You probably know the old saying “and apple a day keeps the doctor away.” We all know that apples (and pretty much all fruits and vegetables) form an important part of a healthy diet. But what about our pets? Can dogs eat apples? Do they benefit from this classic fruit?
There are many fruits and veggies our dogs can enjoy – are apples on the list?
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Yes! Apples are a great fruit to add to your dog’s regular rotation of fruits and veggies.
Apples are an excellent source of:
- vitamins A, C, and K
- fiber
- calcium
- phosphorus
Apples also contain a variety of phytochemicals, including quercetin, catechin, phloridzin and chlorogenic acid, all of which are strong antioxidants. Antioxidants help combat free radicals and oxidative stress, which can lead to many different ailments, including cancer and joint disease. Studies have even linked apples with a reduced risk of cancer in humans, so that’s great news – and just another reason to share them with our pups!
Plus, apples are also relatively low in calories, and many dogs love the taste, as well as the crunch, making them a nice low-fat sweet treat!
Can Dos Eat Apples Whole? Seeds, Core, and Skin
Can dogs eat apples whole?
Apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide, which is toxic. Your dog would need to eat quite a few seeds to cause any kind of cyanide poisoning, and if your dog swallows a few, it isn’t likely to cause harm. That said, if you’re overly cautious, just get rid of those bad boys before giving apple to your dog.
And the core? It’s firm, and while some dogs won’t have any issues, they can difficult to chew. It may present a choking hazard or, if swallowed, can potentially cause gastrointestinal blockage. Our advice? Skip the core and seeds, just to be safest.
The skin, well, that’s up to you – but there are reasons to feed it for sure. If you’ve chosen organic apples, or given them a good wash, the skin is fine. Plus, the skin of the apple is where the quercetin is. Quercetin is a flavonoid commonly found in fruits and vegetables. Research shows us that quercetin actually contains antihistamine compounds that can stop histamine production that causes allergy flareups! So, this makes apples a good addition to an allergy relief regimen. Additionally, it can also help inhibit cellular activity that causes inflammation, which in turn reduces allergy symptoms.
How to Feed Your Dog Apples
There are plenty of ways to feed dogs apples.
Firstly, no matter how you feed them, it’s best to choose organic apples, as many apples you find in the grocery store are coated with substances that make them shinier. Wash any fruits you buy because they can contain herbicides or pesticides.
By far the easiest way to give apples to your pup is to just chop them up in bite-sized pieces and add them to their regular dinner. Some dogs will even just eat the apple chunks as treats.
Other ways to feed apples include:
- Applesauce – chop your apples up, removing the core and skin. You can light steam them for a few minutes to soften them, then blend them into applesauce
- Pupsicles – add chunks or applesauce to pureed pumpkin and freeze in ice cube trays for a tasty summer treat. Or, take that applesauce, toss in some blueberries, and freeze that for a double dose of antioxidants.
- Smoothie food topper – combine apples with other fruits and some kefir and blend in the blender and pour a few tablespoons on top of dinner. You can also freeze this recipe for yummy fruit pupsicles.
Can dogs eat apples? Yes! Should they? Definitely – fed in moderation, apples can be a great fruit for health!
The Veterinarious team is made up of pet owners, pet lovers, and pet experts from around the globe! We’ve banded together to create a community of like-minded pet people to give you the latest research and health advice for your beloved beast!