Apples are famed for keeping doctors away because they are packed with nutrients. It’s only natural that you are tempted to throw the occasional apple slice at your dog while snacking. But, “can dogs eat apples?”
YES! Your pup can enjoy the crispy treat this fall. Read this article before sharing this nutritious snack with your pup.
Can Dogs Eat Apples? Is it OK?
Apples are a rich source of Vitamin A and antioxidants. They make the ultimate healthy snack for humans (study). While it is advised not to feed dogs human foods, pet parents can also share this with their pups. A lot of dog treats also include apples as one of their ingredients. It is an excellent source of nutrients in your dog’s daily diet.
The texture is a bonus! You can spice up your pet’s diet with this grocery store treat. Trust me, your dog’s taste buds would be delighted. But REMEMBER, moderation is the key. Never feed your dog whole apples, only apple slices.
Are Apples Good for Dogs?
Apples are a powerhouse of nutrients. They are rich in vitamins A, C, potassium, and antioxidants and can benefit your pup’s health in many ways.
1. High in fiber
High amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants help protect your dog’s immune system. They are also high in fiber, keeping your dog’s digestive system on track while regulating blood sugar levels.
2. Low in calories
Apples are low in calories but high in calcium. You won’t need to worry about your dog gaining excess weight. This fantastic fruit ensures that dogs grow old with stronger bones and teeth.
3. Improve oral care
While discussing a dog’s dental health, you should note that apples improve your dog’s breath. Consider this a bonus for all those puppies who love licking their hoomans!
However, like all good things, apples have a downside too.
*Drumroll* And it’s SUGAR!
An apple typically contains 19 gm of sugar (study). But don’t worry. It’s still exciting news for your sugar-addicted pup, who can now enjoy a sweet treat without the dreadful chocolate. Although, an excess of apple treats can cause stomach problems.
How Many Apples Can My Dog Eat?
Your dog would go apple picking every day if it were up to him, but you know better.
An excess apple intake can cause gastrointestinal issues in your canine friend because of its high fiber and sugar content. It is essential to feed your dog apples in moderation.
Firstly, you must ensure your pup is NOT allergic to apples. Typically they are not because apples have much less protein, a critical allergy-inducing ingredient in dogs (study). If it’s good to go, ensure that apples aren’t irritating your pup’s gut.
Keep an eye on your puppy after giving him his first slice of apple, and look out for the following symptoms:
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Choking
In the worst-case scenario, if your dog has any of these symptoms, refrain from feeding apples to your dogs and contact your vet immediately.
Lastly, ensure apples don’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet. A good rule of thumb is one to three slices would satisfy your dog’s sweet tooth. The other 90% of a pup’s diet needs to be well-balanced. Consult with your vet to create the perfect diet your dog needs.
Remember, folks, always start small and keep in moderation!
How to Prepare Apples for Your Dogs?
Humans can bite an apple straight out of the bag. When it comes to your canine friend, there is some preparation involved. This can be the perfect way to show off your knife skills!
Do not feed your dog whole apples. Time to put your chef’s hat on! Don’t worry; even kids can follow these instructions to make apples a dog-friendly treat.
1. Always wash!
Apples need good scrubbing and washing to remove all the accumulated bacteria and germs. Grocery store fruits and vegetables are also treated with toxic pesticides for dogs. Do not EVER skip rising.
2. Remove seeds
Picking out those tiny seeds might be hectic, but it is crucial. Seeds have hints of cyanide (article) which can be lethal for your pup in large doses. Seeds and stems are also a choking hazard.
3. Slice it up
Cut your apples into slices before feeding them to your pup. While it might be easy for a Great Dane to chomp into a whole apple, it might be difficult for smaller breeds. Dogs also tend to swallow their food. Apples do not need to be a choking hazard for your pup.
Additionally, you can blend fresh apples into a smoothie or top your dog’s kibble with apple chunks. Alternatively, you can also try roasting apple chips, as they are one of the easiest ways to hit the sweet spot of your pup. With all the fantastic dog-friendly apple recipes (article) out there for you to try, give your dog the restaurant experience.
Note: Avoid feeding your dog any store-bought dehydrated apples because they contain high sugar and can cause stomach problems.
Can Dogs Eat Apple Seeds?
NOT! Dogs can not have apple seeds as they contain small amounts of cyanide. It can be highly toxic for dogs if consumed in large quantities and can result in death in extreme cases.
True, your dog would need to eat a HUGE amount of apple seeds to get cyanide poisoning (study). An average-sized dog would have to go through about 200 apples before showing any symptoms.
Yet it is better to be safe than sorry!
Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Shock
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Convulsion
Can Dogs Eat Apple Skin and Cores?
Apple peels are pretty easy for dogs. Peeling your dog’s apple is an optional step. It depends on your pup’s preference for texture. Apple peels can give a tiny boost to your dog’s fiber intake. Although they might cause indigestion in large quantities.
It is a different case for cores. Remove the center from the apples before feeding your dog. It is challenging for dogs to chew. Cores are choking hazards and can get lodged in a pup’s throat.
Conclusion
Your pup can enjoy all the delicious apples from Crabby to Granny Smith. That textural nutritious goodness can be found in dog treats also.
Apples make THE list of healthy breakfast items for you and your pup. They are packed with a variety of nutrients and have multiple health benefits. The little seeds are the only villain of this story with their cyanide content. Be sure to get rid of them before feeding your dog.
This fall, take your pup for an exciting neighborhood apple picking without a worry!
Frequently Asked Questions
You should not feed your dog more than one to three slices of apples. In order to maintain a balanced diet apples should not make up more than 10% of your pup’s diet. An excess of apples can cause stomach problems.
Dogs can not eat the core, seeds and stem of the apple. You need to remove these before feeding your pup apples. They can be a choking hazard for your pup. Also seeds have a hint of cyanide in them which is lethal in large doses.
Apples make for a nutritious treat for your pup but do not feed them whole apples. Large breeds like a Bulldog or a Great Dane might be able to chomp down on an entire apple. You need to feed sliced up apples to your smaller dogs to prevent choking.
Apples are packed with a variety of vitamins and antioxidants. These make for a nutritious and tasty snack. Your dogs can eat any type of apples, none are harmful to dogs. Make sure to remove the seeds, core and stem before tossing your pup a slice.
If your small sized dog has eaten a huge amount of apples look for signs of cyanide poisoning. This toxin is present in apple seeds. The symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea and convulsion. It can be lethal if not treated promptly. Contact a vet immediately in such cases.
