INQUISITR.COM / News & Politics

Apples For Dogs: Can Dogs Eat Apples? Key Points For Pet Owners To Remember

By Jonathan Franks
Published on: 11:35 PST, Feb 16, 2016

Can dogs eat apples?

Most dog owners know that there is a vast number of fruits, vegetables, and other foods that their canine companions can eat safely without any health risks or complications.

However, there are also quite a few foods that should essentially be added to the “Never Feed Your Dog” list, such as chocolate.

On which list should you place apples — good or bad? Delicious or deadly? Safe or sorry?

Multiple reports confirm that apples are safe for dogs!

According to Pet360, apples are a great source of dietary fiber as well as antioxidants and vitamins A and C. This delicious fruit is also effective at keeping your dog’s breath fresh and their teeth clean.

The report further states that, according to a statement from a chief medical officer, older dogs may benefit from eating apples a lot more than most pet owners realize.

“Some senior dogs, or dogs prone to certain illnesses, must limit their meaty treats due to protein restrictions, or stick to a low fat diet. Apples, being low in protein and fat, make a great treat substitute for these dogs.”

Further studies confirm that a regular consumption of apples can contribute to a canine’s overall gastrointestinal health.

While it is okay to feed apples to your dog, it is also important to ensure that each apple is seedless before he or she eats it. Eating a few seeds accidentally will more than likely not cause any damage. However, a considerable amount of seeds will reportedly cause cyanide to build up within your dog’s body, a poisonous element that could drastically harm them over time.

You should also avoid feeding your dog dehydrated apples, according to Modern Dog magazine. Even though dehydrated apples provide your dog with the same list of nutrients found in hydrated apples, there is one important piece of the puzzle that is still missing: water.

Unless you want your dog to suffer from an upset stomach and digestive issues, you should stay away from feeding him or her dehydrated apples.

Even though dogs can eat apples, it is vital to remember that they should not eat this tasty fruit excessively.

Dr. Kerri Marshall, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Trupanion Pet Insurance, advises pet owners to use “apples to supplement smaller portions of their normal food and introduce fruit to their diet gradually.”

Here are some helpful points to remember if you want to introduce apples into your dog’s diet:

  • No two dogs are the same. Even if they are part of the same breed, your dog may react differently to a particular food or snack than another dog. Pay close attention to their eating habits, bowel movements, and overall health after you start feeding him or her apples.
  • Throw away the apple’s core. Humans know that they should never eat the core of an apple. However, you need to remember that dogs are not aware of that. Discard the core and give the rest of the apple to your dog.
  • Sugar is sugar. If your dog is suffering from sort of physical ailment or disease (such as cancer or diabetes), it is important to remember the fact that apples have sugar, too. These fruits naturally contain sugar, which is why you need to speak with your veterinarian before adding these fruits to your dog’s diet.

Humans have known for years that apples are healthy and tasty fruits that can also become enjoyable snacks. It’s good to know that, under the right circumstances, they can also be enjoyed by dogs.

[Image Credit: Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images]

Share this article: Apples For Dogs: Can Dogs Eat Apples? Key Points For Pet Owners To Remember
More from Inquisitr