Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Whole or sliced, apples make a great snack for us as humans, but can dogs eat apples? Keep reading to find out the answer!

Whole or sliced, apples make a great snack for us as humans, but can dogs eat apples? Keep reading to find out the answer!

An apple a day keeps the doctor away – but is the same true for our four-legged friends? The short answer is yes, dogs can eat apples. Puppies can eat apples too, just like adult dogs.

Generally, many dogs of all breeds love apples. When served appropriately, apples can be a nutritious and delicious snack for your dog.

However, there are some things you should know before you feed them to your dog.

Apples have natural sugar, to which some dogs may have a sensitivity. For example, if your furry pal is diabetic, they should stay away from apples as a single one contains about 25g of sugar.

The Benefits of Apples For Dogs

Apples are full of different nutrients and vitamins that can be a great additional source for dogs but should only be given in moderation as most dogs should receive the bulk of their nutrients from their dog food.

Apples are high in fiber and low in calories and fat. They are a great addition to your dog’s diet. Apples provide an excellent source of vitamin C, which is necessary for proper immune function. In addition, apples also provide vitamin A, some B vitamins, vitamin E, as well as calcium and phosphorus.

Among other things, apples are high in fiber that acts as a prebiotic that can help support a dog’s gastrointestinal health. A medium-sized apple provides about 4g of soluble and insoluble fiber.

Last but not least, apples also contain malic acid, which helps keep your pet’s teeth clean and breath fresh

How to Serve Apples to Your Dog

However, there are certain precautions you need to take before serving apples to your furry companion.

Wash the apples properly and make sure to remove the core and seeds before you give them to your dog. Apple seeds contain a trace amount of toxic cyanide which can cause cyanide poisoning. Fortunately, the cyanide levels are relatively low and won’t pose significant danger after a single apple.

The core, like the seeds, is a part of the apple you want to skip. It’s firm and difficult for most dogs to chew and if swallowed, may cause gastrointestinal blockage.

It’s best to cut an apple into bite-sized chunks before serving. You don’t need to remove the apple skin as it is the primary source of antioxidants and fiber.

Apple Bite-Sized Chunks

How Much Apple Can a Dog Eat?

As with any fruit, you should feed apples in moderation. Apples should be used as supplemental snacks instead of complete meal replacements.

That said, no more than 10 percent of a dog’s daily calories should come from treats (like apples) and 90 percent should come from complete and balanced food.

A slice or two of an apple makes a good serving for your dog. Too many apples may cause diarrhea or upset stomach, even in a healthy dog.

Conclusion

Now you know that eating apples is safe for your dog with some important precautions.

As with any new food you want to introduce into your dog’s diet, consult your veterinarian first to make sure it’s a safe addition to the menu.

Whenever possible, choose organic apples, as many fruits you find in the supermarket contain pesticides, herbicides, as well as substances that make them shinier.