Can dogs eat apples? Yes, dogs can eat apples. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before feeding them to your dog.
While these fruits are packed with nutrients that might benefit your dog’s health, there are some potential hazards, like the cores and seeds. Moderation is crucial, as an excessive number of apples may induce stomach discomfort in dogs.
If served correctly and safely to your dog, these are nutritious occasional treats that may be rather refreshing and delightful. Always consult your veterinarian before feeding human foods to your dog, especially apples.
Are Apples Good for Dogs?
Yes, apples are beneficial to dogs. Apples are high in potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, phosphorus, calcium, antioxidants, etc. They’re high in fiber, particularly peels. The peels help your pooch to maintain weight and aid with digestion.
Apples are a low-calorie snack that is ideal for dogs who are attempting to reduce or maintain weight. However, with around 19 grams of sugar per apple, a whole apple will certainly be too much for your dog. Nonetheless, apples are an excellent method to fulfill your dog’s sweet craving (unlike other sweet treats such as chocolate or other human foods, which might be harmful to your dog).
While munching an apple might assist in cleaning your dog’s teeth, apple peels can become lodged between their teeth. Consuming apples should not be used in place of routine dental care, such as daily brushing and routine veterinarian dental cleanings.
How Many Apples Can Dogs Eat?
Your canine companion may love crunching on apples, but don’t let them have too much. Eating an excess of apples can lead to your dog experiencing a bellyache or diarrhea, so always serve them in moderation. Just an apple slice or two is enough to satisfy your dog’s cravings.
Puppies can also eat apples. If you haven’t given them apples before, start with a small amount, like a slice or small cube. Watch over them to ensure that they don’t have an allergic reaction. See if they experience any digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog has problems, refrain from feeding them apples and contact a veterinarian as needed.
How to Prepare Apples for Dogs Safely
Important note: Do not feed an apple’s seeds or core to a dog since they contain a trace of cyanide and may also pose a choking hazard.
To begin, wash and rinse your apples thoroughly to eradicate any bacteria or germs. Apples in supermarkets are treated with chemicals, which reinforces the need to thoroughly wash them.
Keep the seeds away from your beloved pooch: they contain a trace of cyanide, a chemical that may be harmful to your dog in excessive amounts. Additionally, the stiff apple core and stem might strangle your dog. If your dog consumes an apple core or seeds, you must monitor them for symptoms of digestive distress or obstruction, such as choking.
Apples should be cut into slices or small pieces for your dog to readily consume. Peeling the apple facilitates digestion and reduces the quantity of fiber consumed by your dog.
Additionally, just because dogs adore apples does not mean they are permitted to have apple pie. Humans love the additional sweetness and golden crust, but dogs will survive stealing a nibble (or a slice).
However, according to the Pet Poison Helpline, if your dog consumes an apple pie that contains nutmeg, which contains a toxin called myristicin, they may encounter issues. Nutmeg may produce moderate stomach upset in modest amounts. It can produce hallucinations, hypertension, and seizures in extremely large dosages.
Is it Okay for Dogs to Consume Apple Chips, Apple Juice, or Applesauce?
Other apple-based foods, such as applesauce, apple juice, and apple chips are less nutritious and more damaging to teeth.
Apple chips are dried and include extra sugar. They also have no fiber. While apple juice and applesauce contain water, they also contain added sugar and lack fiber.
Combinations of these factors can result in enamel degradation, diabetes, and weight gain.
When Are Apples Harmful to Dogs?
When giving apples to dogs, the most important things to check for cores, seeds, and stems.
The seeds contain minute quantities of cyanide, a poisonous substance. It would take a large number of seeds to produce cyanide poisoning, and if your dog takes a few, he is unlikely to suffer any harm. Even so, there is no need to jeopardize your dog’s health; thus, remove the seeds before feeding your dog apples.
Common signs of cyanide poisoning include the following:
- Mucus membranes with a brick-red color
- Pupil dilation
- Breathing difficulties
- Panting
- Shock
According to others, stems may also be hazardous, therefore it’s preferable to remove these as well. The apple’s core is tough and difficult for most dogs to chew. It may pose a choking danger or induce gastrointestinal obstruction if consumed.
Apples contain sugar, so dogs must consume them sparingly. Sugar can create complications in dogs with diabetes or cancer which is another reason you must see your veterinarian before providing them to your dog. Additionally, even in healthy dogs, eating too many apples might produce an upset stomach or diarrhea.
Apple-flavored or apple-containing items frequently contain sugar, artificial flavors, or chemicals. Always check the labels on human foods before feeding them to your dog, and avoid additional sugars, artificial sweeteners like xylitol, and unusual substances, since these can be hazardous.
It’s better to buy organic apples, as many apples sold in supermarkets are coated with compounds that give them a glossy appearance. Any fruits you purchase should be washed since they may contain insecticides.
As with most meals, there is a possibility that your dog will have an adverse reaction. Occasionally, allergic responses can progress to anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal disease.
If your dog exhibits indications of an allergic response, such as sneezing, coughing, swelling, difficulty in breathing, hives, or other symptoms, immediately cease feeding him these fruits and consult your veterinarian.
What Is the Best Way to Feed Apples To Your Dog?
Always consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog human food. Certain dogs have medical issues that may be aggravated by apple consumption.
Once your veterinarian has given the green light, thoroughly wash the apples you intend to offer your dog, removing the cores, seeds, and stems and slicing them into bite-size pieces.
Apples can be served in a variety of ways to dogs. They’re ideal for freezing and serving as a cool summer snack. They may be included in your dog’s diet as a sweet treat, mashed into homemade applesauce, or combined with other nutritious fruits to create a delectable smoothie.
So, can dogs eat apples? Yes, they can, but in moderation. You must also take care not to feed the seeds.