When it comes to figuring out what your dog can and can’t eat, it can be difficult to know exactly what makes the cut. Plenty of human foods that we deem safe for consumption can be highly toxic to our furry friends. Often times, it is the food that we have lying around the house that people have the most questions about. For example, if you are snacking on some apple slices, can dogs eat apples with you? For those who have asked themselves this question more than once, let’s take a closer look at whether or not this delicious fruit is safe for your pup!
Can Dogs Eat Apples? Absolutely!
For dog owners who always have apples lying around that your dog is interested in, the good news is that dogs can absolutely take a bite or two of your favorite snack. Apples are full of vitamins and nutrients such as vitamins A and C, calcium, and phosphorous, to name a few. These crunchy fruits are also packed with fiber and are low in protein and fat. If you have a dog that loves to snack but needs a healthy, low-calorie option, apples are perfect!
Besides being nutritious and delicious, these snacks are also excellent for your dog’s dental health. While you shouldn’t use apples on their own, they do a great job cleaning your pup’s teeth and freshening its breath. If you run out of dental treats, a few apple slices will serve as a great replacement.
With this in mind, the answer to, “can dogs eat apples?”, does come with a few exceptions. Let’s walk through what exceptions you should know and how you can prepare this snack if it is safe for your pooch!
When Are Apples Not a Safe Snack?
“Can dogs eat apples?” is a great question to ask your vet before you decide to give a slice. Why? While most dogs are safe eating apples, some pups with cancer or diabetes may not appreciate the sugar contained within the apples. If this is the case for your dog, it is best to avoid apples altogether.
Another thing to remember when giving your dog apples is to give these treats in moderation. Although apples are generally safe, too many apple slices can give your dog an upset stomach or diarrhea. This is no fun for your dog or you! As it is with all foods, your dog may have an allergic reaction to apples despite their safe reputation. Make sure to introduce these fruits to their diet gradually and watch out for any concerning symptoms like breathing issues or swelling. If your dog does show any symptoms, stop feeding them apples and reach out to your vet immediately.
Can dogs eat apples? Yes! Can dogs eat apple-based products? Not so much. Some people think that, since apples are safe, products that have apples in them must be safe too. The issue with many apple products like applesauce is that they can contain chemicals, extra sugar, or other ingredients that are not safe for your dog. To avoid any potential issues, only feed your dog the fruit.
If you have an apple and your dog does not have diabetes or cancer, the good news is that your dog can have apples. Now that we’ve given your pup the go-ahead for this snack, let’s dive deeper into how you should prepare it for them.
How Can Dogs Eat Apples? Preparing Apples for Your Dog
Preparing apples for your dog to eat is very similar to preparing apples for yourself. All you have to do is follow these steps!
- Make sure to wash your hands and the apple before you begin preparing it. Some apples will be coated so that they appear shinier in the store. Additionally, some apples may have pesticides or herbicides in them. Washing your apples will make sure that your dog doesn’t swallow anything they shouldn’t be!
- The best way to serve apples to a dog is to cut them into slices. When you do this, make sure that the stem has been fully removed so that your dog won’t choke on it. You will also need to remove the core from the core when you start cutting up the apple as this part can pose the same danger.
- Along with the stem and the core, remove all seeds from your apple or from the tray where you are keeping your slices. Apple seeds actually contain cyanide! While it would take a substantial amount of seeds to do any damage, it is better to avoid them entirely.
That’s all you have to do to prepare an apple for your pup! Once the apple has been cut up into bite-sized pieces, it is ready for your dog. Just make sure to cut them up a bit smaller for smaller dogs so that the apple itself doesn’t become a choking hazard.
Switching It Up
If you’re feeling like going the extra mile, there are ways that you can spice up this snack and make it more appealing. One great way is to cut up your apples into cubes and to sprinkle a little cinnamon onto the cube. You can also dice apples and add them to dog food if you have a great wet food mix for it.
If you feel like turning your apples into more permanent treats, you could make your own applesauce and freeze it into ice cubes that your dog can gleefully consume in the summer weather. You can also bake apples into homemade dog treats by adding applesauce to certain dough mixes and baking them into bones or other fun shapes. Whatever makes you and your dog happy, go for it!
Can dogs eat apples? Unless your dog has a health condition like diabetes or cancer or has an allergic reaction to them, they can! Use the guide above to learn more about how you can prepare these treats for your pooch starts begging for a taste of your apple!