Can Dogs Eat Apples? Are Apples Safe For Dogs?

If you are wondering whether to treat your dog with a healthy snack like a delicious apple and are wondering can dogs eat apples – the good news is that yes, they can.

But here is what you need to know before feeding your pup with apples.

In general, apples are very healthy fruits, filled with natural sources of Vitamin C, a and K, calcium, phosphorus, fiber, and antioxidants. They are much healthier options with lower calories and fat content than dog biscuits or other treats for dogs. Apples are also an excellent snack to help keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean and their breath fresh.

But, you should know that the apple seeds and cores should be diligently removed before serving crunchy apple slices to the pup.

In any case, it is advisable to always speak to a vet or pet nutritionist before feeding your dog apples or any other human food.

Read on to find out more about how can dog eat apples and what to be wary of.

Are apples good for dogs, and why?

As mentioned earlier, apples are a natural source of some essential vitamins, and minerals, as well as good fibers and antioxidants, which can help prevent cancer, joint problems, and other health issues.

They are low in fat and protein, high in fiber, low in calories, and low in price, making them affordable, healthy, and non-fattening treats for pups when served properly and in moderation.

They are great for helping the dog keep its teeth clean and its breath fresh.

They are also great alternatives to other snacks, especially for dogs that need to eat lower calories or low protein and low-fat diets.

Related: Pure Balance Dog Food

When can apples be bad for dogs, and why?

Before treating your pup with some apple slices or cubes, make sure that you remove the core and the seeds carefully.

The reason is that apple seeds contain some cyanide which, when ingested in sufficient quantities, can be toxic to dogs. It isn’t dangerous if your dog eats a few seeds, but you should be careful just in case, especially with small and miniature dogs.

The core is bad because it poses a risk for intestinal blockage, which can be a serious and life-threatening condition in canines. It can also cause choking, as it is hard to chew.

Another thing to keep in mind is that apples contain sugar. Even though they are simple sugars such as fructose, glucose, and sucrose, you should occasionally give your dog limited amounts of apples to prevent the development of diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes or cancer.

Eating too many apples can cause digestive problems and diarrhea, even in the healthiest of dogs.

You should also refrain from giving your dog any apple-flavored products and snacks, as they usually will contain sugar and other processed and chemical additives.

Artificial sweeteners such as xylitol can be toxic and even deadly to dogs as well.

So, it is better to stay away from any human foods you are not sure about and stick with occasional organic treats like a few apple slices from the farmer’s market or from your garden.

Store-bought apples may have been treated with some unknown substances in order to keep them looking shiny and fresh, which is something you should avoid giving to your dog too.

You should always make sure to wash the apples before feeding them to your dog in order to wash away any pesticides or insecticides they have been treated with.

In very rare cases, a dog may display an allergic reaction to apples, and even rarer – signs of anaphylaxis or allergic shock, which can be fatal.

Some allergic reactions to look for when introducing a new food such as apples to your dog’s diet include sneezing, coughing, itching and hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

If you notice one or more of these signs, stop the apple feeding immediately, and with more worrying symptoms – contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

How to feed your dog apples?

As we already recommended, it is advisable to speak to your vet before introducing new human foods to your pup’s diet, especially if it has underlying medical conditions or is on medication.

If the veterinarian is OK with you treating your pup with some apples occasionally, you should proceed to wash the apple thoroughly, cut it and remove the stem, core, and seeds, and cut the fruit into slices or in bite-sized chunks.

You can mix up some apples into your regular dog food or freeze the apple to serve to your pup as a cool snack on scorching summer days.

You can also mash up the apples and make your own applesauce, or blend them with other fresh fruit to be served as a healthy snack to your dog.

If you have any apple-based dog treats and dog food recipes, we will be glad if you share them with our readers and with us!