Citrus peel
CautionCitrus peel concentrates citric acid and essential oils, which the ASPCA links to irritation and even depression in significant quantities. AKC adds that the tough peel raises the risk of GI blockage. Flesh only, in small amounts.
This food guide has not been reviewed by a veterinarian. It summarises general information from sources and should not be used to decide whether a food is suitable for an individual dog or to assess an emergency.
Check before feeding
Check the precautions before sharing
Risk depends on preparation, ingredients or amount. Read the precautions below; body weight alone cannot establish a safe portion.
Signs and health concerns
This list includes both observable signs and conditions identified through examination or testing. It cannot establish the cause or whether an exposure is safe.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Drooling
- Loss of appetite
- Reduced activity and responsiveness
- Lethargy
- Intestinal blockage
More about this food
Orange flesh is fine for dogs in small amounts. Peel is the part to keep away from them. The ASPCA states that the stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of citric acid and essential oils that can cause irritation and possibly even depression if ingested in significant quantities. Those oils are most concentrated in the colored outer layer of the rind, which is exactly the part a dog gets when it grabs a peel off the floor.
The American Kennel Club does not call orange peel toxic, but says it is not recommended: the peel is tough and difficult to digest, which increases the risk of gastrointestinal blockage. Seeds are a choking hazard. Even the flesh has limits, since its natural sugar causes GI upset and diarrhea if a dog eats too much, and citrus acidity is harder on a sensitive stomach. AKC's serving guidance is one or two small segments per day depending on size, with all treats inside 10% of daily calories.
The practical American exposures are a peel dropped beside the couch, a compost bin full of breakfast rinds, orange zest and candied peel in holiday baking, and marmalade. Concentrated citrus oil products are a bigger problem than the fruit: d-limonene cleaners, citrus essential oils, and citrus-based insect sprays deliver far more of the same oils than a peel does, so store them where a dog cannot reach them and do not apply them to a dog.
A lick or a chewed corner of peel usually ends in drooling and a bad stomach. If your dog swallowed several pieces, or vomits repeatedly, becomes lethargic or wobbly, or stops passing stool, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 now. Do not induce vomiting at home.
Frequently asked questions
- My dog ate an orange peel. What should I do?
- A small chewed piece often passes as drooling and an upset stomach. The concern is blockage, since peel does not digest. Note the amount and time, and call your vet if you see repeated vomiting, lethargy, belly pain, or no stool.
- Can dogs have the orange itself?
- Yes, in limited amounts. AKC suggests one or two small segments per day depending on your dog's size, with peel and seeds removed. Too much and the sugar and acidity bring on diarrhea, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs.
- What about citrus essential oils and cleaners?
- Keep them away from your dog. ASPCA identifies the essential oils in citrus as the irritant, and cleaners, diffuser oils, and citrus insect sprays are far more concentrated than peel. Never apply citrus oil products to a dog's skin or coat.