What do you know? Canines indeed have many similarities with humans. Mans best friends, just like us, humans, have well developed sense of taste. Canines are known to be voracious eaters. Dogs are not very discriminating in what they eat as well. Of course if you ask a dog (and it has the ability to tell you) Bubba or Rover will tell you that it would prefer to eat meats. Dogs love to eat pork, beef, lamb and chicken. Dogs are trusted companions but it wouldnt do to leave steaks on the picnic table. When it comes to this type of food, most dogs cannot be trusted.
Apart from being omnivorous, dogs are scavengers too. Dogs would eat anything. Dogs enjoy vegetables and fruits. Dogs would enjoy the sweet taste of apples, bananas, pears and other sweet fruits as similar to humans, dogs have sugar receptors too. Some dogs would draw the line at eating citrus fruits while other would enjoy the sharp sweet flavor. An orange is the major and leading fruit in the citrus group. Avocado, grapes and the seeds of apples are declared by ASPCA as toxic to dogs. Citrus fruits would be OK as long as the seeds and peel are not ingested by the dog. This means that one or two slices oranges are safe for the pet. You have a glass of orange juice every day. Why dont you save a slice of orange for the pet before you use the juicer? Your pet, just like you would get loads of healthful benefits from this sweet and tangy fruit.
Research studies conducted on oranges have proven that this citrus fruit has numerous health benefits and nutritive properties for the human body. As humans and canines are about 95% similar in genetics, dogs are believed to obtain the same benefits from this fruit too. An orange is a good source of fiber, vitamins and minerals. The vitamin C content of the fruit has antioxidants that boost the dogs immune system and provides protection against cancer causing free radicals. The inclusion of this fruit in the dogs diet was proven effective in warding off illnesses such as colds and flu. The fruit is fat, sodium and cholesterol free. Unlike other human foods, consumption of oranges will not increase the risk of heart diseases. Regular consumption was in fact proven to help blood circulation. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties that ease the chronic pain felt by arthritic canines. The folate in the fruit aids in the healing of wounds as it promotes production of new cells. Oranges are mostly water but it is rich in soluble sugar. This fruit is a valuable food for the pet as the nutrients and the enzymes would be highly beneficial especially to dogs advanced in age and starting to show symptoms of degenerative diseases.
With so many healthful benefits, a dog owner may be tempted to allow the dog to consume several pieces of oranges regularly. The fragrant fruit with its attractive color would entice an inquisitive pet to take a bite. Dogs have sweet tooth too and once the juicy sweet fruit is tasted, it is possible that the dog would consume one orange and another and another. Oranges are very refreshing. The dog, in all eagerness will consume pulp, seed and peel. Dog owners beware. Precaution will always be better than cure! Oranges would be safe for the dog but as with any other people food, this fruit has to be given to the pet in moderation. Excessive consumption can result to diarrhea. Moreover, peel and seeds must not be ingested as they contain certain oils and citric acid limonin that when consumed in significant amounts can result to central nervous system depression. All the essential nutrients in oranges can be found in premium quality dog food but oranges will give the dog a diverse diet.
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