Can dogs or cats eat clementines?

October 9, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat clementines?

So you're munching on clementines and wondering if your four-legged furball can join the citrus party. Good news, dog parents—clementines get the green light for your pup, with caveats.

Clementines are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that can give your dog's immune system a boost (yay!). But before you start tossing clementine segments like confetti, remember: moderation is key. Too many, and you're setting your pup up for an upset tummy or even a one-way ticket to Chubbytown.

And something else that's not so a-peeling about this snack—those peels could spell trouble for your pet, from choking hazards to gut blockages.

The bottom line? Share a peeled clementine segment or two as a special treat, but don't make it a regular menu item. And when in doubt, a quick chat with your vet can clear up any citrusy concerns, especially if your dog has specific health issues like diabetes.

If your cat eats clementines and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, cat insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat clementines?

So you've discovered the joy of clementines—those juicy, easy-to-peel snacks that are practically sunshine in a bite. But before you toss a slice to your purring sidekick, hold off.

Cats are missing some key players in their liver's enzyme lineup, making them citrus intolerant. When they munch on clementines, essential oils like limonene and linalool stage a hostile takeover of their digestive system. The result? A not-so-fun feline fiesta of vomiting or diarrhea, and in the worst-case scenario, neurological symptoms like tremors or even seizures.

So, as tempting as it is to share your citrus stash, let's keep the clementines a human-only treat. There are plenty of cat-approved snacks out there that won't turn your fur baby into a science experiment.

Information Purposes Only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet Poison Emergency Protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet