In today’s article, we will know about Can dogs eat apples. Dogs enjoy eating all kinds of things , including fruits and vegetables, but it can be confusing to know what’s safe for them. Apples are a fruit that many of us enjoy, especially since apple trees are also common in many home gardens. So can dogs safely eat apples, and are they healthy for dogs?
Apples contain many healthy nutrients for humans. They also have some nutritional value for dogs. It is often a good idea to give your dog a variety of different fruits and vegetables mixed in with their dry kibble to provide them with something different. It keeps dinner time interesting.
Dogs can eat peaches , watermelon , and many other fruits without any problems. So, in the following article, we look at whether or not dogs can eat apples and any issues you should be aware of.
Are Apples Safe For Dogs?
Although dogs primarily eat meat, they are omnivores and will also eat fruits, vegetables, and grains. Generally speaking, apples are a safe fruit to feed your dog , as long as they are given in moderation. The flesh and skin of apples is not toxic to dogs, but large amounts of apple seeds can be potentially harmful as can the hard, indigestible core. This applies to all varieties of apples, from pink lady to gala, to baking apples.
It is best to offer your pet raw, unsweetened wedges to eat apples. The skin of apples is unlikely to cause too much of a problem for dogs, so you don’t need to peel the apple, but make sure it has been thoroughly washed . This will ensure that any harmful pesticides have been removed before giving it to your pet.
Are They Good For Dogs?
Apples are unlikely to harm most dogs and may give them a slight boost of nutrients. They make a great crunchy, low-calorie snack that some dogs quite enjoy.
It’s worth noting that unlike us, dogs don’t need any external vitamin C, so they won’t benefit immensely from apple supplements. Like any fruit or vegetable, you should feed apples in moderation, especially since they are high in natural sugars.
It is best not to serve apples whole. There is a risk of consuming the core and seeds of the apple in this way, or, in the case of some large or giant breeds of dog, swallowing the apple whole! Apples make a great low-calorie treat and contain the following nutrients:
vitamin C
Humans (and guinea pigs) cannot produce their own vitamin C, so external sources from fruits and vegetables are needed. What is Vitamin C responsible for? Boosting the immune system and maintaining healthy skin and connective tissue. Although dogs can build their own, it won’t hurt them to have a little extra.
fiber
Fruits and vegetables contain fiber, which is essential for helping maintain healthy digestion. In dogs, fiber improves stool quality and helps with issues such as anal gland problems. Fiber can also help your pet feel full , which can help when he is on a weight loss regime. So a little extra fiber from a few apples may help with your pet’s digestion.
antioxidant
Apples contain antioxidants including quercetin, catechins, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid, which have proven health benefits in people. These can help reduce the risk of certain health conditions including cancer and heart disease. Some of these benefits can also be seen in our pets, although more research is needed.
How Much Apple Can I Give My Dog?
You should only feed apples in moderation to your pet at a time. Excess of any fruit or vegetable can cause stomach upset. It is recommended that fruits and vegetables make up no more than 10% of your total daily ration . Introduce any new food to your pet slowly, offering small amounts at first to check for any adverse reactions or stomach upset. Other safe fruits you can try with your pet include:
When Do Apples Go Bad?
Although the flesh of the apple is not toxic to dogs, it can cause stomach upset if eaten in large amounts . If they eat too much of the fruit, your dog may experience bloating or excessive gas, along with vomiting and diarrhea.
The parts of apples you should avoid feeding to dogs are the seed and the core . Apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide , and while consuming the odd seed is unlikely to cause any harm, it could potentially cause problems. However, dogs have to actively chew on the seed in order to release the cyanide it contains. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include:
red mucous membrane
divergence pupil
breathing problems
collapsing
While the actual risk of cyanide poisoning is extremely low , it is still better not to actively give apple seeds to your dog. The apple core is quite hard and is usually the part of the fruit that we discard. Don’t be tempted to treat it as a treat, as not only is this where the seeds are, but it is also quite hard and difficult to digest .
In small breed dogs, there may be a risk of an obstruction where the apple core becomes lodged in your dog’s stomach or intestines. This can cause abdominal pain, vomiting and lethargy. Sometimes surgery is needed to correct the blockage.
Types Of Apples And Products To Avoid
Rotten Apples
You should never allow your dog to eat rotten fruit, as it ferments to produce ethanol (alcohol). Dogs are particularly susceptible to the effects of alcohol, so they may experience symptoms of poisoning at a lower level than we do. To prevent this from happening you should try to clean up any fallen fruit in your garden immediately.
Hard Cider
Cider is made from fermented apples and should never be given to dogs. This alcoholic drink can cause toxic side effects and have no nutritional benefit. Dogs with alcohol poisoning will become disoriented, wobbly, and vomit. This can cause them to have breathing problems and even collapse. Make sure you don’t leave out beverages at social gatherings so that Fido can avoid helping himself.
Stewed Apples
Stewed apples usually have a . Contains high amounts of added sugar , which is not good for dogs, and will add unwanted calories. Stick to plain, raw applesauce as a treat instead.
Apple Juice
It is not recommended that dogs consume apple juice. Many store-bought varieties contain added ingredients such as sugar or sweeteners that can be harmful to dogs . The lack of fiber in this product also means that your pet is not getting much nutrition from it, so it is best to avoid it.
Flattery
Like apple juice, there will be minimal nutritional benefits in giving applesauce to most dogs. Most of the fiber will have been removed, a . Concentrated source of sugar except . Therefore, although not toxic, it is not recommended for our canine companions.
Apple Pie
Don’t be tempted to feed your dog apple pie. This delicious dessert contains high amounts of sugar , and the pastry is very high in fat . This can lead to stomach upset, or even more serious pancreatitis .
The condition occurs when the pancreas (a small organ that aids in digestion) becomes inflamed, which can sometimes happen if a dog is fed too much fatty food. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain and lethargy . The cream or other dairy products often served with apple pie can also cause problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Apples Can Dogs Eat in a Day?
There is no simple answer as it depends on the size, weight and health status of your dog. Generally speaking, apples (and other safe fruits and vegetables) should make up no more than 10% of your daily diet. Eating too many apples can spoil the digestive system.
Can Dogs Eat Windfall Apples?
It is not recommended for your pup to eat an apple that has fallen to the ground from a tree in your garden. These apples may soon begin to rot and ferment, releasing ethanol alcohol. So not only could your dog get an upset stomach from eating large amounts of fallen apples, but he could also suffer alcohol poisoning when the fruit rots.
How many apple seeds will kill a dog?
It would take a lot of apple seeds to kill a dog, as each seed contains a very small amount of cyanide. The seeds also have to be crushed or chewed to release the cyanide, rather than being swallowed whole. Reports of death in dogs are extremely rare.
What happens if a dog eats an apple core?
Apple cores are very hard and not easy to digest. In larger breeds of dog, it may be possible for your puppy to pass any indigestible material, but in smaller breeds, an obstruction is more likely to occur. If signs of obstruction appear, such as vomiting, abdominal pain or lethargy, call your veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can feed apples to your dog in moderation . Just make sure they are properly washed and prepared by removing the core and seeds. When introducing anything new to your pet make sure you only give them a small amount to start with , to check for any potential tummy upsets, before giving them more.
Feed only raw apples to your pet—don’t be tempted to give them apples that are baked or stewed in sugar. Never force your pet to eat apples, he may not like them and instead prefer to stick to his normal diet. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is behaving unwell, especially if your pup has eaten a large amount of rotten apples.