Apples are a fantastic source of vitamins. Also, they’re crispy, delicious, and full of soluble fiber that aids digestion. Humans love them, but can dogs eat apples?
The cyanide in apple seeds has turned off people for years, but is it really that scary? And if it’s not — what are the best ways to give our pups these fruity snacks?
Keep on reading to find out the answers to these questions:
- Can Your Pup Eat Apples?
- Are Apples Safe for Our Pets?
- How Much Apple Can Your Dog Eat
- What Apple Products Can Dogs Eat?
- Serving Tips
Should Dogs Eat Apples?
Apples are a great source of soluble fiber, vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin K. Also, they’re beneficial for the heart — the flavonoid epicatechin in them was shown to decrease stroke incidence.
But are apples just as good for our furry pets as they’re for us? Yes, apples can be a great snack for dogs and won’t do any harm if consumed in moderation.
How Are Apples Good for Dogs?
Apples provide vitamins for dogs such as C and A. These are important for reducing inflammation and aiding skin, muscle, and nerve health. Apples are also rich in vitamin K, which helps blood clotting, and vitamin B6, assisting amino acid metabolism.
This delicious fruit is also an excellent source of fiber for dogs. Human and dog bodies can’t break it down, but the good bacteria in our guts use it as a food source. So fiber aids digestion and overall health by stimulating the good bacteria growth in our digestive tracts.
Can Apples Upset a Dog’s Stomach?
Just as any other food, some dogs and humans can be allergic or intolerant to apples. In this case, your dog might experience an upset tummy, diarrhea, and skin rash. If it’s a severe reaction, an anaphylactic shock is also possible. It’s characterized by low blood pressure, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and swelling.
In case your dog becomes ill after eating an apple, call your vet immediately — your pup might have an allergy.
Are Apples Safe for Dogs?
Unless your puppy is planning on becoming a doctor, apples should be absolutely fine for it. They’re delicious, sweet, and healthy. Also, apples are high in water, so they help with hydration during the hotter months.
But there are some things you should know about apples before feeding your doggy a refreshing Pink Lady.
Are Apple Seeds Bad for Dogs?
Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which is falsely advertised as a cure for cancer. It’s primarily found in apple, apricot, and peach seeds and kernels.
When amygdalin is chewed, it releases a chemical called cyanide. This compound is incredibly toxic and can cause cyanide poisoning. Its symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Slow heart rate
- Low blood pressure
- Cardiac arrest
Now, before you freak out and throw away all the apples, hear me out. The amount of cyanide in apple seeds is meager. Your pup will need to consume a lot of apples to become seriously ill. So don’t panic if your dog swallows a few seeds.
But it’s still a good idea to remove the apple seeds before giving the fruit to your puppy. They might not be enough to poison it but can pose a choking hazard, especially for smaller pups.
Can Dogs Eat Apple Cores?
The apple core is the central part of the fruit, and most owners avoid giving it to their pets because the seeds are stored inside. But seeds are rarely a problem for our furry balls.
So, are apple cores safe for dogs? Well, yes and no. Like with the seeds, the chances of cyanide poisoning from an apple core are small. But this part of the fruit is tougher than the flesh, so it can be a choking hazard.
Even though apple cores aren’t usually a threat, it’s best to remove them before giving the fruit to your pup.
Apples Are Naturally Rich in Sugars
Apples might be rich in vitamins and fibers, but they’re also high in sugar. So before feeding dogs apples, bear in mind that moderation is key. High amounts of sugar in your puppy’s diet can lead to depression, agitation, and urinary tract or kidney infections.
Even though apples can keep your puppy’s teeth clean and breath fresh, big amounts of sugar in its diet can create cavities. So it’s a good idea to use dental chews for dogs that ensure extra care.
Can Puppies Eat Apples?
Apples are safe for your pup. They’ll provide additional nutrients and satisfy its sweet tooth.
But only give your puppy apples when you can supervise it. Small puppies haven’t yet learned how to chew properly, and fruit pieces can get stuck in their throat, causing them to choke.
How Much Apple Can I Give My Dog?
While apples are an amazing treat for your pup, you shouldn’t give them too much. One to two pieces a day will keep the vet away, but more than that might cause vomiting and diarrhea.
As a general rule of thumb, the snacks your puppy receives should be no more than 10% of its daily calories. Too much snacking might lead to obesity — one of the most common preventative dog diseases.
Can Dogs Eat Green Apples?
Yes, all apple varieties make an excellent snack for your pooch. Green, red, sweet, or sour — find out which ones your pup likes and go with it.
It’s a good idea to research other foods dogs can and can’t eat to prevent incidents.
Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?
Generally, there’s no harm in giving your pup some applesauce from time to time. But most commercially available brands put tons of sugar in their recipes. So make sure the applesauce is sugar-free and only give small amounts at a time.
Can Dogs Eat Apples With Skin?
The apple peel or skin is rich in pectin. This is a soluble fiber that regulates blood sugar and improves blood cholesterol levels.
So there’s no need to peel the apple slices before giving them to your pup. But you should always wash the fruit thoroughly before consumption.
Dogs and Apples — Serving Tips
Can dogs eat green apples? They can, and it’s time to learn how to serve these sweet treats.
Wash the Apple
It’s crucial to wash the apples before eating them or giving them to your pup.
Fruit and vegetables are usually sprayed with pesticides to avoid spoilage and vermin. While the amounts aren’t enough to cause harm, you should still wash them to prevent food poisoning.
Remove the Seeds and Stem
Can dogs eat apples? Yes, they can even eat the seeds and stems. But these are also a choking hazard for your pup. So it’s better to remove them.
Cut Into Smaller Pieces
Large apple chunks can be challenging for your puppy to chew, especially if your dog is too little or too old. Cut the apple into one-inch pieces and give them to your dog as a reward or snack after a play session.
Freeze
Why not cut the apple into pieces and place it in the freezer for a while? It makes a nice cooling snack for your pup during the hotter months.
Mix With Your Dog’s Food
Can dogs eat apples as part of their regular meals? Of course, just cut the apple into smaller pieces and mix it into your puppy’s kibble to enhance the flavor.
Other yummy foods you can add include yogurt and olive oil.
Apple Cookies
How can dogs eat apples and still love this healthy treat every time? It’s easy. The secret is diversifying your dog’s diet with snacks like the Fruitables’ baked dog treats on Amazon, with pumpkin, apple, and bacon. They’re rich in antioxidants from the pumpkin and apple and incredibly tasty. Also, the bacon gives them a unique and yummy smell no puppy can resist.
Yogurt Apples
Another trick that adds variety to your pup’s diet is mixing apple pieces with a tablespoon or two of yogurt. Yogurt is great for dogs as it’s rich in proteins, calcium, and probiotics. Mixing it with some sweet apple will make your puppy jump and want more.
Can Dogs Eat Apples and Cinnamon?
Yes, and they love it. Cinnamon isn’t toxic for dogs, and it can be a tasty addition to their food. It has anti-inflammatory properties and can decrease the risk of heart disease.
Next time you decide to give your pooch a slice of apple, maybe sprinkle some cinnamon on top and watch your happy puppy devour it with pleasure.
Can Dogs Eat Apples and Peanut Butter?
Dogs love peanut butter, and honestly, who doesn’t? It’s high in protein and super yummy. Just make sure you’re choosing a brand without sweeteners. Some artificial ones like xylitol can be incredibly harmful to your pup.
Conclusion
Apples are an excellent source of vitamins C, A, and K. They’re also rich in soluble fiber and incredibly juicy.
But we recommend giving your dog small portions. The cyanide in apple seeds and cores isn’t enough to cause any harm. So even if your dog swallows a seed or two, it won’t suffer any negative consequences.
Still, these apple parts can be a choking hazard for pups, so it’s best to remove them before snacking.
So can dogs eat apples? Yes, the fruit is just as good for them as it is for us.
