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Dogs can eat some fruits and vegetables, 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. Many dog foods and treats use apples as one of their main ingredients.
However, as with other healthy fruits and veggies, it’s vital to feed apples to your dog only occasionally and learn the health risks associated with them. 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 sensitive stomach, apples are safe for them to eat. They’re also relatively 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 have minor health risks. Some dogs may have a hard time digesting the fiber in apple peels and can get an upset stomach. Dogs can also get sick if they ingest the core and seeds because they 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 pup 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 best to consult your veterinarian to determine if apples are the cause of the changes you’ve noticed in your dog.
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How Many Apples Can Dogs Eat?
The amount dogs can eat depends on their size. Medium-sized dogs can typically eat a slice or two of an apple. Puppies can get by eating a slice chopped into smaller pieces. Remember 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 they act before giving them more. If they don’t show any signs of an upset stomach, like vomiting or diarrhea, it’s safe to feed them a little more.
Whenever you feed your dog apples, be sure to wash the apples thoroughly since the peels can contain traces of pesticides. While it’s usually unnecessary, you can 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 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; 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 eat apples as snacks and special treats. Remember that apples shouldn’t account for 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 few slices of raw apples and refrain from feeding them 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 does not enjoy them, there’s no need to push them to eat them. Plenty of other healthy foods 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
Featured Image Credit: PublicDomainPictures, Pixabay
