is not able to tolerate some foods, especially if they are given in large amounts. As we have said, a small amount of clementines will be a great healthy treat for your dog.
Summary
As you have seen in this article, clementines are safe for your dog, but they should be eaten in moderation. One or two clementines per day are more than enough for your canine friend.
As we have already said, it is best to peel the clementines, in order to avoid any stomach upset. Remember that a small amount of clementines can be a great snack for your dog. Large amounts of clementines could have adverse effects. Remember that you are the only responsible for your dog’s health so think well before feeding your dog a certain food.
Learn more about canine diet and read more of our articles. Up next: sardines for dogs!
