Can dogs eat apples? The short answer is it depends… But, why?
While many people assume that all fruits are safe for dogs to eat, not all of them are. In fact, there are several fruits that can be dangerous for dogs – and apples are one of these fruits. Keep reading to find out why!
Can dogs eat apples?
Yes, definitely. Dogs can eat apples in moderation as a healthy treat. Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, and can be a nutritious snack for dogs.
However, it is vital to remove the seeds and stems from the apple before giving them to your dog. The seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, which can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. It is also essential to cut the apple into small pieces to prevent your dog from choking.
Dogs can eat apples, but…
Photo by Freepik.
Many dog owners worry about what their pets can and can’t eat. After all, dogs have very different digestive systems than humans. However, there are actually quite a few human foods that are perfectly safe for dogs to eat.
Apples can help to freshen a dog’s breath and they are an excellent source of vitamins. Of course, it’s important to give apples to dogs in moderation. The best way to do this is to slice the apple into small pieces and remove the seeds and stem before feeding it to your dog.
With a little bit of care, you can safely enjoy apples as a special treat with your furry friend… You just need to take into account certain considerations before offering apples to your dog.
Do it in moderation
Photo by Dominika Roseclay.
The main thing is to give your dog apples in moderation. Although this fruit provides significant benefits to the furry ones, a huge intake can harm them… Not to mention that large amounts of sugar are not beneficial for dogs.
If you choose to include apples in your dog’s regular diet, an apple divided into 3 servings per week is more than enough for medium and large dogs. In the case of a small dog, it will also be given a few days a week but the apple will be smaller.
It should be without skin
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Some people prefer to eat the fruit with its skin after washing it – and others prefer to remove it. In the case of pets, rather than preferring, it is advisable to have it peeled.
Yes, you can also give it with skin, but as long as you have washed it correctly. If you wouldn’t eat it straight from the grocery store without washing it, why would your dog? Also, think that it may contain traces of agricultural chemicals that can poison your pet.
Remove all the seeds
Photo by Jessica Lewis.
The seeds of apples can be highly toxic to dogs. This is so because they contain a compound that turns into cyanide.
Yes, as you read it. It would take a lot of apple seeds (more than a hundred) for a person to notice any negative symptoms from this – but for a small dog, it would be definitely dangerous.
Cut it into chunks
Photo by Phillip Larking.
Giving a whole apple to the dog (or half of it) is not a good idea. Ideally, cut small pieces and offer them as snacks.
The size of these chunks will depend on the size of your dog’s mouth. You will control the quantities better since if the mechanics are to give a piece to your dog, another for you, another for your dog, etc., you may get lost and give him more than necessary.
Now, you will see all the benefits that this fruit can bring to your pet:
As you have seen, dogs can eat apples, and they have many benefits for them. But you must take certain precautions! The first is to consult your trusted veterinarian, as it could be contraindicated if your dog suffers from a specific disease.
… So, before venturing out to give your pet a full dose of apples at once, try starting with just a small piece to make sure he will be ok.
Featured Image: Photo by Nikolaeva Nastia.
