Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Apples as Treats: Can Dogs Eat Apples?

As a loving dog owner, you want to make sure everything you put in your pet’s mouth is safe and beneficial. You are probably aware of some of the most dangerous foods for dogshttps://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/potentially-dangerous-items-your-pet (including onions, garlic, avocados and chocolate), but you may question the safety of other ingredients that are generally considered healthy by humans. Specifically, you may be wondering, “Can dogs eat apples?” The answer is, yes, but be careful.

Benefits of Apples for Dogs

Apples can be a healthy treat for your dog. They provide a variety of nutrients that are important for bone health, immunity and a shiny coat. Apples are rich in vitamins A, K and C. When compared to a lot of the sugar-heavy dog treats on the market, apples are a much better choice for your pet, as long as you know how to administer them to your pup.

Potential Dangers of Giving Apples To Dogs

Now that we’ve gone over the benefits of giving apples to dogs, let’s consider some of the dangers. When you take the proper precautions, apples can be safe for canines. However, large amounts of apples can cause stomach upset in dogs. They can also be a big choking hazard (especially if you give large chunks to dogs that tend to consume their food too quickly).

Apple seeds are also toxic to both dogs and people, which is why you should never give your dog a full apple to munch on. Apple seeds release glycosides when chewed. Glycosides create cyanide, which is a toxic substance that can cause serious health complications or even death when ingested.

Best Way To Feed My Dog Apples

If you’re treating your pup to some apples and you’re making sure they’re only being fed in moderation and you’ve removed any trace of pips, there’s a few ways you can use them:

• Mash and freeze - stuffed in a Kong for a warm day, frozen apples can mix well with some peanut butter or other Kong favorites
  
• Reward and training - small pieces of apple can make a nice change from your regular training treats
  
• Baked or dehydrated - when baked low and slow, apple pieces are less messy and easier to store, just don’t forget, you’ll lose some of the nutrients when cooked at higher temperatures
  
• Pupcakes - applesauce and bananas are common egg substitutes which is why you’ll often see these fruits in doggy baking recipes

Alternative Dog Treat Options

If you don’t want to deal with the potential dangers associated with feeding your dog apples, there are other alternative dog treat options out there. Try giving her wild Alaskan Salmon, free-range beef tripe or farm-raised rabbit treats/products/variety-pack-dog-treats. These pure ingredients are very healthy for your fur baby and can help her look and feel her best.

Get Worry-Free Dog Treats for Your Pet

At Front Of The Pack, we’re dedicated to your dog’s health and want to help answer any other questions you may have about your dog’s health.