If your dog is like mine, he likes to eat anything and everything he can get his paws on.
However, as a concerned pet owner, I find myself continuously questioning whether or not my dog can eat certain foods. For one, I enjoy eating all kinds of healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit, particularly apples. I also don’t mind eating tons of them since I know it is good for me, however, I find myself wondering if apples are just as good for my dog?
As I love my furry little fella, I found myself doing some of my own research and coming up with the following answers for “Can Dogs Eat Apples“?
What do you need to Know about Dogs and Apples?
Apples may be a healthy snack for you, packed full of vitamins and nutrients, but are they just as good for your canine friend? When it comes to dogs consuming human foods, there is a list of foods to avoid feeding your dog, even healthy and natural foods such as fruit and vegetables. In this case, apples are in fact good for dogs, but only when given in moderation.
This is mainly because dogs need vitamins just as much as humans do. Apples are packed full of vitamin A and C. Vitamin A is responsible for improving the overall health and condition of your dog’s skin and coat and vitamin C helps to strengthen your dog’s muscle and bones in their puppy stages and keeps the muscle and bones healthy even in old age.
As a note of caution, vitamin A is fat soluble, which basically means that it is possible for it to build toxic levels. So always consult with your vet if you are considering including a large amount of this vitamin in your dog’s diet.
Dogs actually do like the taste of apples. I could never understand why, but when it I think about it now, if I had to eat the exact same food, all day – every day, I would be bored out of my mind as well. Dogs enjoy the sweetness in the apples as well as the crunchy texture when they bite into it.
So apples taste good to dogs and it has healthy benefits for them due to the number of vitamins it contains that all benefit your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Yes! So ultimately the answer that should give dog owners peace of mind is yes, dogs can eat apples. It is full of vitamins and nutrients that all have positive benefits for them. However, it still has to be prepared a certain way and it must be given in moderation.
You should also remember that as healthy as apples are, they are still not the natural source of food for your canine friend, and proper dog food should never be replaced with fruits, vegetables of any other type of human food. Apples should also only be given as a treat.
Apples are also quite rich in sugar, which may present the risk of diabetes, heart disease and possible obesity if given to your pet in excessive amounts. So it is best to only give your dog a small amount each day or every other day.
The core and seeds should also be removed from the apple before feeding it to your dog, just to be on the safe side. You don’t want to feed them anything that can present a choking hazard. As well ultimately, your dog’s main source of food should be meat protein which is imperative to his healthy growth, functioning and longevity as well. This meat protein should come from quality meat sources. So while keeping apples a part of your dog’s diet to provide him with the vitamins and minerals from apples, the source of meat protein must be prioritized as his main source of nutrition.
The part of the apple that can be considered dangerous to your dog is the seed. Apple seeds contain an ingredient called cyanide. If your dog accidentally consumes small amount this, it is fine, because the body will be able to detoxify itself, however, cyanide consumed in large amounts can be dangerous to the health of your dog.
Apple seeds are especially toxic to dogs because of the ingredient called Amygdalin, which is basically a form of cyanide. It can make your dog seriously ill. So to be on the safe side, rather remove the seeds of the apple prior to feeding it to your dog. In fact, it is advisable for you to remove the entire core of the apple and then feed it to your pet.
With regards to dogs’ eating apple skin, yes they absolutely can. Since the skin contains the highest amount of vitamins, minerals and soluble nutrients, it is essential to your dog’s diet. Some pet owners prefer to remove the skin for some reasons; however, the skin also contains the highest amount of fiber in the apple, which is just another reason to include it when feeding your dog apples.
So basically, it is safe for dogs to consume most parts of the apple, such as the skin and actual apple, however, the core must be removed. The core contains the seeds which contain cyanide, which is harmful to dogs when consumed in large quantities.
The Health Benefits of Apples for Dogs
As we have already established, apples are very healthy for dogs and contain a list of benefits for them, which I have stated below:
- The vitamin A gives your dog beautiful skin and a shiny coat. While it the vitamin C strengthen muscles and bones.
- Since apples have a large concentration of fiber, it is essential when it comes to curing constipation in your dog. It is not necessary to include apples in your dog’s diet, however, there is no denying that the fiber content will increase the bulk and water content in the intestines, making bowel movements more firm and regular. As note of caution, introduce this source of fiber in small and consistent quantities order for the body to adjust properly. Also, include plenty of water to help the fiber move along the digestive tract.
- Since apples are low in fat and calories, it can help to curb your dog’s appetite, especially if he is obese. Not only is it natural and healthy, but contains essential vitamins for your dog. However, also bear in mind that it is high in its natural content of sugar and thus should be given in moderation.
- Practicing good dental hygiene with your canine friend can pose a challenge, especially when he is not impressed. While brushing his teeth is always an option that you should keep open, why not try cleaning his teeth natural with the coarse texture of an apple. You can feed your dog apples to get rid of plaque and tartar build up. Use this in combination with natural dog chews to keep your dog’s smile pearly white.
- Apples are full of antioxidants which basically counteract free radicals in the body and reduce or prevent their damage to your body. Some of the benefits of providing your dog with a source of antioxidants are improved skin and coat condition, healthy immune system, good bone development and improved eyesight.
Are Apple Seeds Poisonous for Dogs?
Yes! Apple seeds are in fact extremely poisonous to dogs. This is because it contains an amygdalin, which is some form of cyanide that prevents oxygen from being transported through the blood to various parts of the body. If small quantities of apple seed are ingested, your dog is still safe, as the body has a way of detoxifying itself against this. However, large quantities could be fatal.
As well, the actual poisonous substance is found within the covering of the seed, so if the seed covering stays intact, your dog may still be able to ingest the seeds with no harm done, however, this is a big if.
So in actual fact, the best way to serve apples to your dog would be to remove the entire core, cut it up into bite size pieces and then feed it to your dog. While this may seem extremely cautious or over protective, it is always better to remain safe, rather than end up sorry.
As the owner of the dog, the onus is on you to always do what is in the best interest of your pet, as he cannot make decisions for himself and trusts you as his owner, completely. My pet is my best friend and the fact that the trusts me completely, gives me the motivation I need to always do what is best for him.
Can Puppies Eat Apples Safely?
Yes, in fact, apples are just as good for puppies as they are for adult dogs. However, there are conditions to how you feed it to your puppy. Firstly, your puppy must be 6 months of older and actually able to eat solid foods before you introduce solid foods to his diet.
Secondly, to prevent choking hazards, make sure that you remove the entire core, including the seeds from the apple. Then slice it into bite size pieces just before serving it to your puppy. Some pet owners also agree that removing the skin would be better for the puppy.
When Can Dogs Not Eat Apples?
In most cases, provided your dog does not have any allergic reactions related to apples, it is safe to feed it to your dog. The only exception to this rule would be concerning dehydrated apples. Dehydrated apples are not good for dogs because they do not contain the necessary water which is vital for digestion. So it can cause an upset stomach and digestive issues.
The only other exception would be if your dog simply doesn’t take to apples. Most dogs enjoy the sweetness and texture of fresh apples; however, some may not like them at all. In this case, go with your dog’s flow and refrain from feeding him apples.
How to Make Your Own Apple Cinnamon Dog Treats
One of the best ways to ensure that your dog has healthy snacks is to make them yourself. The following apple and cinnamon dog treat is sure to please both you and your canine friend. This is what you will need to make this tasty treat:
Ingredients:
- 4 Cups of Whole Wheat Flour
- ½ Cup of Cornmeal
- 2 Tbsp of Vegetable Oil
- 1 Teaspoon of Cinnamon
- 1 ½ Cup of Water
- 1 Egg
- 1 Small Apple
Preparation:
- Mix cornmeal, cinnamon, and flour in a large bowl
- Grate apple, with a grater into apple bits
- In a separate bowl combine water, apple, vegetable oil and egg
- Combine wet and dry ingredients and mix together until a dough is formed
- Lightly flour the work surface or counter to prevent dough from sticking to it and create the dog treats in a shape of your size
- Make them into treat or bite sizes
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit
- Place treats on a greased cookie sheet and bake for between 15 to 20 minutes
- Allow the treat to cool for approximately half an hour prior to eating
- Enjoy!
Can Dogs Eat Apple Sauce?
Yes, dogs can eat applesauce.
However, since it contains a high level of sugar, it is probably not a good idea to give it to dogs that are prone to diabetes. In all other cases, since applesauce is made from just the apple flesh and all skin, seeds, stems and cores are removed, it is perfectly safe for your dog. Like all treats, applesauce too should be given in moderation.
Dogs and Apples – The Final Verdict
Apples are a great source of nutrition for your dog. It contains essential vitamins and nutrients that are good for your dog. So as long as you removed all hazardous parts of the apple, such as the core, stem, and seeds, it makes perfectly good treats.
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