Although citrus fruits are optimal sources of vitamin C, they contain a lot of acid. Feeding mandarins can therefore quickly lead to gastrointestinal problems, especially if the dog is prone to hyperacidity.
Oranges and tangerines must be ripe when you feed them, unripe fruits have serious side effects for your dog.
You should only feed these varieties in small quantities.
What types of fruit are suitable for dogs?
There are many types of fruit that are healthy for your dog and provide him with important vitamins and minerals.
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries and raspberries
- Pears
- Apricots
- Pineapples
- Currants and blackberries
Apples contain a lot of pectin, which is important for stabilising the intestinal flora. However, you should be careful with the seeds and remove them before feeding if necessary.
Bananas are excellent sources of energy. Bananas should not be fed in excessive quantities, as they can quickly lead to constipation. However, they are a quick first aid for diarrhoea and strengthen the immune system.
Strawberries and raspberries: They make for a beautiful and healthy coat and are important for strong bones. They also boost the immune system and increase concentration.
Pears: They should also only be fed when ripe, most dogs really like pears. They help with digestion and are an insider tip for diarrhoea. They also strengthen the heart, joints and nerves.
Apricots have an antibacterial effect and ensure a healthier gastrointestinal tract. They also strengthen the immune system. Be sure to remove the pit before feeding as it is poisonous to dogs.
Pineapple: Pineapple contains enzymes that have a positive effect on the dog’s digestion and supports a healthy metabolism. Pineapple has a high acid content, so it should only be given to your dog in small amounts. Again, make sure the fruit is ripe.
Mango is also rich in enzymes, which help and support your dog’s digestion.
Currants and blackberries contain a lot of vitamin C and also folic acid. Vitamin C is important for your dog in the fight against pathogens. Folic acid, which belongs to the B vitamins, plays a role in cell growth and cell division.
Berries also contain important anthocyanins, which protect cells from oxidative stress.
Is fruit healthy for dogs?
Many types of fruit are healthy for your dog because they are good sources of energy, contain valuable vitamins and are rich in water. Vitamins support your pet’s defences.
The fructose contained in fruit is also positive, because it does not lead to diabetes mellitus, tartar or obesity. You can also feed fruit as a snack between meals. Your dog will be happy and you will have provided him with many important substances.
If your dog doesn’t like to eat fruit in pieces, try pureeing it. Simply put a few pieces of fruit in the blender and mix the pulp into your dog’s usual food.
Recipes with fruit that your dog will ask for more of
To make sure you have something tasty for your dog on the go, you can also get creative and use the types of fruit your dog likes when baking.
Mandarin oranges are not so easy to prepare, so you may want to try another type of fruit. Apples, pears or even raspberries are suitable.
- 1 apple
- 220g wholemeal wheat flour
- 80ml water
- 1 egg size M
- 3 tbsp sunflower oil
And this is how it is done:
First, peel the apple and cut it into small pieces. The cores should also be removed. The oven should already be preheated. Here, the oven can be heated to 170° degrees.
The kneaded dough is now divided into small bites. You should choose the size so that the dog can eat them easily.
Place the dough bites on a baking tray lined with baking paper and place them in the oven.
After 25 to 35 minutes, the bites should be ready. Use a wooden stick to check that the dough is no longer raw.
Are there types of fruit that are not suitable for the dog?
There are some types of fruit that your dog should not eat. Some can even be fatal for your four-legged friend, so caution is advised.
Varieties that your dog should not eat include:
- Plums
- Elderberries
- Citrus fruits
- Avocados
- Grapes and sultanas
Prunes: They can cause severe abdominal pain and bloating in your dog, so you should avoid feeding prunes.
Elderberries: They should never be fed as they are very poisonous when unripe and can even be fatal.
Citrus fruits: Lemons and oranges lead to a strong overacidification of the dog’s stomach and should therefore only be fed when ripe and in small quantities.
Avocados: They are also not suitable for your dog because they contain the active ingredient persin, which leads to heart damage in many dogs that cannot be treated. In addition, digestion is affected by the high fat content, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems.
Grapes and sultanas: If your dog eats these in large quantities, it can quickly lead to symptoms of poisoning and there is a risk of kidney failure. In this case, it is imperative to consult a vet immediately.
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Conclusion – can my dog eat tangerines?
Tangerines are allowed for your dog, but only when ripe. You should only feed a few, as too much fruit, typically citrus fruit, contains a lot of acid.
This in turn, in large quantities, is not healthy for your dog.
Especially in summer, there is a wide choice of fruit. Your dog can eat other types of fruit besides tangerines. However, not all types are allowed, as some types can be fatal for your dog.
However, if you choose the right types of fruit, you can also delight your four-legged friend with homemade bites.