We all know the old adage; β€œan apple a day keeps the doctor away” but most dog owners know that their pets can’t eat all human foods. We all know apples are healthy for humans, but can dogs eat apples?

Can Dogs Eat Apples?

In short, yes!

Your dog can eat apples, but as a pet owner, you should be aware of a few precautions that you must take before feeding apples to your dog.

Apples can be a healthy treat for your pup if fed appropriately, as they provide lots of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and fiber. Apples are rich in vitamin C, K, and A, and consuming apples can reduce the chance of bone disease, boost your dog’s immune system, improve your pup’s skin condition, and even prevent the development of cancer.

Before adding apples to your pup’s daily routine, it is important to address whether apples are safe for your dog as an individual, and how to prepare them. Apples can be quite dangerous if fed to dogs improperly, and they are not the right choice for every dog. For example, if your dog is diabetic they should have their sugar intact regulated, and apples have high amounts of sugar. It is important to only feed apples properly, or they can pose a danger to your pet.

Are Apples Safe For Dogs?

Apples can be safe for dogs as long as you take the proper precautions.

You can give your dog apple slices in moderation as a healthy snack, but large amounts can cause an upset stomach just like in humans. Not all parts of an apple are safe for your dog, and apple cores can be dangerous if consumed. Many dogs have voracious appetites, and when feeding a dog an apple, the core should be removed for your dog’s safety.

If your dog swallows too large a chunk of apple core it can become lodged in their throat, becoming a choking hazard. The core should also be removed because of the danger the seeds present to your dog. If your dog consumes too many apple seeds they can be poisoned, as apple seeds are toxic to dogs and people.

Are Apples Healthy or Toxic? Breaking Down The Nutrients

Though the flesh of an apple is perfectly healthy for your dog to eat in small amounts, and can even be beneficial to your dog’s digestive system because of its high fiber content, the seeds of an apple are toxic. When apple seeds are chewed they release cyanogenic glycosides, which creates cyanide. This cyanide can build up in your pet’s body over time and cause serious health complications.

A good rule of thumb with feeding apples is to treat your dog like a human toddler. Only feed small amounts, monitor their reaction for digestive upset and don’t feed the apple core.

Dogs Need Their Daily Minerals and Vitamins Too!

We know “can dogs eat apples” is a sure yes, but just as apples can pose a danger to dogs and humans, many of the health benefits are similar for us both as well. When fed in moderation, the vitamins and minerals in apples can be beneficial to your pet. Two of the main benefits of apples:

  • Dietary Fiber – It helps keep us β€œregular” and it will help your four-legged friend too! Apples are high in fiber, and your dog’s digestive system may benefit from the addition of small amounts into their diet.
  • Vitamin C – This vitamin can help boost your pet’s immune system, and prevent them from getting sick. An increase in vitamin C helps your dog’s body protect itself!

What Other Vegetables/Fruits Can Dogs Eat?

Dogs can eat lots of different fruits and vegetables, but just like apples, they should be fed in moderation. Some of the other fruits and vegetables dogs can eat include: pumpkin, bananas, blueberries, Brussel sprouts, cantaloupe, carrots, sweet potato, and celery. The main fruits and vegetables you should avoid feeding your dog are grapes, avocado, cherries, mushrooms, garlic, and onions.

Feeding Your Dog Apples: Possible Side Effects!

Even if you take all the necessary precautions, your dog may not react well to apples.

This can apply to any new food you feed your dog as well. That is why it’s important to introduce new foods into your dog’s diet slowly, to avoid digestive upset. The most frequent adverse reaction to eating apples is an upset stomach, and your dog may react with vomiting or diarrhea. If this occurs be sure to give your pup plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Eat All The Things: Food Dogs Can Eat

When learning the truth behind “can dogs eat apples”, remember anything new that you give your dog should be fed in moderation, to prevent possible side effects. When fed in moderation, introducing a variety of different foods to your dog’s diet can be very enriching, and provide benefits to their health as well. There are many different kinds of foods that your dog can and cannot eat.

Some foods that are safe for your dog:

  • Rice
  • Meats (chicken, fish, lean steaks, etc.)
  • Cheese
  • Bread
  • Peanut Butter (without xylitol sweetener)

Some foods that are unsafe for your dog:

  • Chocolate
  • Candy (anything with excessive sugar)
  • Gum
  • Walnuts (avoid all nuts)
  • Beer

Here’s a little rhyme to remember!

Can dogs eat apples

Yes and so safe

Can dogs eat chocolate

No way JosΓ©

Can dogs eat Peanut Butter

Yes and so sweet

Can dogs eat nuts

No, don’t eat!

Dog Not Eating Apples or Dog Won’t Eat Your Meal? 3 Tips to Help Them Out

If you attempted to introduce apples to your pet’s diet and they weren’t interested, they may simply dislike the taste of apples. Some pets are picky, and there are a wide variety of different treats you can give your dog. Your pet might prefer the taste of sweet potatoes or even a different variety of apple. If your pup doesn’t like golden delicious, give honeycrisp a try!

Letting your dog experience a variety of food types can improve their dietary health as a whole. If your pup doesn’t eat their dog food, mixing in fruits, vegetables, or protein sources, can help pique your dog’s interest. Your dog’s kibble provides them with all the required macronutrients and micronutrients, but their health can benefit from add-ins rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Try mixing in the following foods to amp up your pup’s appetite.

  1. Cooked Chicken – It is rare a dog will turn down a protein source! Chicken is a lean protein and recommended by vets for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
  2. Cooked Eggs – A scrambled egg is high in protein, and the small pieces will be hard for your dog to pick out of their kibble, encouraging them to eat the whole bowl.
  3. Vegetable Mixture – Pre-cut a mixture of veggies to add to your dog’s bowl is a great way to add variety to your dog’s diet. Try chopping up a few carrots, a sweet potato, and some spinach. All these vegetables are a good source of vitamins and minerals for your dog.

What Do Dogs Eat? 2 Ways to Feed Your Dog Apples

When asking “can dogs eat apples” and learning the answer, many wonder about how to feed them. Peeled? Green Apples instead of Red? Cooked? There are many ways to give them this delicious fruit.

Hungry for more fun ways to introduce apples into your dog’s diet? Apples can be given to your dog as a treat while raw, or added to recipes for cooking.

Raw Apples!

Plain old apple slices are a great choice for your dog! During the summer try freezing the slices to give your dog a cool snack with some extra chewing time.

Looking for a little extra challenge? Chop your apple slices into small chunks, and freeze in a bowl of water for an apple β€œpopsicle”.

Cooked Apples!

Apples, apple cider vinegar, and applesauce can be added to yummy recipes for your pup to eat. You can even combine other fruits, veggies, and dog-safe foods like peanut butter, into your treats. This can be a good idea to sneak some extra nutrients into a snack for picky pups!

Make Apples for Dogs: The Ultimate Apple Recipe Your Pet Will Love

Even if your pet is a picky eater, we can introduce apples into their diet by combining them with other ingredients. Now that we know what foods are safe and unsafe for our dogs (we solved the case of “can dogs eat apples!), we can combine some healthy foods into recipes that your dog will love! While your dog can’t eat apple pie, we can incorporate apples into our treats to add some extra nutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins.

How to make homemade apple-peanut butter treats:

Ingredients

4 cups oat flour (more as needed)

2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

Β½ cup peanut butter

2 whole eggs

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Add oat flour until dough can be handled without sticking to your hands.

Use a rolling pin to flatten dough until about ΒΌ inch thick. Cut into desired shapes.

Place treats on a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Bake 20-25 minutes, or until dry.

Allow to cool, and let Fido enjoy!

apples for dogs

Comparing Apples and Oranges: What Can Cats Eat as Well as Dogs?

When baking for your dog, you may wonder if your feline friends can share a cookie or two. “Can dogs eat apples” mystery is over but what about… “can cats eat apples”?!

Though your cat will probably turn its nose up at apple biscuits, there are some things your dog and cat can both enjoy. Instead of cookies, try sharing some cooked chicken, fish, or eggs, with your dog and cat.  Though they are both carnivores, dogs and cats have different digestive systems. Cats and dogs have widely different nutritional needs, with cats requiring higher protein content and much lower carbohydrate content than dogs.

Just Food for Dogs: 3 Foods Your Dog Can Eat But Not Your Cat

Your dog may enjoy a variety of fruits and veggies, but your cat most likely will not. There are also foods that your dog can eat that are dangerous to your cat.

Even though your dog may enjoy cheese in moderation, your cat should not have dairy products. Cats are much less tolerant of lactose, and consuming dairy can make their stomach upset or even cause diarrhea.

So, Are Apples Good for Dogs? Can Dogs Have Apples?

Though cats may not care about them, many dogs enjoy a snack of apple slices. As long as you consult with your veterinarian if your dog has any health issues, and you feed in moderation, your dog can safely eat apples. Always make sure the apple has the core and apple seeds removed, and monitor your dog whenever feeding a new food.

If you take all the necessary precautions, it is harmless for your dog to have the occasional apple treat.

And when someone asks you, “can dogs eat apples”? You now have all the information you need to blow them away with your human food for dogs knowledge!