I don’t know about you, but I simply can’t get enough of oranges. They taste good, and they’re healthy as well.
My Jack Russell, Vanilla, will often follow me around and will sit next to me while I’m having a snack. More often than not, I’m snacking on an orange, and he will stare at me with those big brown eyes as if he’s asking for a piece of the orange.
But can you feed your Jack Russell an orange?
Let’s find out.
Can Jack Russells Eat Oranges?
Yes, Jack Russells can eat oranges in moderation. Not only do oranges taste good, but they also provide your Jack Russell with vitamin C which is very beneficial for a dog that is very active or suffering from anxiety. Vitamin C helps your Jack Russell’s liver produce more vitamin C which is much needed by an active or anxious dog. Take care though to not feed your Jack Russell too many oranges as they contain natural sugars and acid which, in excessive amounts, is not good for your dog.
How many oranges can I give my Jack Russell?
I already mentioned that oranges are packed with natural sugars and acid, and this means that you can’t feed your Jack Russell too many. I recommend that you only give your Jack Russell 2 slices of orange every other day.
Feeding your pup too many oranges can result in an upset stomach. If your Jack Russell is diabetic, then the natural sugars might cause his blood sugar levels to rise, which can lead to serious problems.
I therefore recommend that you check with your vet if you have any concerns about feeding oranges to your Jack Russell.
How to prepare oranges for your Jack Russell
You should avoid giving the rind of the orange to your Jack Russell because it can cause gastrointestinal issues and in some cases, it can also be a choking hazard.
Make sure to peel the orange first, then cutting 2 slices for your pup. It might be a good idea to feed him 1 slice first if this is his first time eating an orange. Just to be safe, remove all the seeds from the slices.
The benefits of feeding your Jack Russell oranges
I mentioned that oranges are packed with vitamin C, but how does this benefit your Jack Russell?
1.) It helps their liver
It’s good for your pup’s liver because it helps the liver produce more vitamin C. For a highly active dog or a dog suffering from anxiety, oranges can be great sources of vitamin C. However, please do not feed your Jack Russell too many oranges as they contain natural sugars and acid which, in excessive amounts, is not good for your dog.
2.) It boosts their immune system
Oranges also help boost your Jack Russell’s immune system. When your Jack Russell eats oranges, he gets vitamin C which helps maintain the immune system. This means he’s less likely to get sick.
3.) It’s high in fiber
Fiber is what your dog needs to keep things moving and prevents constipation. When you feed your Jack Russell orange slices, it helps create a healthy digestive system and keeps things moving through his colon, and promotes healthy bowel movements.
4.) It strengthens their bones
Another benefit of feeding your Jack Russell oranges is that it will strengthen their bones. An orange can be a good source of calcium when it comes to a dog’s diet. Calcium helps to strengthen your Jack Russell’s bones so that he can keep from developing arthritis and other bone problems as he ages.
5.) It can help with anxiety
Oranges contain vitamin C which can help with cases of anxiety in dogs. Dogs with anxiety are more likely to develop digestive issues and infections. The vitamin C in oranges can help with symptoms of anxiety and calm your dog down.
6.) It helps promote healthy skin and coat
Your Jack Russell’s coat and skin will be stronger when he gets enough vitamin C from oranges. Vitamin C helps prevent inflammation which means your Jack Russell can avoid skin problems and other conditions like inflammation and allergies.
7.) It has antioxidants
Oranges are also high in antioxidants which can help with a number of health concerns, from arthritis to cancer. These antioxidants will help boost your Jack Russell’s immune system and keep him healthier for longer.
8.) It can help with obesity
If your Jack Russell is prone to obesity, then feeding him oranges can help. Oranges can break down excess fats, which in turn will help your pup lose some of those unwanted pounds.
Can I give my Jack Russell orange juice?
It is not recommended that you give your Jack Russell orange juice as it contains a lot of sugar. It is also very acidic which, when consumed in large amounts, can be bad for your dog.
What types of oranges can I feed my Jack Russell?
There are a few types of oranges you can feed your Jack Russell. These include mandarins, tangerines, clementines as well as Satsuma oranges. All of these will be beneficial for your Jack Russell’s health.
Conclusion
By now you should be convinced about the health benefits that oranges can have on your Jack Russell. It contains a lot of vitamin C which helps prevent your Jack Russell from catching colds and the flu and can also help with anxiety.
As mentioned earlier, however, feeding him too many oranges can result in stomach problems, so make sure to stick to the recommended intake mentioned above.
Also, check with your vet if you have any concerns about feeding oranges to your Jack Russell. As mentioned earlier, if your Jack Russell is diabetic, oranges can cause a spike in his blood sugar levels which is never good.
