Apples for Dogs: A Complete Guide
All apples can be traced back to an ancient wild ancestor still found growing in the mountains of Kazakhstan today. There are more than 7,500 varieties of apples cultivated globally so your dog could eat a different type every day for over 20 years without eating the same one twice.
And don’t worry about pips by the way. Yes they are theoretically toxic to dogs, but according to research carried out by Dr Andrew Spanner of Walkerville Vets in Adelaide South Australia, your dog would need to completely crush and then swallow the seeds of 200 apples in order to obtain anything like a seriously harmful dose of cyanide from eating these delicious fruits!
Can dogs eat apples?
Yes! Apples are safe and healthy for dogs says our in-house dog nutritionist. Natural scavengers, dogs have always eaten apples. Crisp, naturally sweet and low in fat, they are packed with fibre, vitamins and antioxidants that can help support canine health. They’re an excellent ingredient for homemade dog treats and fresh food, adding both nutrition and a satisfying crunch.
Health benefits of apples for dogs
Apples are a highly nutritious, low-calorie fruit that can significantly boost your dog’s immune system, digestive health and skin condition.
Apples are:
- Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants like quercetin which fight cell damage and lower chronic inflammation.
- High in dietary fibre and pectin which firm up loose stools, prevent constipation and support good gut bacteria.
- Rich in Vitamin A, an essential nutrient for maintaining a soft, glossy coat and protecting eye health.
- Extremely low in fat and protein which makes them perfect for overweight or senior dogs.
- The crunchy texture acts like a natural toothbrush, gently scraping away plaque and reducing odour-causing bacteria.
Contain trace amounts of potassium, calcium and phosphorus to support strong bones and muscle function.
How much apple can dogs eat?
Dogs have been eating apples for thousands of years. It is unlikely any dog would want to eat that much, but apples should not make up any more than about 10 percent of your dog’s overall diet according to the 10 percent rule of homemade dog food.
Remember, apples are not treats, they are food and historically a natural part of a dog’s diet. They were a natural part of a dog’s diet long, long before commercial dog food came along around 160 years ago.
That said, if you do want to start slowly feeding your dog apples, then perhaps consider:
- Small dogs: 1 to 2 small slices.
- Medium dogs: 3 to 4 slices.
- Large dogs: Half of a small apple.
Other dog-safe fruits
- Blueberries: antioxidant powerhouse.
- Apples: clean teeth & freshen breath.
- Bananas: boost energy.
- Watermelon: excellent hydration (92% water).
- Strawberries: help whiten teeth.
- Pumpkin: aids digestion.
- Mango: packed with beneficial nutrients.
See the full range of dog-safe fruits here.
Search Apple recipes:
How to feed a dog apples
To feed your dog apples, give them a quick wash, remove the core and seeds and dice into bit-sized pieces appropriate for the size of your dog.
Want to understand how apples fit into a properly formulated homemade diet?
Take the Apples: Meet Your Ingredient lesson in The Dog Chef Academy.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can dogs eat apple skin?
A. Yes, dogs can safely eat apple skin. The skin contains the highest concentration of dietary fibre, antioxidants and vitamin C and most of the nutrients are close to the surface so don’t peel and waste those lovely nutrients. Always wash the apple thoroughly to remove chemical pesticides before slicing or cooking.
Q. What should I do if my dog accidentally eats an apple core or seeds?
A. Do not panic if your dog eats a few apple seeds. While apple seeds contain amygdalin — a substance which releases toxic cyanide when chewed — a dog needs to thoroughly chew a large volume of seeds to suffer from cyanide poisoning. Simply monitor your dog for any signs of stomach upset. If they swallow a whole, intact core, watch for signs of a physical choking hazard or bowel blockage, such as gagging or vomiting although that is extremely unlikely.
Q. Can dogs eat green apples like Granny Smith?
A. Yes they can, but they are very tart. Green apples are perfectly safe and contain less sugar than red varieties, making them a great option for overweight dogs. However, their high malic acid content makes them very sour. Some dogs dislike the sharp taste, others don’t mind it. Besides, if you cook apples or add them to your dog’s food, it probably won’t even notice.
Q. Is shop-bought apple sauce safe for dogs?
A. It is not recommended, but only if it is completely unsweetened. Most commercial apple sauces are packed with added white sugars, high-fructose corn syrup or artificial preservatives. More importantly, some sugar-free versions contain xylitol (birch sugar), an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic and fatal to dogs. Always read the ingredient label to ensure it contains 100% pure apples and water, or, better still, make your own at home.
Q. How many apple slices can a dog have in one day?
A. Stick to the 10% rule. Apples should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie allotment.
Q. Can dogs eat dried or dehydrated apples?
A. Yes they can. Dehydrated apple crisps are a fantastic crunchy snack for dogs.
The Dog Chef Guide to Homemade Dog Food
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