Can Dogs Eat Apples?
An apple a day keeps the doctor away—for dogs too! Apples, among many other fruits, are perfectly healthy treats for our canine friends. Not only is treating your dog with apples healthy and hydrating, it’s a great low-cost alternative to many other dog treats.
Give your dog apples as a treat or as a supplement to their food. Hand your dog sliced or cubes pieces of apple, grate it over your dog’s food, or even mash it into applesauce for dogs with sensitive teeth.
What makes apples healthy for dogs?
Apples contain antioxidants, dietary fiber, Vitamins A and C, protein, Calcium, and Phosphorus. Both the antioxidants and vitamins are known to help dogs with degenerative conditions such as joint disease. Because apples are a good source of fiber, it can help improve digestion by preventing constipation and diarrhea. Apples help clean residue off dog’s teeth, freshening that doggy breath and helping your dog’s overall dental hygiene.
What to watch out for
When introducing new food to your dog, do so slowly to avoid gastrointestinal upset. Eating too much might cause your pup to get a stomachache or have diarrhea. Also, if your dog has diabetes, give with caution because apples contain a lot of sugar.
When giving your dog apples, do not give them the seeds. The seeds contain small amounts of cyanide which is poisonous to them. Avoid giving them the core because it can be a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs.
What other fruits are safe for dogs?
In addition to apples, below is a list of fruit that is ok to give to dogs:
- Apples
- Apricots
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Cantaloupes
- Cranberries
- Mango
- Orange
- Pear
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
- Strawberries
What fruits should I avoid giving my dog?
Not all fruits are safe for dogs, keep in mind not to give your dog any of the fruits below:
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Lemons
- Limes
- Grapefruit
- Persimmons
