One moment, you’re getting ready to bite into a fresh, mouth-watering apple, and the next, your dog appears out of nowhere, demanding to have their share.
And as any protective dog parent would, you want to know if apples are really good for dogs and here goes!
The good news is that apples are not the only ones fruits that are safe for dogs to eat but also full of antioxidants, fiber, and minerals, which are very beneficial for your best friend’s digestion and immunity.
If you plan to add apples to your dog’s diet and don’t know where to start, I’ve got you covered!
Let’s talk about the main health benefits of apples, how to feed them to your dog, what apples to avoid, and easy dog-friendly apple recipes you need to try.
Aare apples good for dogs?
They sure are! Apples are a safe and healthy addition to your dog’s diet if fed in moderation. remember that fruit should not exceed more than 5% of your dog’s daily food intake, pretty much what dogs would eat in nature.
Most dogs enjoy apples for their delightful crunch and fresh taste, but like humans, some dogs are not too impressed with them and prefer other fruits to eat.
Giving your dog a small piece sometimes works when he hasn’t had apples yet. Also, sweeter, less tart apples usually work better. My dog Pax loves Honey Crisps, and so do I!
Hhealth benefits of apples for dogs
Apples are a rich source of antioxidants such as polyphenols and vitamin Cwhich helps fight joint inflammation, boosts immunity, supports the nervous and cardiovascular systems, and helps lower the risk of cancer.
Feeding apples to your dog can also help boost digestion and control bowel movements thanks to them high fiber content. And at nearly 85% water, apples are a go-to hydrating and energizing treat that’s perfect to have on hand when walking or traveling with your dog.
wis to safely feed apples to your dog
One thing to note before giving your dog apples is that they are among the strongest spray fruits, also known as the dirty dozen list. This is why I recommend feeding only organic fruits if possible, or you can plant an apple tree in your backyard.
Start by washing the apple thoroughly, then slice or dice it while removing the core and seeds. Apple seeds should be avoided because they contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs, especially in larger amounts.
There is no reason to panic if your dog eats some apple cores, but I have seen some dogs have health issues that went away after their “parent” stopped feeding them apple cores with seeds.
If you are giving your dog an apple for the first time, it is recommended to start with a few slices and observe how their digestive system responds.
To prevent gastrointestinal problems, always feed the apple 1 hour before you give your dog meat or 3 hours after eating protein. Protein takes longer to digest than fruit; thus, mixing the two can result in an uncomfortable stomach for your dog.
Top dog treats you can make with apples
While fresh apples are always the best and healthiest food for your dog, dried apple chips are a crunchier apple treat that you can easily make at home.
cut off apple into round, thin slices and use a dehydrator to dry them or pop them in the oven on low heat. The ideal temperature for dehydrating apples is around 135°F (57°C), which helps dry out the apples while preserving most of their nutritional content and preventing overcooking.
Dehydrating at this temperature can take about 6 to 10 hours, depending on the dehydrator you use and the thickness of the apple slices.
Cthe dog eats an apple – FAQ
● HHow many apples can a dog eat?
Like any fruit, the apples you give you dog should not be more than 5 percent of their daily diet. That might mean one or two slices for a small-sized dog and half an apple for a larger dog.
When introducing new fruits to your dog’s diet, start slowly and make sure his stomach can tolerate them. If your dog develops diarrhea, vomiting, itching, hives, and swelling soon after eating an apple, contact your veterinarian.
● Cthe dog eats an apple with the skin on?
Apple skin is safe for dogs if the fruit has not been sprayed with toxic pesticides. Peeling an apple before giving it to your dog removes much of the vitamins, minerals, and fiber; that’s why feeding organic fruits is best.
● Aare there any fruits dogs can’t eat?
Avoid fruits such as grapes/raisins, black and red currants, and grapefruits, as they are highly toxic to dogs. If you feed your dog cherries, peaches or apricots, remove the pits first because they contain cyanide.
● AIs it good for dogs to eat apples?
Yes, apples are safe for dogs and are an excellent source of polyphenols and phytochemicals, such as vitamin C and vitamin K. These antioxidants help maintain optimal brain, joint and cardiovascular health for your dog companion and lower cancer risk. Apples also contain a large amount of fiber, which helps support healthy gut bacteria.
● Cthe dog eats apple seeds?
No, you must remove the apple core and seeds before feeding the fruit to your dog. Apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. However, you should not worry if your dog has eaten some bones. They have to consume large amounts for it to be dangerous.
● Ca dog eats apple pie?
I wouldn’t feed my dog a whole slice of apple pie, but a small piece would be fine as long as it doesn’t have raisins or other ingredients toxic to dogs. If your dog has diarrhea or digestive upset, you know you’ll have to fight those pleading eyes next time.
Also, ideally, don’t give your dog food from the table; always serve food from their regular feeding area. It can make life easier for you and your dog if they know that food is not coming from the table. It is also better if your guests are not faced with a begging dog under their feet when they come to your house.
● Cthe dog eats an apple?
In theory, dogs can eat a little applesauce otherwise contains artificial sweeteners. At the same time, sugar and cooked apples aren’t exactly healthy foods, so I don’t recommend feeding applesauce to your dog.
● Cdoes the dog have apple cider vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar is safe for dogs and can improve your dog’s digestion, fight bacterial infections and lower blood sugar levels. I have seen many dogs with sensitivitybellies felt better after taking organic apple cider vinegar. This is one of the reasons why apple cider vinegar is one of the ingredients in our best-selling naturally fermented multivitamin supplement, SoulFood for dogs and SoulFood H+ for people.
