Can dogs eat orange peels

[Eleasha]

My Jack Russell, Charlotte, has recently developed a weird love for eating orange peels. As a general rule, she's got a stomach of iron; she's eaten many different brands of dog food, been an occasional garbage hound, and gotten into various unpleasant things out in the woods, and never had any gastrointestinal distress because of it.

I don't, as a general rule, give her any food besides her regular kibble and a sporadic bit of leftover meat or vegetable scraps from dinner, but if she likes fruits/veggies, I don't mind encouraging that, as long as it's not bad for her. I don't let her eat much of the peel at a time; maybe an inch or two a day, and she hasn't had any problems; no runny poop or vomiting. I just want to be sure that the acids won't be too much for her. I've checked various sites, and they all seem to concur that, while too much could irritate her stomach and give her the runs, small quantities won't hurt. I wouldn't mind a few other opinions, though, just in case.

Thanks very much!

[Dr Lee]

While orange peels contain citrus oil and d-limonene which can cause vomiting there are no other toxic concerns. So sounds like Charlotte is handling this small amount of peels fine at this time.

Source of this information was from a similar post on a veterinary website that was answered by Tina Wismer, DVM, DABVT, DABT from ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center An Allied Agency of the University of Illinois.

As far as other fruits and vegetables, remember that raisins, grapes, onions, garlic and shallots are toxic to dogs and cats.

Hope that helps.

[Eleasha]

Thank you very much! She can now munch without my strangled concern hovering over her shoulder.