If you have a sweet tooth, you may wonder if your dog does too. It’s possible that you’ve noticed your dog seeks out sweet flavors. So, you may be on the lookout for a healthy sweet snack to feed him. Could tangerines be a good, tempting treat for your dog? Continue reading to learn.

Are Tangerines a Fruit Dogs Can Eat?

Yes. Dogs can eat tangerines. But you need to be careful with them. “A lot of the same considerations that apply to oranges also apply to feeding dogs tangerines,” Purina Senior Nutritionist Jan Dempsey explains.

How Are Tangerines Like Oranges?

Tangerines and oranges are cousins in their fruit family. They share a few similar traits – round, orange, have a peel and are naturally sweet. Even though tangerines are more tart than oranges, they still they have a lot of sugar.

Is the Sugar in Tangerines Bad for Dogs?

Too much sugar is bad for dogs even if it is in a healthy fruit like tangerines. “High sugar content means a lot of calories. The sugars in fruit – fructose and natural sucrose – can contribute to potential weight gain in dogs,” says Dempsey. One way to keep sugar in check is to limit treating your dog. Think about your dog’s total diet and the number of calories he needs. You can give 10% of those calories as treats. But don’t give more than that.

Should Some Dogs Not Eat Tangerines?

There are a few groups of dogs that should not eat tangerines – overweight and diabetic dogs. “Dogs with those conditions don’t need extra calories and sugar, so it’s best to find a different treat,” Dempsey advises.

Can Tangerines Cause Problems for Dogs?

Some dogs have more sensitive digestive systems than others. Introducing acidic foods like tangerines can cause things like diarrhea and vomiting. If those happen, you know your dog cannot eat tangerines. Ease into it. The best way to monitor your dog is to feed one small section of tangerine. Look and wait to see how your dog reacts. No change means your dog can eat tangerines as a treat.

What is the Best Way to Prepare Tangerines for Dogs?

Wash the outside of the tangerines first. Then remove the peel and the white pith. This skin, pith and other plant parts contain compounds like essential oils that can be toxic to dogs in large amounts. Taking the time to peel the tangerine may help you avoid cleaning up diarrhea or vomit later. Tangerines are naturally seedless, so seeds aren’t a concern.

If Dogs Can Eat Tangerines, Can They Also Eat Clementines?

Maybe. Tangerines, clementines, mandarins and oranges are all very similar fruits. Dogs can eat the flesh of all of them, but does that mean they are good for them? It’s important to consider your dog’s specific needs. Reach out to your veterinarian to talk about it.

Since Dogs Can Eat Fruit Like Tangerines and Oranges, Are There Other Fruits They Can Safely Eat?

“It’s important to research any fruit you are curious about feeding your dog,” Dempsey says. “You don’t want treating to cause your dog’s diet to become unbalanced.” Also, identifying fruit that is safe for dogs isn’t intuitive. With a little reading, you can feel certain about what your dog can and can’t eat.