Dog Tips

Can Dogs Eat Apples?

An apple a day keeps a doctor away! We have been taught this since our school days and that is true for us humans. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, potassium, copper, etc. And a lesser known fact, they are actually a better way to wake up in the morning compared to coffee. But is it going to be the same for your doggy? The answer is Yes!

Do Dogs like Apples?

We have over 7000 varieties of apples around the world. This shows that humans love the fruit and is consumed worldwide in a good quantity. Your dog is also going to love it given its cool and crunchy feel in the mouth.

Are Apples good for your dog?

Apples are high in Vitamin A and C. Along with that they also provide fiber, potassium, copper and anti-oxidants. Now let’s talk about each of the nutrient in detail

Vitamins – are good for eyesight, especially when your dog is matured, as they help prevent cataracts and helps with night blindness and even dry eyes. They are essential fat-soluble vitamin that has functions supporting bone growth, reproduction, cellular differentiation and immune response in dogs. They also boost energy metabolism and assists skin tissue maintenance. For the young ones, they support their overall growth.

Anti-oxidants – Just like for humans, high levels of antioxidants help boost dogs’ immune system and defend against degenerative diseases, skin problems, allergies, and even certain types of cancer

Dietary Fiber – As the name suggests, it becomes a catalyst for your pup’s stomach and intestines. It not only helps in the regular digestion of food but can also help curing the symptoms of diarrhea and constipation.

They are other nutrients as well in apples. So all in all, it becomes a super food for your doggy. But does that mean they should be fed lots and lots of apples for them to stay healthy? The answer is – No.

How much Apple is good for your Dog?

Now the quantity of apples to be fed to your dog is very important as anything in excess or more than prescribed quantity is bad not only for dogs but even humans. The recommended quantity is a slice or 2 per day.

  • Extra-small dog (2-20 lbs.) = 1-2 cubes of apple

For e.g.: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs

  • Small dog (21-30 lbs.) = 2-3 cubes of apple

For e.g.: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature Australian Shepherds, Affenpinscher, Cairn Terriers,

  • Medium dog (31-50 lbs.) = 5-6 cubes of apple

For e.g.: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs, Siberian Huskies, English Springer Spaniels

  • Large dog (51-90 lbs.) = handful of apple cubes or 1-2 slices of apple

For e.g.: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds, Greyhounds

For e.g.: Leonbergers, , St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees, Neapolitan Mastiff

How can you feed Apples to your Dog?

Firstly, just as you would do for yourself, make sure that you wash it properly with clean water. Apples in supermarkets are usually treated with pesticides and other chemicals. So, it’s better to peel off the skin as well. Don’t forget to remove the seed as well to avoid choking. Then cut it into small 1-inch cubes. Now you can prepare various recipes for your dog with apple being the main ingredient.

Raw Apples – Easiest and the best way to feed your pup apples would be in its raw form after cutting it into small cube like pieces

Roasted Apple Chips – Bake thinly sliced apple slices at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for around 2 hours to make sure they are completely crispy

Apple Peanut Butter Cookies – In a mood to give your dog a treat? An apple peanut butter cookie is one of the best way to do so as it will trigger the sweet spot of your pup. Just add four cups of ground oat flour, 2/3 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 and you’ve got them ready to munch on.

Apple Carrot Dog Biscuits – With whole wheat flour, oats, brown sugar, apples, carrots, egg, vegetable oil and water you can prepare these delicious biscuits which are healthy and tasty for your dog

After feeding it all these treats, you are in for a lot of licks and cuddles. But don’t end up treating them a lot as anything in excess quantity is not good for both, humans and dogs.

What apple recipes to avoid feeding your dog?

  • Apple pie – As it contains sugar, butter and fat which could cake your dog sick and obese if fed regularly

  • Anything that involves apple seeds – The seed contains a small amount of cyanide which can harm the dog

Can Dogs eat Green apples?

You can choose between a red one or a green one. Both are going to be a good breakfast option for your puppy. Actually, the green ones are also known to be a better variety over the red ones on the nutritional front. They contain a little less sugar and carbs and a little more of Vitamin A.

Can Dogs eat Applesauce?

The answer is again Yes! Dogs can eat applesauce. But just make sure you don’t add a lot of sugar. It is always better to use the unsweetened sugar for that matter.

What can happen if your dog eats an unusual amount of Apples?

If you had kept a bowl full of apples on the kitchen counter and your dog somehow reaches there and ends up eating them without your supervision, it can lead to some uncomfortable conditions for it. Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of an upset stomach as soon as you come to know about it. You should contact your vet right away if you see –

  • Decreased appetite or loss of appetite

  • Uncomfortable walk

  • Sad or depressed

  • Diarrhea

  • Pain sounds when pressed on the stomach

Other Fruits That Are Safe To Eat for Your Dog

If your dog tends to turn up its nose at a treat that’s been offered many times before, or if you simply want to add variety to their diet, you can try these fruits as well:

Remember that grapes and raisins are never fruits you should feed your dog. These have particular enzymes in them that are toxic to dogs—avoid grapes and raisins around your dog like you avoid chocolate! We have compiled a big list of all the fruits your dogs should eat here.

Dogs can eat sweet potatoes and many other vegetables instead.

Conclusion

The saying can be modified to ‘An apple a day keeps a vet away’. Apples make a very good and healthy breakfast for your dogs and are also good for the teeth. Stick to natural forms of the fruit over preserved ones and limit the quantity to the recommendations.

Happy Mood and Health to your Doggo and lots of Licks and Cuddles to you!

Sources

  • AKC

  • Batter Sea

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