Can dogs eat apples? Well, can an apple a day really keep the veterinarian away? Well in a dog’s case that is yes, dogs are allowed to eat apples, not their cores or seeds though. We will get into this more below.
Apples are an excellent source for a dog’s health; they are low calorie, healthy, and always a bonus, affordable. Apples are an excellent source for several things; they are great for vitamins, including A and C.
They’re good for dietary fiber, along with helping keep your dogs’ teeth clean as well as assisting with their breath. So, can dogs have apples? Certainly! There is a lot of research and evidence that has been done showing that giving your dog an apple can be good for their health.
So, Can Dogs Eat Apples, Are They a Good Source For Dogs?
Apples are an excellent treat for dogs, as long as you remove the core and the seeds, you are best giving them apple slices. They have a high fiber, low protein, and are an antioxidant snack. There are many things dog’s can’t eat but they can definitely eat apples.
When it comes to older or senior dogs Dr. Oscar E. Chavez, DVM, and chief medical officer of JustFoodForDogs mentions below. Check out the full article on PetMD here.
“Some senior dogs, or dogs prone to certain illnesses, must limit their meaty treats due to protein restrictions, or stick to a low-fat diet.” “Apples, being low in protein and fat, make a great treat substitute for these dogs.”.
Now, this is not just something that can benefit your senior dogs or ones with other health issues. Feeding your younger and active dogs with apples can be great for them as they are filled with Vitamin C and antioxidants, which some veterinarians think can help with some degenerative conditions such as joint disease.
Apples can also help with fiber which can improve their overall gastrointestinal health.
You can check out the below table from the USDA FoodData Central Database. It shows what is found in apples.
100g Serving of Apples
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Energy | 52kcal |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 14.29g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 3.2g |
| Sugars, total including NLEA | 10.39g |
| Iron, Fe | 0.23mg |
| Potassium, K | 110mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 3.1mg |
| Vitamin A, IU | 65IU |
Keeping an Eye on Your Dog Anyway
Now even though apples are a tasty treat for a dog, that is just what they are, a treat. Everything you feed your dog should be given in moderation. If you would like to feed them treats, it is best to supplement their food with smaller portions so that you can introduce fruit into their diet.
Now, this is important; you should always remove the seeds and the core of the apples when you are feeding your dog. The reason for this is because the seeds in the apples contain cyanide, which is very poisonous in higher doses, which is possible if you’re feeding your dog a lot of apples over time.
Now this will happen by them building up in their system. The core is also a choking hazard. You are best cutting up their apple into slices and serving it as a treat.
As mentioned above, like anything when feeding your dog, it does need to be in fair moderation. Fruit should always be given to your dog in moderation.
You should always keep in mind as well that not all dogs are the same, not all dogs like the same things, not all dog breeds will react the same to a specific food. While this can include allergies, or if they are allergic to them, this is important that you watch your dog carefully when you feed them an apple slice for the first time.
Some dogs might have trouble with their digestive system; in this case, we would recommend asking your veterinarian as they know your dog’s full health history. If your dog also has diabetes or cancer, then the same thing applies here. We would recommend asking your veterinarian.
Little Treat For your Dog
Homemade dog treats from apple sauce are a great little treat for your dogs, check out the recipe below for full details.
Ingredients you will need:
- Apples (this will depend on how many you would like to make.
- Cinnamon – PLEASE do not mix this up with nutmeg, which is deadly to dogs.
How to make them:
- Peel and take the core and seeds out your apple, then cut hem in slices or chunks.
- Now put the apples in a blender or juicer, either one will work. You will need to keep the pulp.
- Now mix it all together and add water to make a mixture that looks like apple juice.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon.
- Now you can put the apple sauce in an ice cube tray and freeze it.
By following these instructions you will give your dog a fun treat, all you have to do is pull 1 out of the freezer whenever you decide to feed them a treat. It is a fantastic way to make sure your dog stays cooler in the hot weather.
Check out Gone To The Snow Dogs video on creating apple rings. They do look good!
Fancy Going the extra mile?
If you would like to go the extra mile and bake them something delicious then Chewy offers a recipe for some tasty dog treats, they help you every step of the way. Check them out here.
Conclusion
Dogs can eat apples, they are a good treat for them. You just need to make sure you take certain precautions. You should remove the core and the seeds of the apple. Now even though it is good for a dog, it does not mean you can give them apples all the time. Apples still need to be treated as a treat and should not go above the 10% rule. They should only be used as a treat.
