Not Safe
Not SafeVet Reviewedfruit

Not Safe for Dogs

Medium dog serving: never

Key warning: all orange peel — concentrated toxic essential oils

Can Dogs Eat Orange Peel? No — Essential Oils Are Toxic

This food is NOT safe for dogs. Keep it away from your pet.

Orange peel is not safe for dogs. It contains d-limonene linalool and other essential oils that are toxic to dogs causing digestive upset vomiting and in large amounts liver toxicity. Never give dogs orange peel in any form.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

D-limonene and linalool: digestive upset vomiting diarrhea. Large amounts: liver toxicity. Orange peel products: concentrated essential oils even more dangerous. Citrus cleaners with orange extract: toxic.

If Your Dog Ate This

Call vet or ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435 if significant amount consumed.

What to Avoid

all orange peel — concentrated toxic essential oils

Preparation & Serving

Monitor for vomiting and digestive upset. Call vet if significant amount consumed.

Did you know?

D-limonene — the compound concentrated in orange peel that makes it toxic to dogs — is the most commercially produced natural terpene in the world. It is used in cleaning products cosmetics and food flavoring. The distinctive clean orange scent of d-limonene is used in dog repellent sprays precisely because dogs find it aversive. Orange peel oil is also studied as a natural pesticide and insecticide. The irony that a compound used to repel dogs is also found in food they might accidentally access explains why orange peel is particularly concerning.

Portions & nutrition

Serving (small dog)
never
Serving (medium dog)
never
Serving (large dog)
never
Calories (per 100g)
97
Safe frequency
Never

Source

Source: ASPCA

What You Need to Know

Orange peel concentrates the essential oils that make citrus a natural dog deterrent. D-limonene — the compound responsible for orange scent — is toxic to dogs in the amounts present in peel. This is why many dog repellent sprays use citrus. The peel is significantly more dangerous than the flesh. Never give dogs orange peel or allow access to citrus peel.

Not sure what to do next? Read our emergency guide What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Toxic

Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?

Take the 60-second kitchen safety quiz to find out your dog's risk score.

Take the safety quiz

Stay in the loop

Get new food safety guides, vet tips, and alerts delivered to your inbox.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making dietary changes for your pet.