Can dogs eat mandarins? Yes, in small amounts. A few peeled segments of mandarin, tangerine or clementine are safe for most dogs. The fruit is juicy and full of vitamin C, but it's also sugary and acidic, so too much can upset the stomach. Always remove the peel, white pith and seeds, and skip canned mandarins in syrup.
Yes, a few peeled segments. Mandarins, tangerines and clementines are non-toxic. Offer one or two segments at a time, peeled and seedless. Avoid the peel and seeds, canned mandarins in syrup, and mandarins for dogs with diabetes or a sensitive stomach.
Table of Contents
Mandarins, Tangerines and Clementines
All three are closely related, easy-peel citrus fruits. Tangerines are a type of mandarin, and clementines are a sweet, usually seedless mandarin. The same rules apply to all of them. Larger oranges are covered in our oranges guide.
| Per fruit (approx.) | Mandarin / tangerine (~75 g) | Clementine (~75 g) | Orange (~130 g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~40 kcal | ~35 kcal | ~60 kcal |
| Natural sugar | ~8 g | ~7 g | ~12 g |
| Vitamin C | ~20 mg | ~36 mg | ~70 mg |
| Seeds | Some | Usually none | Some |
Approximate values from USDA FoodData Central.
Dogs make their own vitamin C, so citrus is a treat, not a supplement.
Peel, Pith and Seeds
- Peel: contains citrus oils that can irritate the stomach and is hard to digest. The ASPCA lists the orange plant as toxic to dogs because of its essential oils and psoralens, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Those oils are concentrated in the peel, leaves and stems.
- White pith: bitter but not dangerous; peel away what you can.
- Seeds: remove them. They're a minor choking risk and not useful.
If your dog ate a pile of peels or a whole bag of mandarins, watch for vomiting, diarrhea and drooling. Call your vet for small dogs, large amounts, or vomiting that keeps going. See our veterinary disclaimer.
How Many Mandarin Segments Can a Dog Eat?
| Dog's weight | Peeled segments | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Under 15 lb | 1 segment | A few times a week |
| 15 to 40 lb | 2 segments | A few times a week |
| 40 to 70 lb | 3 segments | A few times a week |
| Over 70 lb | Up to half a fruit | A few times a week |
Our estimates; one segment is about 4 calories. Treats should stay under about 10% of daily calories, a guideline from WSAVA.
The acid can cause loose stool in some dogs, so start with a single segment.
Canned Mandarins and Fruit Cups
Canned mandarin oranges and fruit cups usually sit in syrup or juice. Syrup adds a lot of sugar. If that's all you have, rinse well and give only a segment or two. Fresh is better.
Dogs That Should Skip Citrus
- Dogs with diabetes or weight issues, because of the sugar.
- Dogs with a sensitive stomach or history of acid-related vomiting.
- Small puppies, who can get loose stool easily.
Serving Ideas
- Hand out a peeled segment as a training reward.
- Freeze segments for a cool treat on a hot day; see our frozen dog treats.
- Mix a chopped segment into plain yogurt with a few blueberries.
Mandarins vs Other Citrus
Not all citrus is equally dog-friendly. Sweet, easy-peel fruits like mandarins, clementines and oranges are fine in small amounts. Lemons and limes are very sour, and most dogs won't eat them; their peel and juice can upset the stomach, so skip them. Grapefruit is very tart and bitter, and it's best left out too. Citrus essential oils, often used in cleaning products and diffusers, are much more concentrated than the fruit and can irritate dogs, so keep them out of reach.
How much citrus is too much for a dog? More than a few segments often brings loose stool or vomiting. Keep it to one or two at a time.
Is the peel dangerous? It's not usually serious, but the oils can upset the stomach. Peel the fruit before sharing.
— Dr. Sarah Miller, DVM
Mandarins for Dogs: Quick Serving Guide
✓ Do
- Peel the fruit fully
- Pick out any seeds
- Share one or two segments
- Freeze segments for summer
✕ Don't
- Give the peel or pith
- Share canned mandarins in syrup
- Feed a whole bag at once
- Offer citrus to diabetic dogs without asking
Dogs with diabetes or a sensitive stomach should get a vet OK first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat tangerines?
Yes, a few peeled, seedless segments are fine.
Can dogs eat clementines and cuties?
Yes, the same as mandarins. Peel them first.
Can dogs eat mandarin peel?
No. The peel's oils can upset the stomach.
Are mandarins good for dogs?
They're a fine juicy treat in small amounts, but dogs don't need the vitamin C.
My dog ate a whole mandarin with the peel. What now?
Most dogs just get a mild upset stomach. Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea continues.
The Bottom Line
Can dogs eat mandarins? Yes, a peeled, seedless segment or two is a safe, juicy treat, and the same goes for tangerines and clementines. Skip the peel and syrupy canned fruit, and keep portions small because of sugar and acid. More answers in our Can Dogs Eat…? library.
References & Sources
Written by CPD Nutrition Desk using the sources below. We are not affiliated with these organizations, and this guide is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
- USDA — USDA FoodData Central
- ASPCA — View source
- WSAVA — WSAVA guidetotreats dogs 251107