If you are a dog owner, you probably have experimented a lot of food items and combinations on your dogs. Many dogs enjoy eating a little “human food” on top of their meals or as a treat, and many of our foods, especially fresh whole foods, are just fine. But then again, some common foods that are good for us aren’t good for them. With this fruit being such a popular breakfast or snack, I’m sure you’ve wondered, “Can dogs eat apples?”
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Apples are full of nutrients such as iron and can be really beneficial for your dog’s physical and mental health. If served correctly and safely, apples can be a great refreshing treat for your dog. But it is advisable to ask your veterinarian before you feed human food to your dogs, including apples.
This article talks about whether apples are healthy for your dog or not. It covers the following parts:
- Can dogs eat Apples?
- Are apples good for dogs?
- Apple’s nutritional value
- Can apples be harmful for dogs?
- How to tell if a dog is allergic to apples?
- How many apples can a dog eat?
- Can puppies eat apples?
- Apple preparation
More Can Dogs Eat:
Can Dogs Eat Apple?
Yes, dogs can eat apples.
However, if not given in proper slices they can be extremely dangerous for your dogs. There are a few precautionary measures that you need to take before feeding apples to your dogs. Moreover, do not feed too many apples to them. Remember, moderation is the key, otherwise a lot of apples could lead to gastrointestinal problems in your dog.
Are Apples Good for Dogs?
Apples are low-calorie, affordable snacks that are packed with nutrients that are incredibly good for dogs. This makes apples a great snacking choice or a reward option during training. Apples are a great snack, as long as they are given in moderation.
Apple’s Benefits For Dogs
Apples are a great source of fiber and low in protein that makes them incredibly healthy for a dog’s digestive system, especially for dogs that have restrictive diets that don’t allow them to consume fat or protein. If you have an adult dog or a dog with illnesses, apples can be a great snack for them, if given in moderation.
Moreover, apples also contain phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K. They also have antioxidants that help fight cancer and relieve any pain in joints.
Are Apples Bad For Dogs?
Most dog owners give raw, uncut apples to their dogs that lead to choking. Never give your dogs access to the seeds and cores.
The seeds, apart from choking, are also toxic and poisonous because they contain traces of cyanide. If your dog swallows a few of them, they can cause a lot of harm to their health. Hence, it is advisable to always slice and remove the apple seeds before feeding them to your dog.
Other researches also suggest that stems may also be dangerous, so it is advisable that they are removed as well.
Concerning the core of the apple, it is firm and difficult to chew; it can lead to choking or gastrointestinal blockage if not chewed properly.
Moreover, apples also contain high content of sugar, hence always remember moderation. This sugar can lead to cancer, diabetes, and in some cases, can also cause upset stomach or diarrhea.
Dog owners may be tempted to give their dogs flavored food. Apple flavored food contains high traces of sugar and chemicals. These artificial flavoring and artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, can be extremely toxic for your dog’s health.
It is strictly advisable that you do not feed your dog artificial flavoring food and rather choose organic fresh fruits that are not toxic for your dog. Always wash the fruits thoroughly before giving them to your dog, because they might be coated with pesticides or herbicides.
How To Tell If Your Dog is Allergic?
There are a variety of foods that might suit one dog and could be harmful for the other one. If your dog coughs, sneezes or if you sense any swelling, hive or difficulty in dog’s breathing, these are signs of an allergic reaction; immediately take your doctor to a vet.
Just like in humans, allergic reactions can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition commonly known as shock that can be fatal if left untreated.
How Many Apples Can A Dog Eat?
Dogs love apples. But remember, apples contain a lot of sugar, which dogs don’t need too much of. Therefore, giving too much of something good could mean harming your dog’s health with bellyache or diarrhea.
A slice or two is enough to satisfy a dog’s cravings, especially a smaller pup.
Can Puppies Eat Apples?
Yes, puppies can eat apples. However, it is advisable to start with smaller portions such as a cube or a slice. If you notice any allergic symptoms such as coughing or sneezing, stop right away.
How To Prepare Apples For Your Dog?
Always seek veterinarian advice before feeding human food to your dog. Some dogs have a history of medical illness that can worsen their situation. Once your dog clears the checklist, make sure you serve the apples in moderation. Here are a few tips:
- Wash the apples thoroughly to eliminate any germs or pesticides.
- Remove the seeds, stem, and cores.
- Cut apples into small cubes or slices, big enough for your dog to chew them without choking.
Fun Treats for Dogs:
Dogs love apples because of their sweet crunchy taste. They can eat apples raw, but you can always go out of the box and prepare fun dishes for your dog. Try these:
Apple Chips
Thinly slice your apples and bake them at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for at least two hours, or until they are crispy.
Peanut Butter Apple Cookies
These cookies will be your dog’s favorite because it hits the right sweet spot! You can add four cups of oat flour with ⅔ cups of applesauce, ½ cup of peanut butter and two eggs. Bake this mixture at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes. All of these ingredients are beneficial for your dog’s diet.
Apple Pretzels
Another dish that can add up to your dog’s favorite foods is apple pretzels. It only requires three main ingredients: almond flour, unsweetened applesauce, and eggs. Mix them all together, shape them into pretzels, bake and enjoy!
Applesauce
You can feed plain applesauce with no added ingredients to your dog. You can use it as a food topper to moisten kibble or freeze with ingredients such as yogurt, pumpkin, chicken, salmon, etc. This will make a delicious popsicle that your dog will love in the summer.
Remember that any treats are just that, and shouldn’t be the majority of your dog’s diet. If your dog is at risk of being overweight or is on a special diet, get caloric and diet recommendations from your veterinarian!
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Never knew they could….thanks for sharing
I Know well, how Dogs love apples
Amazing 👍Dogs Love apples
Wow! It was unknowning to me that dogs can eat apple , but it’s now knowing to me that dogs can eat apple but they shouldn’t eat them too much as it has so much sugar which can lead to bellyache , but I’m going to be giving my dog just one apple per day ,because of it health benefits as it helps to aid digestion