Donkeys love to get treats, and giving them fruits and vegetables can enrich their diet and provide them with extra vitamins and nutrients. Since donkeys have specific nutritional needs, you must be careful about which treats you choose. The good news is that oranges are a fruit that’s safe for donkeys and horses. They can even eat the peels, but these should only be fed in moderation.
Can Donkeys Eat Oranges?
Yes, donkeys can eat oranges. However, too many oranges can cause diarrhea in donkeys.
Image Credit: Nitr, Shutterstock
How Do Donkeys Eat Oranges?
Donkeys are known for their love of oranges, often eating them whole. While this may not be the healthiest way for them to eat oranges, it is safe and will not harm the donkey.
If you want your donkey to get the most out of an orange, you should cut it up into small pieces and remove the seeds. This will make it easier for the donkey to digest and absorb all the fruit’s nutrients.
Oranges are a good source of vitamin C, which is important for donkeys because it helps boost their immune system. It also contains a decent amount of fiber, which is beneficial for keeping their digestive system healthy.
Feeding oranges to your donkey is perfectly safe and can be quite good for them. Just make sure to cut the fruit into small pieces first so it can be easily digested.
Are Oranges Good for Donkeys?
Oranges are a good source of both vitamins and minerals for donkeys. However, oranges should only be given to donkeys in moderation because they are high in sugar. Donkeys are prone to obesity, which can lead to health problems.
Here are a few of the health benefits that donkeys can obtain from oranges as treats:
Vitamin A maintains healthy organs and eyesight.
Thiamin (vitamin B1) plays an important role in appetite. Thiamin deficiency causes a loss of appetite, and severe deficiencies can result in seizures and death.
Vitamin C provides a boost to your donkey’s immune system and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
Potassium contained in oranges reduces blood pressure and offers protection against kidney stones and osteoporosis.
Calcium promotes heart, nerve, and bone health.
Magnesium aids in the maintenance of healthy blood sugar.
While many fruits and vegetables are safe for donkeys, some are toxic. These include:
Kale
Brussel sprouts
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Nightshade vegetables, including potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, onions, leeks, and garlic
Peaches
Apricots
Plums
Any stone fruits
Summary
Oranges are safe to feed to donkeys as treats, and they can add vitamins and minerals to their diet. It’s important to always feed oranges in moderation, however, as they are high in sugar and can contribute to obesity. Safe fruits and vegetables are a great way to add variety to your donkey’s diet, along with traditional roughage, like grass and hay.
Chelsie is a freelance writer who is passionate about helping owners and pets live their best lives. She resides in rural Alberta,
Canada with her husband and two sons, and is currently a pet parent to four horses, four cats, and a Border Collie.
