Can Dogs Eat Apples? Everything You Need To Know

We have all heard the old English adage “An apple a day keeps the doctor away"… but does this mean the veterinarian too? Can dogs eat apples? Is it safe to feed dogs apples?

It's time to find out whether you should be sharing one of nature's best superfruits and full of good-for-you nutrients with your furry friend.

Can I Give My Dog Apples?

The answer is YES! You can give your dog apples. Most veterinarians agree that apples are safe for dogs. The sweet, crunchy fruit often makes a great healthy and tasty treat for dogs. Apples have potent nutrients that dogs can benefit from throughout their life. Your dog can eat any type of apple - from Fuji to Honeycrisp to Golden Delicious - any apple is satisfactory.

But you still shouldn’t allow your dog to dive in the apple barrel. Moderation is the key to adding apples to your dog’s diet. Let’s see why giving apples to dogs is an excellent idea and how they impact your dog’s health. 

The health benefits of apples for dogs

A fruit with vitamins, fibre, and tons of powerful antioxidants, apples are renowned for the countless health benefits they provide humans and animals, including dogs. Due to their varied nutrient content, they may prevent several health conditions in dogs.

Here’s a list of 6 impressive nutrients in apples that have a protective impact on dogs' health. 

1. Vitamin A -
   Vitamin A is an essential vitamin for dogs because it helps boost their immune system, cell function, growth, foetal development and protect the eyes against damaging free radicals. This fat-soluble vitamin also protects dogs skin cells from oxidant damage and helps the skin and coat stay moisturised, soft and shiny.
   
   
2. Vitamin C -
   Vitamin C is a vital antioxidant for dogs that can again help strengthen their immune system, promote collagen synthesis, reduce inflammation, and support healthy ageing. 
   
   
3. Vitamin K -
   Vitamin K is another significant fat-soluble vitamin in apples beneficial for dogs’ health. It is instrumental in regulating dogs' blood function.
   
   
4. Potassium -
   Potassium is a macro-mineral found in apples vital for a dog's health. It helps in functioning enzymes, muscles, and nerves.
   
   
5. Fibre -
   Another thing that apples are known for is a form of soluble fibre called Pectin. It may have many health benefits, such as soothing digestive troubles like flatulence and diarrhoea, improving gut health, and encouraging weight loss in dogs. 
   
   
6. Antioxidants -
   The antioxidants in apples help combat the ability of free radicals to cells and molecules in dogs bodies brought on by environmental toxins and disease, improving the dog’s immune and gastrointestinal system. Antioxidants are also known to inhibit cancer cell growth and prevent several diseases in dogs. 

Besides providing incredible nutritional benefits, apples are lower in natural sugar content and calories than many fruits.

Can dogs eat apple skin?

Yes. Dogs can definitely eat apple skin. Apples can offer various nutritional benefits for a grown-up dog when given in moderation. 

How to feed apples to your dog?

Despite their potential health benefits for dogs, there are a few things you need to watch out for before feeding your dog. Always co   nsult your veterinarian before sharing any human food, including apples, with your dog. Some dogs have medical conditions that may get worsened by consuming apples.

There are plenty of ways to feed apples to dogs. You can mix it in with the dog food. You can also serve it as a sweet snack or a treat or smash it into a mixture.

Here are 3 safety precautions every dog parent should know when feeding apples to their dog:

1. Remove the seeds and core from the apples.
   
   The tough centre of an apple core may lead to choking hazards if swallowed whole, so it is advisable to remove the core before feeding it to your dog. Don’t give your dog an entire apple. Cut it into small bite-sized slices or pieces.
   
   Apple seeds contain a compound called amygdalin which can have harmful effects on your dog if consumed in excess amounts. It is a part of apple seeds, and when it’s chewed or broken, it degrades into hydrogen cyanide. To avoid the risk, it's best to remove them.
   
   
2. Consider organic apples.
   
   To avoid or limit possible pesticide contamination, consider giving your dog organic apples and always make sure to wash them before feeding them to your dog thoroughly.
   
   
   
   
3. Don’t give your dog dried apples.
   
   The lack of water in dried or dehydrated apples may cause digestive issues for your dog. Moreover, dehydrated apples haven’t been well-examined yet, so there may be other dangers related to them too.
   
   If you see any symptoms, including difficulty breathing, coughing, allergic reaction, or other signs, stop serving apples to your dog, and contact your vet immediately.