How To Safely Feed Apples To Your Dog (2024)

For humans, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But, what about dogs? Thankfully, your canine companion can enjoy these sweet, crispy treats in moderation. Most dogs love them!

Are Apples Good for Dogs?

Yes, apples can be good for dogs. Apples are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. They’re chock full of fiber, especially in the peels, which helps dogs maintain a healthy weight while assisting with their digestion.

Apples are a low-calorie treat. But since each apple has about 19 grams of sugar, a whole apple will likely be too much for your dog. Even so, apples are a great way to satisfy your dog’s sweet tooth (unlike some human foods, includingchocolate, which can harm your dog).

The act of chewing an apple can also help clean your dog’s teeth, but apple peels may get stuck between their teeth. Eating apples shouldn’t substitute for regular dental carelike daily brushings and regular veterinary dental cleanings.

How Many Apples Can Dogs Eat?

Your canine companion may love crunching on apples, but don’t let them have too much. Eating an excess of apples can lead to your dog experiencing bellyache or diarrhea, so always serve them in moderation. Just an apple slice or two is enough to satisfy your dog’s cravings.

Puppies can also eat apples. If you haven’t given them apples before, start with a small amount, like a slice or small cube. Watch them to make sure they don’t have an allergic reaction. See if they experience any digestive problems. If your dog has problems, refrain from feeding them apples and contact a veterinarian as needed.

How to Safely Prepare Apples for Dogs

Begin by washing and scrubbing your apples to remove any bacteria and germs. Some supermarket apples, like many other fruits and vegetables, are treated with pesticides, which makes rinsing them off especially important. Cut apples into slices or small cubes so that your dog can easily eat them. Peeling the apple will make it easier for your dog to digest.

Keep the seeds far, far away from your dog. The seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, a toxin, which can harm your dog in large doses. The tough apple core, and the stem, could also choke your dog. If your dog eats an apple core or seeds, you need to watch them for any signs of digestive trouble or blockage, like choking.

The simplest way to prepare roasted apple chips for dogs is to bake thinly sliced (and cored) apple slices at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours until completely crispy. Try making apple pretzels for dogs. Or you can bake dog-friendly apple peanut butter cookies. Combine four cups of ground oat flour, 2/3 of a cup of unsweetened applesauce, a half cup of peanut butter, and two eggs. Cut out cookies and bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can also opt for dog treats that contain apples as an ingredient. To give your pet a taste of fall flavors, try pumpkin, chicken, and apple treats or treats with apples, cheese, and cinnamon.

And remember, just because dogs love apples doesn’t mean that they can eat apple pie. The added sugar and golden crust that humans enjoy are too much for dogs, though they will survive sneaking a bite (or a slice). However, if your dog eats an apple pie that includes nutmeg, which includes a toxin called myristicin, they may experience problems, according to thePet Poison Helpline. In small doses, nutmeg might cause mild gastrointestinal distress. In very large doses, it can cause hallucinations, high blood pressure, and seizures.

Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?

Yes, dogs can safely eat plain applesauce! But applesauce generally includes added sugars, so always choose unsweetened applesauce and give it to them in moderation.

You can freeze applesauce in ice cube trays and share them with your dog after a long walk or on a hot summer day.