Can Dogs Eat Apples? Are They Good or Bad for Our Pups?

It’s very tempting to give your pup a bit of whatever is on your plate. Especially when it’s a healthy bit of fruit or vegetable. But not all things that are good for us are good for our canine friends. In fact, some fruits and veggies are toxic to dogs.

But what about apples? Can dogs eat apples? Are these green and red fruits healthy for them? Let’s find out!

Can Dogs Eat Apples – The Short Answer

Yes! Dogs can absolutely eat apples. They’re a great source of nutrients and many pups love the variety in texture. It’s important you prepare the apple correctly before feeding a piece to your dog. The core and large pieces can be a choking hazard and apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide (which is why you shouldn’t feed your pup plums or cherries too)!

Are Apples Good for Dogs?

Apples are a great source of vitamins C and A, potassium, and antioxidants. They also contain fiber which will help to keep your pup regular and healthy.

The hard texture of apples can help with oral health too. When your pup crunches away at a piece of apple, it cleans their teeth and keeps their breath fresh. Of course, this shouldn’t replace regular teeth cleaning but apples certainly smell better than dog food!

Are Apples Bad for Dogs?

Generally speaking, apples are good for pups and can be included in your dog’s diet. Actually, many of the best fresh dog food brands add apples to their nutritionally-balanced meals.

There are a couple of risks to feeding your dog apples though.

The main one is that apples can be a choking hazard. Apples are very hard and can be difficult for small dogs to chew. Make sure you always cut up apples into bite-size chunks for your dog. You should also remove the core as this can be difficult to swallow.

Apples are a great sweet treat for your dog. But like other fruits such as pineapple or pears, they do contain a lot of sugar. This means you need to feed your pup apples in moderation. Too much of this tasty treat can lead to sugar-related health problems. Large amounts of apples could also cause an upset stomach such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Apple Seeds?

Dogs should not eat apple seeds. Apple seeds contain traces of cyanide which can cause poisoning. Your pup would have to eat a lot of seeds for them to poison your dog, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you want to give your pooch seeds, try pumpkin seeds instead!

Can Dogs Eat Apple Pie?

Who doesn’t love the smell (and taste) of apple pie? Unfortunately, however good it smells, you shouldn’t feed dogs apple pie.

Pastry contains fat and sugar which don’t need to be part of your dog’s diet. We also add sugar and other ingredients to the apples. Whilst this makes tart apples taste even yummier, sugar can cause lots of problems for your pup. These include tooth decay and obesity.

Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?

Yes! Dogs can eat applesauce, but only if it’s plain and sugar-free. Many store-bought applesauces contain too much sugar which can be a problem for your dog.

If you want to add a bit of variety to your homemade applesauce, add a tiny amount of cinnamon. Your pup might love the added flavor.

Can Dogs Eat Green Apples?

Yes! Dogs can eat green and red apples. The skin contains more fiber than the fruit itself. If you want your pup to eat less fiber, remove the skin first.

Bright green apples, such as granny smith apples, will add a different color to your pups diet which they might love!

How Much Apple Can Dogs Eat?

Adding apple to your dog’s diet is a great way to give them extra nutrients and variety in texture. But, as with any fruit you give your pup, moderation is key. 90% of your pooch’s diet should be made up of good quality, nutritionally balanced dog food. The other 10% can be healthy human snacks such as peas, broccoli, or pineapple.

Feeding your pup too much apple could give them an upset stomach or other health problems.

How To Feed Apples to Dogs

Whenever you feed your dog fruits and vegetables, it’s important to wash them first. Some store-bought fruits may be covered in pesticides, which you’ll need to remove before feeding to your dog.

Here are some of our favorite ways to feed apples to your dog (and ways our pups love)!

• Chopped up in their food. Many dogs love eating different textures, especially when it adds variety to their regular dog food. Add bite-size chunks into the meals and watch them gobble it up!
• As a treat. Giving a piece of apple to your dog is a great way to reward them. Many dog treats are overly processed and contain a lot of calories and additives. Apple is certainly healthier!
• In a snuffle mat. Many dog breeds love searching for food and a snuffle mat is a great way to let them hone this natural instinct. A few chunks hidden in a mat is a great reward!
• Frozen. Apple freezes really well and a chunk of frozen apple is a yummy summer treat. Make sure it’s bite-sized so they don’t choke and let them lick away.
• In a smoothie. Dogs love eating different things, especially when they have different textures. Whisk up apples with another fruit, such as raspberries, and freeze the mixture inside a puzzle toy. It will keep your pup entertained as they try to lick it out.

Final Thoughts – Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Apples are a great, healthy, and nutritious snack to give your dog. They’ll love this sweet treat! It’s important you only feed your dog apples in moderation as too many could cause problems for your dog’s teeth and overall health. They have quite a high sugar content!

Only feed them a small amount and monitor for any reactions. If they enjoy it, you can feed them a little more next time. Make sure you check with your vet before adding anything new to your pooch’s diet.