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Can Dogs Eat Apples? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts
You’re all set to bite into a crunchy, juicy, sweet apple, but your dog is giving you those puppy dog eyes you find so hard to resist. So, you wonder if it’s okay to give your dog a piece of your apple.
Are apples safe for your dog to eat? The good news is, yes! Apples are a safe and healthy treat for your dog but with a few precautions.
The Healthy Apple
Apples are full of all kinds of nutritious goodness. These golden, green, and red globes of crunchy deliciousness come in a wide variety; as many as 7,500 different types of apples can be found throughout the world!1
One medium-sized apple contains vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9, and E, beta carotene as well as calcium, manganese, and polyphenols (antioxidants). They also contain lots of vitamin C, fiber, and potassium, and are low in calories.2
Some of the potential health benefits of apples for people may include:
Apples are available all year but are generally in season from mid-June until early November.
Apples and Your Dog
Apples are a healthy snack for humans, but what can they do for a dog? Some of the health benefits for humans may also work on dogs:
The apple is also low in calories and will give your dog a tasty, sweet, and crunchy snack that is good for them. But remember, your dog’s balanced and complete diet will provide them with everything they need for a healthy life, while apples and other healthy treats are there to be given occasionally and in moderation, based on your vet’s recommendations.
The Downside for Dogs
While apples can provide many benefits for your dog, some issues should be taken into consideration.
Firstly, apple cores are not always safe for dogs. Not because they're toxic but because they are a serious choking hazard. So, avoid giving your pup a whole apple to devour. Cores are hard and may cause a stomach or intestinal blockage, which will need urgent veterinary attention.
Next, overall, dietary fiber is good for the digestive system, but eating too much apple, or anything really, can make your dog ill. They could suffer from upset stomach and diarrhea, so ensure you only feed your dog apples in moderation, depending on their size.
Most of the antioxidants can be found in the skin of the apple so you can feed your dog the peel and the flesh. However, you should always remove the core and especially the seeds, as apple seeds contain a small amount of cyanide that is released when chewed. Your dog would have to eat quite a lot of seeds, 60 or more for a medium-sized dog, for it to harm them, but it’s always best to play it safe when it comes to the health and safety of your dog.
Always wash your apple before eating it yourself or feeding it to your dog to avoid any pesticide residue as well as dirt and bacteria. The best way to clean your apples is to mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda into 2 cups of water in your sink or a bowl. Soak your apples in this mixture for at least 15 minutes, and rinse them well, as baking soda may be harmful to dogs if present in large amounts.
Lastly, apples have a moderate amount of sugar (fructose). If there are concerns about your dog’s weight or if your dog is diabetic, you should avoid apples or only give them to your dog in small amounts. You should discuss any concerns you may have with your vet about diet if your dog has issues with their weight or is diabetic.
The general rule of thumb is that you should avoid applesauce (unless you know there’s no added sugar or artificial sweetener such as xylitol, which is toxic to dogs), and don’t give your pup any apple juice. Sugars tend to be concentrated in these forms, plus there will be many other additives.
Final Thoughts
Apples are a safe and healthy treat for your dog, provided you remove the core and seeds and only give them small amounts. When you give your dog or puppy their first few pieces of an apple, watch for stomach upset, or any other unusual behavior or signs that indicate discomfort.
You can look for apple recipes for dogs if you want to try something new or just give your dog a few bites of your own apple. Always check with your vet if you have any concerns and remember to always read the label before giving your dog a new treat. Apples are found all year round and are a cheap and tasty snack for you and your dog.
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Nicole is the proud mom of Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway, and Baby, a Burmese cat. Originally from Canada, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband in New Zealand. Nicole has a strong love for all animals and has experience caring for all types of dogs, from Yorkies to Great Danes. Nicole even worked as a dog sitter during her travels through South America and cared for stray pups — something she holds close to her heart. With a degree in Education and a love for writing, Nicole aims to share her and others' expert knowledge with pet lovers worldwide with Hepper.
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