Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Apples

According to the American Kennel Club, apples are an excellent source of Vitamins A and C. They also have a lot of fibre, which is beneficial for your dog's gut health.

Apples are a great snack for senior dogs. They are low in fat and protein and help remove any residue from your dog's teeth.

Just make sure you give your senior dog a small bite of apple that they can easily chew.

When Can Apples be Dangerous for Dogs?

Even though dogs are allowed apples, there are instances where apples can be very dangerous for them.

Apples contain amygdalin, which is a form of cyanide. It is very dangerous and can poison your dog.

Luckily, amygdalin is only found in the apple core and seeds, so it is easy to avoid accidentally poisoning your dog by giving them an apple.

It is essential that you always cut up and remove the core and seeds of an apple before you give it to your dog.

If your dog does eat an apple core or apple seeds, don't immediately start panicking. A single apple won't poison your dog, but the poison can accumulate in your dog's body over a long period of time and cause them harm.

Keep a close eye on your dog if they eat an apple core or seeds. Watch out for signs of digestive blockage or other changes in your dog's behaviour. If you notice any changes in your dog after eating an apple core or seeds, call your vet immediately.

How to Feed Your Dog Apples

It is important to cut up the apple and remove the core and seeds before you feed it to your dog. That way you ensure they're only eating the part of the apple they can properly digest.

Make sure you cut the apple into small enough pieces that your dog can easily eat them without choking.

Other than removing the seeds and core and cutting the apple into small pieces, you don't have to do anything else to safely feed your dog apples.

Some people find that their dog has a difficult time digesting the apple peel. If your dog has digestive issues after you feed them an apple, try taking the skin off next time.

All variety of apples are safe for dogs and, as long as you're not giving them too much apple, your dog can safely enjoy apples whether they are raw, cooked, or mashed up.

As a rule of thumb, no more than 10% of your dog's daily food should come from sources other than their regular dog food.

Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?

Yes! Your dog can safely eat applesauce.

However, you may want to think twice before giving them shop bought applesauce which tends to be high in sugar. Giving your dog too much applesauce can lead them to gaining weight.

The best way to give your dog applesauce is to make your own at home and not add any sugar to it. This allows your dog to enjoy applesauce as a treat without the unwanted side effect of weight gain and other health complications.

Can Puppies Eat Apples?

Puppies can eat apples, but you need to watch them closely if they haven't had an apple before. Make sure your puppy doesn't choke on the apple and closely monitor them for the next 24 to 48 hours to make sure they don't have any digestive issues after eating their first apple.

If your puppy has no problem digesting the apple and seems to like it, you can continue giving your puppy a piece every now and then as a treat.

Conclusion

Apples are a healthy snack you can give your dog as long as the core and seeds are removed and you cut the apple into bite-sized pieces.

They are low in fat and protein and have a number of beneficial vitamins and nutrients, so they are a healthy treat for your dog.

Just be sure you don't feed your dog too many apples. Too much of a good thing is always bad so be sure to never give them more than a few slices of apple per day.