Can Dogs Have Apples?

Yes, dogs can eat apples, but like anything else, in moderation

0

Your dog may beg for some of whatever youโ€™re eatingโ€”quietly with just his eyes if heโ€™s been taught not to beg or a full-body โ€œgive me someโ€ body wiggle if he just canโ€™t resistโ€”but you canโ€™t give in on everything we eat. Apples, however, are a fine treat to share with your dog, as are many fruits.

Apples are so naturally yummy that theyโ€™re often included as an ingredient in commercial dog treats. Theyโ€™re healthy, too. Apples contain fiber, vitamins A and C, potassium and more nutrients.

How Much Apple Can My Dog Have?

Limit apples to a couple of pieces/slices so you donโ€™t risk digestive upset (maybe a tad more for bigger dogs and a bit less for the littles).

You can give the dogs the apple skin but not the seeds as they contain tiny amounts of cyanide. (Donโ€™t panic if your dog does consume a seed or two because the amount of toxin in an apple seed is small; itโ€™s just best to avoid them.) Donโ€™t feed the apple core either, which could be a choking hazard.

Dogs love red apples, but they can eat green apples, too, like Granny Smiths. Be aware, however, that because green apples are tart, they may not be as well received by your dog as a sweet Red Delicious, for example.

Dogs Can Eat Applesauce

Dogs can eat applesauce, too, but choose unsweetened varieties because dogs donโ€™t need added sugar any more than we do. And, be especially careful to read the entire ingredients list on commercial applesauce to check to be sure the applesauce doesnโ€™t contain xylitol, which is deadly to dogs.ย  Xylitol may also be listed as birch sugar, wood sugar, and birch-bark extract, according to the Food & Drug Administration.

Interestingly, apple cider vinegar is sometimes added to a dogโ€™s water or food to help digestion and promote beneficial bacteria.

Previous articleHow to Groom a Dog
Next articlePros and Cons of Large Pet Food Companies
Cindy Foley is the editor of Cornell DogWatch and Cornell CatWatch. She has competed in dog agility for over 17 years with her Papillons. A member of the Syracuse Obedience Training Club, she is currently doing agility with Aries, who has his AKC MACH and PACH titles, and Twisty, who is just beginning her agility career. A lifelong horsewoman, Cindy was a founding editor of Horse Journal and an assistant editor at The Chronicle of the Horse.