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No, orange juice is not safe for dogs to drink. In fact, orange juice contains a high amount of acid, sugar, and additives that can be dangerous for your canine companion. Giving your dog too much orange juice can lead to issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain.

Orange Juice
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caution

Caution: This food is generally considered risky by the veterinary community. Dogs should not eat this food and should be monitored for adverse effects.

Food Safety  Exercise caution, avoid overfeeding
Nutritional Issues  Calories from sugar, acid, additives
Potential Risks  Weight gain, obesity, acidic stomach, xylitol poisoning from sugar-free orange juice
Poisoning Symptoms Diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, tremors, stomach cramps
Every dog is different. For specific feeding guidelines, including quantities and beneficial foods that are best for your dog, please consult your vet.

How Much Orange Juice Is Bad for Dogs?

While oranges are filled with Vitamin C, orange juice shouldn’t be a part of your dog’s daily diet. OF course, a couple of sips won’t require visiting the vet’s office. However, if you overfeed your dog an entire glass of orange juice, your dog might suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach cramps. So, it’s best to avoid it altogether.

What Makes Orange Juice Unsafe for Dogs?

Both freshly squeezed and store-bought orange juice contains a ton of sugar. Dogs consuming excessive sugar can suffer from stomach problems, weight gain, or obesity due to a spike in blood sugar levels. This spike can be especially hazardous for diabetic dogs.

Moreover, both fresh oranges and orange juice carry citric acid in high amounts, and when dogs consume excessive orange juice, it can lead to stomach cramps. Lastly, store-bought sugar-free orange juice contains xylitol, which can have serious health consequences for dogs.

What to do if Your Dog Drinks Too Much Orange Juice

If your canine companion has consumed a small amount of orange juice, you don’t need to worry at all. However, if your dog has excessively consumed a large quantity of orange juice, it could potentially result in stomach discomfort lasting several hours. In general, it is recommended that you refrain from giving your dog any orange juice.

That said, if your dog doesn’t stop experiencing diarrhea or vomiting, it’s best to take it to the vet immediately. In fact, if you don’t get your dog the needed treatment, it might suffer from dehydration due to constant diarrhea and vomiting.

Are Some Orange Juices Better than Others?

If you are adamant about giving it to your dog, freshly squeezed orange juice is the best option. Plus, moderation is also key here. Typically, it’s best to avoid giving your canine companion store-bought orange juice because it might contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol. This chemical is extremely poisonous for dogs and can cause renal failure if consumed excessively.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • While citrus fruits are non-toxic for dogs, they can lead to various stomach issues, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

  • No, dogs should not drink orange juice. This is because orange juice contains a lot of sugar, acid, and other additives. Plus, store-bought orange juice typically contains artificial sweeteners like xylitol.

  • No, a couple of sips of orange juice won’t harm your dog. However, giving it an entire bottle or pack of store-bought orange juice is another story.

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.