Dogs can eat a variety of natural whole foods, and it’s always nice to share a healthy snack with your fluffy companion. One popular snack that dogs and humans can enjoy eating together is apples. In fact, many dog foods and treats use apples as one of their main ingredients.

However, as with all things, it’s important to feed apples to your dog in moderation, as well as to consider potential health risks and the safest ways to give apples to your dog. Here’s what you need to know before giving your dog a bite of an apple.

Are Apples Safe for Dogs to Eat?

Unless your dog has a rare food allergy or a particularly sensitive stomach, apples are completely safe for dogs to eat. They’re also fairly nutritious and are excellent sources of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants.

Overweight dogs, in particular, may benefit from eating apples as treats because they’re low in fat and protein. Both puppies and adult dogs can eat apples safely. Adult dogs can eat small, thin slices of apples, while it’s best to cut up apples into smaller chunks for puppies to prevent choking.

Do Apples Have Health Risks for Dogs?

While apples are generally safe for dogs to eat, they do have some minor health risks. Some dogs may have a hard time digesting the fiber in apple peels and can end up getting an upset stomach. Dogs can also get sick if they ingest the core and seeds because these parts of the apple contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. While accidentally eating a seed won’t cause significant issues for larger dogs, it is best to remove the core and seeds.

The most significant concern is choking so as with all treats keep a watch on your pupper while they are enjoying this crunchy snack.

Although unlikely, If you notice your dog acting sick or showing behavioral changes after eating an apple, it’s best to monitor their condition and refrain from feeding them apples again. It’s also helpful to consult your veterinarian to determine if apples are the cause of the changes you’ve noticed in your dog.

How Many Apples Can Dogs Eat?

The amount of apples dogs can eat will depend on their size. Medium-sized dogs can typically eat a slice or two of an apple. Puppies can get by eating a slice that’s been chopped into smaller pieces. Just keep in mind that a dog shouldn’t eat a whole apple in one sitting, as apples aren’t sufficient meal replacements. Some dogs may also get upset stomachs from eating too many apples.

What Are Safe Ways to Feed Apples to Dogs?

If you’re feeding apples to your dog for the first time, make sure to start small. Abrupt changes to your dog’s diet can cause gastrointestinal upset. So, it’s best to give your dog a small piece and see how he does before feeding him more pieces. If he doesn’t show any signs of an upset stomach, like vomiting or diarrhea, it’s safe to feed him a little more.

Whenever you feed your dog apples, be sure to wash the apples thoroughly, as the peels can contain traces of pesticides. While it’s usually not necessary, you can choose to feed your dog peeled apples or organic apples if you want to be extra safe.

It’s also safe to feed your dog homemade applesauce or organic applesauce without any added sugars. Your dog can safely enjoy eating dried or dehydrated apples as long as they don’t contain extra sugar. Dogs don’t benefit from eating sweetened foods and sugar, and consuming too much sugar can lead to health complications.

While sugar isn’t toxic to dogs, eating large quantities of it can cause an upset stomach. It can also quickly lead to excessive weight gain and obesity and cause metabolic changes. So, it’s best to feed your dog apples in their natural raw form and refrain from giving them a slice of apple pie.

Conclusion

In general, dogs can enjoy eating apples as snacks and special treats. Just keep in mind that apples aren’t sufficient nutrition to become a significant part of your dog’s diet, so refrain from feeding your dog large quantities of apples. It’s also best to give your dog a couple of slices of raw apples and refrain from feeding them any apple products that contain added sugars.

While many dogs like eating apples, they’re not a necessary part of their diet. So, if your dog happens not to enjoy them, there’s no need to push them to eat them. There are plenty of other healthy foods that are available for them to enjoy.

Related Read: 

• Can Dogs Eat Jolly Ranchers? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ
• Can Dogs Eat Avocado? Nutrition Facts & Safety Guide

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