Skip to content

Yes, mandarins are safe for your dog. The yummy fruit is sweet and oh-so-delicious for your dog. The orangey fruit boosts a dog’s immune system and even has anti-cancer properties because mandarins contain flavonoids. Mandarins have high sugar content and should only be fed in moderation as a sweet treat.

Mandarins
safe icon
safe

Safe: This food is generally considered safe by the veterinary community. Dogs can eat this food sometimes or in small amounts but contains little to no nutritional value.

Food Safety Safe in small quantities
Nutritional Value Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants
Potential Risks Diabetes, upset tummy
Every dog is different. For specific feeding guidelines, including quantities and beneficial foods that are best for your dog, please consult your vet.

The aromatic fruit is hard to say no to, and the fun ball-like shape always attracts dogs. Of course, before they gobble down a chunk of the yummy fruit, it is critical to ask: can dogs eat mandarins?

How Many Mandarins Can Your Dog Eat?

When you are cozied up on the couch, and your dog looks at you like they haven’t had anything to eat all day (you just fed them!), you can offer them one or two segments from the fruit. Despite being a citrus fruit, mandarins are not toxic to dogs. Still, they shouldn’t eat the fruit in large amounts because it can cause an upset tummy. If you have a small dog, we suggest reducing it to half or one segment. The high in sugar fruit cannot be eaten daily and should be only given as a treat a few times a week.

How to Feed Your Dog Mandarins?

The mandarin flesh is perfectly safe for your dog. However, peels aren’t a great choice of food. So, when feeding your dog mandarins, peel them and deseed them.

You can offer the fruit as is or prepare a yummy mandarin treat for them to enjoy.

Mandarins might attract dogs because of their shape, but many do not like the citrusy taste of the juicy fruit. If your dog typically doesn’t like the citrus taste, offer them a tiny bit. If they want more, you can give them a segment.

That amount is enough if your dog is eating mandarins for the first time.

TIP: Always check to see if the fruit is fresh before you feed it to your dog. Moldy and rotten fruit is bad for your dog’s health.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Dogs can eat oranges of any kind as long as it is in moderation. Before giving your dog the fruit, remember to peel and deseed them so they can enjoy the fruit safely.

  • Packaged mandarin juice contains a lot of added sugar that can harm dogs. You require multiple mandarins to prepare freshly squeezed juice, which is too much for dogs. However, squeezing fresh mandarin juice from one or two segments in your dog’s meal should be fine.

  • No, mandarins are not poisonous to dogs. In fact, dogs can have all types of oranges safely. Remember to feed them in moderation and not make it part of your dog’s daily diet. Mandarins are better as an occasional treat.

About the Writer
Dan Greco , Dog Dad

Having been a dog dad for 5 years, I know how hard it is to make sure your dog gets the right nutrients and stays away from hazardous foods. With the help of a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition, I created this blog to help dog owners quickly access food information they need.

photo of vet holding a pup
About the Contributor
Dr. Hillary Wolfe , Veterinarian & Certified Food Therapist

Dr. Wolfe holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and holds nutrition certifications from the NAVC and CIVT. Her business, Tula Veterinary Nutrition, hosts online courses that teach owners how to cook for their pet for optimal health and longevity. Follow her on Instagram at @doctorwolfe.dvm for dog nutrition tips, recipes and insights.