Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Pet owners love to treat their dogs with all sorts of human food. There’s quite a bit of human food that is bad for dogs, but apples are not one of them (for the most part)
As a veterinarian, I recommend treating your dogs with apples on occasion and then only small slices that don’t include seeds or the core.
Table of Contents
Why Feed Your Dog Apples
In general, apples are healthy on so many levels, for us as well as our canine best friends. There are many reasons why you should consider including them in your dog’s diet.
- Affordable treats
- Low on sugar and protein
- Perfect for older dogs on a low-fat diet
- Excellent source of antioxidants and vitamin C
- Natural choice for a dog’s snack
- Keeps their teeth clean
- Keeps their breath fresh
If your dog has health issues and you need to limit their daily intake of meat, apples are a great option. Also, your younger and more active puppy will benefit from vitamin C and antioxidants.
Can Dogs Eat Bananas? Are They Safe??
Things to Keep In Mind With Apples
As with everything related to your pet’s habits, there are several general tips you should stick to. After all, your dog should be treated with all the care you could give them.
- Introduce apples to your dog’s diet gradually.
- Cut out the core and seeds.
- Feed your dog in small portions and in proportion to how large your dog is
- Serve apples in slices.
- Make sure apples make up less than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
- Keep the skin on for more health benefits.
- Never leave your dog alone while they are chewing a piece of apple
More Fruits and Veggies You Could Feed Your Dog
Besides apples, you’ll find out that there’s plenty of organic foods that are safe for your dog. However, you must be careful to introduce one type of fruit or vegetable at a time. Because they might cause stomach problems.
And remember that dogs aren’t all the same. So feed your dog small portions in the beginning until you make sure it’s alright with them.
In the following list, we suggest a few fruits and vegetables that your dog might like:
- Apricot
- Blueberry
- Banana
- Orange
- Pear
- Mango
- Strawberries
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Green beans
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Pumpkin
- Lettuce
Fruits and Vegetables to Avoid For Your Dog
Some foods can be toxic to your furry friend. If you’re not sure what they are, the following list will help you.
- Cherries: toxic
- Grapes and raisins: cause kidney damage
- Lemons and limes: bad for their stomach
- Corn: common allergen
- Garlic and onions: highly toxic in all forms
- Mushrooms: toxic
The Bottom Line
You may now add apples as a healthy snack to your puppy. There’s no fear of toxins or allergies. Only health benefits and a sweet taste that your dog will admire.