Food safety
Can Dogs Eat Mandarin Oranges? Yes, a Segment or Two
Yes, dogs can eat mandarin oranges in small amounts. Mandarins, clementines, tangerines and satsumas are all close citrus cousins, and their peeled segments are not toxic to dogs. They are sweeter than regular oranges, though, so a segment or two is plenty. Remove the peel and any seeds, and skip canned mandarin oranges packed in syrup, which add a lot of sugar to an already sugary fruit.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20263 min read2 sources
Why mandarins are safe in small amounts
Mandarin segments contain water, natural sugar, fiber, vitamin C and potassium, and nothing that poisons dogs. The AKC says veterinarians consider oranges fine in small amounts, and mandarins follow the same rules. The ASPCA notes that small amounts of citrus fruit usually cause nothing worse than minor stomach upset.
The concern is sugar. Mandarins and clementines are among the sweetest citrus fruits, and small dogs reach their daily treat limit quickly. Dogs that are overweight or diabetic should have very little, and only with their vet's agreement.
Canned mandarins, peel and seeds
Canned mandarin oranges are usually packed in light or heavy syrup, which turns a modest treat into a sugar hit. If you use canned fruit, choose cans labeled in water or in juice, drain and rinse the segments, and give fewer than you would fresh.
Do not feed the peel. It is tough to digest, can cause vomiting or a blockage, and holds most of the citrus oils that irritate the stomach. Most clementines are seedless, but satsumas and tangerines can have seeds, which are a choking risk for small dogs.
How to serve mandarin to your dog
Peel the fruit fully, pull off the stringy pith if your dog is small, and separate the segments. Check each one for seeds. For dogs under 20 lb, cut a segment into two or three pieces so it cannot be gulped whole.
Frozen mandarin pieces make a cool summer snack. Avoid mandarin-flavored candy, soda, fruit cups with added sugar, and takeout dishes like orange chicken, which are fried, sugary and often contain garlic.
If you like to share small snacks, a lick mat or a treat ball makes a little go further and slows a fast eater down.
How much by dog size
Under 20 lb: half a segment, a few times a week. Between 20 and 50 lb: one segment. Over 50 lb: up to two segments. Keep all treats to about 10 percent of daily calories, and do not make citrus a daily habit.
Try the smallest amount first and watch the next day's stool. Some dogs get diarrhea from citrus acid even in tiny portions, and some dislike the smell enough to refuse it, which is perfectly fine.
Puppies and mandarins
Puppies can try a fingernail-sized piece of peeled mandarin once they are eating solid food comfortably. Their stomachs are more sensitive to acid and sugar, so keep it to an occasional taste.
Puppies also love to chew citrus peel left on the floor or in the trash. Keep peels out of reach, because a swallowed piece is more likely to cause trouble in a small, growing gut. If a puppy does swallow peel, watch for vomiting or straining over the next day and call your vet if either appears.
Signs of trouble and when to call the vet
Too much mandarin usually causes vomiting or diarrhea within a few hours to a day. Give fresh water and skip treats until it settles. Call your vet the same day if vomiting is repeated, your dog cannot keep water down, or your dog swallowed a lot of peel and is straining or refusing food.
Keep citrus essential oils and orange-scented cleaners away from dogs. If your dog licks a concentrated citrus oil, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435; a fee may apply.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Can dogs eat clementines?
Yes. Clementines are a type of mandarin, and a peeled segment or two is a safe treat for most healthy dogs. They are sweet, so keep portions small and remove the peel.
Can dogs eat canned mandarin oranges?
Only if they are packed in water or juice, drained and given in small amounts. Mandarins in syrup carry a lot of added sugar and are best avoided, especially for small or overweight dogs.
Can dogs eat tangerines?
Yes, in small amounts. Tangerines follow the same rules as mandarins and oranges: peel them, remove any seeds, and offer one or two segments depending on your dog's size.
Can dogs eat mandarin peel?
No. The peel is hard to digest, contains concentrated citrus oils and can cause vomiting or a blockage. Throw peels away somewhere your dog cannot reach.
Can dogs eat Cuties or Halos?
Yes. Cuties and Halos are brand names for seedless mandarins and clementines. A peeled segment or two is fine as an occasional treat for most dogs.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
