Apples are a fantastic addition to your dog’s diet; they provide vitamin A, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. They also offer a way to keep your dog’s teeth clean and help to freshen their breath!
However, it would help if you were sure to remove the core and the seeds of the apple before giving it to your dog. The seeds contain a meager amount of cyanide, though this chemical is only released when they are chewed and, as in people, swallowing a couple of pips is unlikely to cause problems.
Are Apples Good for Dogs?
Yes, apples can be good for dogs. Apples are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. They’re chock full of fiber, especially in the peels, which helps dogs maintain a healthy weight while assisting with their digestion.
Apples are a low-calorie treat. But since each apple has about 19 grams of sugar, a whole apple will likely be too much for your dog. Even so, apples are a great way to satisfy your dog’s sweet tooth (unlike some human foods, including chocolate, which can harm your dog).
The act of chewing an apple can also help clean your dog’s teeth, but apple peels may get stuck between their teeth. Eating apples shouldn’t substitute for regular dental care like daily brushings and regular veterinary dental cleanings.
How Much Apple Can My Dog Eat?
While apples are totally safe for your dog to eat, it’s important to only give them to your dog in moderation. Typically, one to three slices are a good rule of thumb.
When you feed your dog an apple, make sure to wash it and cut the fruit into slices. This will make it easier for your dog to chew, plus you can cut out dangerous parts, such as the seeds.
How to Prepare Apples for Dogs
There are steps you should take before serving apples to your dog, which include:
Wash the Apple: Some apples are treated with pesticides to keep them from being eaten by insects. Pesticides can be bad for your dog, so thoroughly wash the apple before feeding it to your dog.
Remove the Seeds and Stem: The seeds and stem of an apple are a potential choking hazard for dogs, plus apple seeds contain small amounts of the poison cyanide. While the amount of cyanide in apple seeds is not likely to make your dog sick, it’s best to avoid them.
Cut into Slices or Chunks: Whether you want to cut the apple into large or small pieces depends on the size of your dog. If you’re feeding a small breed, like a Chihuahua, make sure to cut the apple into small pieces they can eat easily.
Larger breeds like Labrador Retrievers or Great Danes can have larger slices, but it’s better to err on the side of too small versus too big.
Peel the Apple (Optional): Although it’s not mandatory, you may want to peel the apple for your dog. Doing so can make the apple easier to digest and reduce the amount of fiber intake.
How to Safely Feed Apples to Dogs
Start by washing or peeling your apples to remove any possible pesticides that are concentrated in the peel. Since apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, Greenstein advises owners to err on the side of caution by coring apples and removing seeds before feeding them to your dog.
“I’d also advise pet parents to cut them into small pieces to minimize the risk of choking,” Greenstein says, adding to be sure to feed your dog just one small piece of apple the first time to check for any allergic reactions or an upset stomach.
Can Dogs Have Apple Juice, Applesauce, or Apple Chips?
Other foods made from apples, like apple chips, applesauce, and apple juice, are less nutritious forms of apples.
Store-bought apple chips, or dehydrated apple pieces, usually have added sugar, and they have no fiber. Store-bought apple juice and applesauce may have good water content, but they also may have added sugar and no fiber.
These combinations can lead to weight gain and diabetes. However, homemade versions of these, or store-bought versions that say no added sugar, are fine for dogs, in moderation.
