Whether you're counting calories or just enjoying the sunny flavor of a fresh tangerine, you can be sure Duke will have his attention on your snack if he's in your vicinity. It's okay to share with him; tangerines are safe for dogs.
Healthy Tangerines
There's not much bad to say about tangerines; these peppy orange fruits are bursting with sweet, juicy flavor. Great for the immune system, they're a good source for vitamins C, B1, B2, B6 and A; and they're a source of fiber. The only downside to these orange orbs is that most of their calories come from sugar.
Feeding Duke Tangerines
If Duke has a sweet tooth, a section of tangerine -- without the seeds -- is a fine treat for him. Banfield Pet Hospital recommends limiting a dog's intake of oranges, clementines and tangerines to a segment or two a day. The high sugar content could help add to Duke's waistline if he eats too much of this citrus, and it can potentially cause an upset tummy. The citric acid in them is not a problem for dogs, though it is for some domesticated animals.
Fruit Only
If Duke decides he wants more than a section of your fruit and swipes the whole thing, keep an eye on him. The fruit, peels, stems, leaves and seeds of citrus contain citric acid, limonin and oils, which can cause irritation to Duke's stomach. Significant amounts of citrus can affect his central nervous system, so keep tangerines out of his reach if he takes a liking to this fruit. If he gets into the fruit dish and lunches on your tangerines, a call to the vet is in order.
Other Fruits
If you're counting calories and Duke's keeping you honest by watching what you eat, you can share some of your fruit snacks with him. Berries, such as strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are fine for him. Melon is a nice treat too. Avoid grapes, raisins and avocado, as well as pits from peaches, cherries and apricots. There is such as thing as too much fruit for Duke, so it should be a snack only, composing about 10 percent of his caloric intake.