Are Apples Safe for Dogs?
Apples are not only popular; they are also a healthy snack or treat for your dog. Not only are there health benefits such as Vitamin A and C, they help keep teeth clean and breath fresh. Sliced apples without seeds and the core are recommended as small amounts of cyanide is found in apple seeds and cores.
Just like feeding your dog kiwi fruits, Apples should be treated as a side snack as opposed to a meal substitute. Fayie also has compiled a list of fruits that are safe for dogs.
Benefits of Apples for Dogs
Apples are loaded with Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Vitamin A will help strengthen your dog’s immune system and promotes healthier skin and coat. While, Vitamin C supports muscle and bone development in younger dogs. This nutrient also aids in keeping older dogs healthy.
It’s possible for your dog to build up a toxic level of Vitamin A. With fat-soluble vitamins, like Vitamin A, moderation is the best policy. Please consult with your vet about appropriate doses of any supplements.
Risk of Apples for Dogs
Apples Parts to Avoid
When feeding apples to dogs, watch out for seeds and cores. Apple seeds contain traces of cyanide, which is toxic for dogs. While, having a few seeds isn’t unlikely to cause cyanide poisoning, but it is never recommended to risk it, Fayie will always suggest removing the seeds before feeding apples to your dog.
While removing seeds, it is also recommended to remove the core of the apple as well, some dogs have trouble and may not be able to digest the core. In addition, the core of the apple is very firm, even for humans making it a choking hazard if swallowed or irritation to your dog’s stomach. There have been cases of stems causing intestinal blockage in a few dogs, so it’s best to remove the stems.
Apples Overdose
Similar to other fruits dogs can eat such as mangos, apples contain sugar, while this isn’t bad at all, it is best to serve apples in moderation. High dosages of apples are not safe for dogs, even more so for the ones suffering from cancer or diabetes. Not only this, too many apples can also cause an upset stomach or worse, such as diarrhoea. You should always consult your vet before introducing new food to your dog or if you know your dog has a sensitive stomach.
Apples in Sweets
Before your dog consumes a food that contains apples or other fruits, you should always read the ingredients. Avoid any products that has added artificial or/and natural sugar or sweeteners, or any other substances you’re unfamiliar with. Not only that it may be toxic for your dog, it can promote unwanted health issues. While Xylitol is not toxic, it is extremely unhealthy for humans and dogs alike, it has a chance of health problems such as pancreatitis and diarrhoea.
When feeding your dog apples, it is always recommended to choose organic apples, directly from farmers that does not use any pesticides or chemicals. Many supermarkets fruit products are coated with substances that make them shinier. In addition, always wash any fruits you buy because they can contain, bacteria, herbicides or pesticides.
Choking Hazard
Apple flesh is not as soft as other fruits dogs can eat such as strawberries or mangos. This means, it is always advised to cut apples into smaller slices before feeding.
Allergic Reactions
When it comes to feeding your dog, apple is the fruit of choice. Apple-flavoured products or those that contain apples may have sugar, artificial flavour, or chemicals, such as xylitol and propylene glycol. Always read the labels before you feed any human foods to your dog, and avoid added sugars, artificial sweeteners such as xylitol, or ingredients you’re unfamiliar with, as these can be toxic.
How to Safely Feed Apples to Your Dog
Since dogs can eat apples, it is still advisable to always ask your veterinarian before introducing new food into your dog’s life even if the internet says it’s safe. Some dogs have medical conditions that may be worsened by eating apples.
Once you have the ok from your vet, there are so many ways to serve apples to dogs.
You can slice apples into smaller portions and feed them fresh.
You can freeze and serve them as a refreshing summer snack.
Alternatively, they can be smashed into homemade applesauce or blended with other healthy foods to make smoothies.
When introducing new foods to your dog, be sure to check with your vet. If you do begin to give your dog some apples, always start out with small portions to monitor for any behavioral changes or digestive issues. If you notice anything unusual, cease giving the apples and consult with your vet.
