TailVilleWhy
Mandarin flesh has vitamin C and water but also sugar and acid, so too much upsets the stomach. The peel, pith and seeds contain essential oils such as limonene, plus psoralens, which can cause vomiting and skin irritation. Cats are poor at breaking down essential oils and generally dislike citrus, so it's best not to feed it to them.
How to give it / if eaten
For dogs, remove the peel, pith and seeds and offer one or two segments (half a segment for small dogs), keeping treats under 10% of daily calories; skip canned mandarins and juice. Don't give it to cats, and keep citrus diffusers and oils away from them too.
Watch for these signs
Too much causes vomiting, diarrhea or loose stool. Eating peel can cause vomiting and drooling, and cats exposed to citrus oils may drool, wobble or become lethargic.
FAQ
My dog ate mandarin peel.
A small amount usually causes only mild vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog ate a lot or keeps vomiting, especially a small dog, call your vet.
Can cats eat mandarins?
We don't recommend it. Cats don't need it and are sensitive to citrus oils. It's also a good idea to wash your hands after peeling citrus before handling your cat.
General information only. Weight, age and health conditions change how a pet reacts, so ask your vet if you are worried.