Can Dogs Eat Apples? Tips for Feeding Dogs Apples

The short answer is yes, you can feed your dog apples. Apples are safe for dogs, and your pet can gain a number of nutritious benefits from apples. Apples contain vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, calcium, carbohydrates, and phosphorus and are a good source of fiber. Plus, they're low in protein and fat, which means they'll be relatively safe for your dog's digestive system.

Avoid giving your dog a whole apple; for safety reasons, it's important to remove the core and seeds. Additionally, the average apple has nearly twenty grams of sugar, so apples can be considered a healthy treat only in moderation. Eating apples can also help clean your dog's teeth. When properly prepared, apples can be a healthy snack that’s safe for dogs of all ages.

Despite the health benefits, apples can easily go from a low-calorie sweet treat to too much of a good thing for your dog. Too many apples can cause diarrhea or an upset stomach. A dog's diet needs can change, so take care to monitor your dog’s reaction to apples—especially with puppies. Apples also contain trace amounts of xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, but they'd need to eat a large amount to get sick; it’s best to limit consumption to one apple a week to be safe. If your dog experiences any signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, call your veterinarian right away.

Follow a few simple steps to safely feed your dog apples.

1. 1. Wash the apple skin. Wash the apple skin well to remove any surface germs and pesticides—especially if you purchased your apples from a grocery store.
2. 2. Remove the apple seeds. Apple seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, which can lead to cyanide poisoning if your dog consumes many apple seeds.
3. 3. Remove the apple core. The apple core and stem can be a choking hazard for some dogs.
   
4. 4. Peel and slice the apple. Removing the apple skin can help reduce the amount of dietary fiber your dog has to process, making it potentially easier to digest.

Consider a few different ways to feed your dog apples as a treat.

1. 1. Raw: Once you wash, core, and peel your apples, feed them to your pooch so they can enjoy the crunch. Eating raw apples can also help with cleaning your dog’s teeth.
2. 2. With peanut butter and other fruits: Cut apples into small slices and feed them to your dog paired with small amounts of peanut butter. Mix in blueberries, watermelon, or strawberry slices for added antioxidants.
3. 3. Applesauce: Dogs can eat applesauce if it's plain and especially if it’s made with organic apples. Be aware that some applesauce contains added sugar. Try freezing applesauce in ice cube trays for a cooling summer dog treat that you can add to dog food.
4. 4. Apple chips: Core and thinly slice an apple. Bake the slices at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for about two hours or until the slices become crisp. You can also use an air fryer to prepare dried apple chips. Combine your dried apples with other unseasoned, crisped veggies for a healthy and crunchy snack for your dog.

Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

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