Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Apples are a tasty and nutritious snack for humans and are eaten as part of a balanced diet. They are also the basis of some delicious recipes like apple pie. But before you share any human food with your four-legged friend you must do your research and check that it is safe. So can dogs eat apples, and if they can, are apples good for dogs? Read on to get all the essential facts that dog owners or anyone pet sitting will need to know about feeding apples to their doggy friends.

Can Dogs Have Apples?

The bottom line is that if your dog likes to eat apples yes give them by all means because it is safe to feed apples to a canine. This is one fruit that dogs love and an apple is a tasty treat that also ticks a lot of nutrition boxes. However, that does not mean that dogs can live on a diet of apples! Even though they are safe for dogs, they will not provide all the nutrients that your dog needs. For example, they contain no protein or fatty acids which are both essential for dogs. They should be enjoyed in moderation because if you overdo it, your dog is likely to get an upset stomach which is going to be unpleasant for both of you! A whole apple will be too much for most dogs so just let your dog eat a few chunks a day.

Your pet needs a balanced diet provided by commercial dog food or a balanced raw diet that has been calculated by a dog nutrition expert and then you can add in a small amount of apple as a great snack.

How Apples Could Benefit Your Dog?

Apples contain plenty of vital nutrients that bring health benefits to your dog. They are packed with vitamin C and A and also deliver dietary fiber making them excellent for your dog’s health and immune system. Vitamin C protects against inflammation and this can be particularly useful as a dog ages.

Your dog needs both soluble fiber and insoluble fiber for its digestive health and to keep the friendly gut bacteria healthy. Adequate fiber in the diet helps in maintaining a healthy weight and regulating blood sugar levels. Apples also contain loads of water so they help with hydration. This is something to be aware of if you feed your dog a dry kibble diet as they will need more water. the potassium in apples helps to keep your dog’s heart, nerves, and muscles working properly.

Apples contain fewer calories than some commercial dog treats which are packed with added sugar. This makes them better at controlling weight gain in some dogs. If the unpleasant doggy breath is an issue in your home, an apple may help to freshen things up a little. The apple peel even acts as a natural toothbrush.

Can Dogs Eat Apple Peels?

Some owners are concerned that apple peel is not good for their dog and peel the apple before offering it as a sweet treat. There is no need to do this.

Your dog will easily cope with chewing the apple peel as long as the apple is cut up into bite-sized chunks. The apple peel provides a variety of textures and additional fiber bringing additional health benefits. The peel is also great for your dog’s teeth as it acts like a toothbrush and scrapes off the build-up of plaque. This can help to prevent gum disease and dental disease in dogs.

Is There Any Kind of Apple That Might Be Dangerous for Dogs?

If you would like to avoid artificial chemicals in your dog’s diet you may prefer to use organic apples or to at least wash them before eating.

Also, be aware that chunks of any food can be a choking hazard so always supervise your dog and do not allow them to run around while they are eating. If you notice that your dog is having difficulty breathing get them a vet immediately.

When are Apples Bad for Dogs?

If your dog eats apple seeds it can be dangerous. This is because the seeds can cause cyanide poisoning. The seeds contain surprisingly large quantities of cyanide that can also be poisonous to humans. Always remove the apple core and seeds before giving this snack to your dog.

Cyanide causes poisoning by reducing the amount of oxygen that is delivered to the body. If your dog shows any of the following signs of poisoning you should take them to a veterinarian immediately:

• Panting
• Difficulty breathing
• Dilated pupils
• Brick-red mucus membranes
• Shock

If your dog has diabetes or any other chronic health condition, you should talk to your vet about which snacks are most suitable and ask are apples safe. It is possible that apples may introduce too much sugar into their diet and this can cause problems.

How to Incorporate Apples in Your Dog’s Diet

You may be thinking about trying out some other apple products but you have to take care of this. You may enjoy apple juice, apple sauce, or apple chips but for your dog apple slices that are dehydrated can cause issues.

These products do not contain as many nutrients and can have added sugar but little fiber. This can lead to weight gain and to dental problems as well as increasing the risk of diabetes.

A better idea is to try out some of the delicious homemade apple recipes that we have given below.

Simple Homemade Apple Dog Treat Recipe

Dogs can eat apples in a variety of ways but our favorite recipe is for these apple pie bites.

All you have to do is wash two apples, remove the core, and dice. In a large bowl, combine the apples with 1 tbsp each of honey, coconut oil, and cinnamon, 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Stir thoroughly before adding 2 cups of oat flour and 1 1/2 tsp baking powder. Finally, add a quarter of a cup of milk and one egg before mixing it up into a dough. You could add a little grated cheese as well if you have some.

Divide the mixture into bite-sized pieces and bake them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment at 350 degrees F for around 20 minutes or until they are golden. When cool, store them in an air-tight food container in a cool, dry place.

FAQs:

Q: Can dogs be allergic to apples?

A: It is highly unlikely but not impossible for a dog to have an allergic reaction after eating apples. Most allergies are triggered by proteins and as apples have no protein in them, they are not a usual trigger for allergies. Of course, if you do find out that your dog is allergic to apples you should avoid feeding them.

Q: Can puppies eat apples?

A: Apples are good for dogs of all ages and that includes puppies! Don’t forget that apples are fruit and can contain a fair amount of sugar so always monitor what your pup is eating. Try just one small slice to begin with and if all goes well you can repeat it in a day or so. Supervise your pup closely so that they cannot pinch the whole fruit from your fruit bowl as apple seeds are toxic for dogs.

Q: How often and how much can dogs eat apples?

A: Any type of treats should make up less than 10 percent of your dog’s total calorie intake. So, can dogs have apples every day? It may be best to offer a variety of treats so every few days may be a better approach.

How many apples should you give at a time? Around four or five bitesize pieces are great!

Q: Is applesauce safe for my dog?

A: Applesauce often contains added sugars and this can be a problem. It can lead to your dog gaining too much weight and to an added risk of diabetes. It is also not good for dental health so this is one apple product that it is best to avoid. When it comes to the best type of apples for dogs – the fresh fruit is the best option.