Can dogs eat oranges? And cats?
A segment or two of peeled orange is fine; the peel and pith cause stomach upset.
Citrus oils are irritating to cats, and most cats hate citrus anyway.
Peeled orange segments are safe for dogs in small amounts, though the sugar and acidity mean moderation. The peel, pith and seeds cause GI upset and the essential oils in citrus skin are particularly irritating to cats, who conveniently tend to avoid citrus on their own. Skip juice: it is just concentrated sugar.
Signs to watch for
- Peel or excess: vomiting, diarrhea
- Cats with oils: drooling, stomach upset
Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control people-foods guidance, Merck Veterinary Manual, Pet Poison Helpline. Verdicts are conservative by design: where evidence is thin we choose the stricter rating.
This is general educational information, not veterinary advice. When in doubt about your own pet, ask your veterinarian.
If your pet just ate something risky, act now: call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435, or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (consultation fees may apply).