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Apple picking is one of the best fall activities. If you’re anything like us, you want to share in the autumn season with your dog. But can dogs eat apples, or should you keep this fruit to yourself?
We’ll answer this question and more in this article. Let’s get started!
Are Apples Good for Dogs?
An apple a day keeps the doctor away–but what about the vet? Luckily, apples are just as healthy for our pups as they are for us. You may even find them listed as an ingredient in your dog’s food.
However, dogs cannot eat apple cores or seeds, as these parts of the fruit are toxic. The core also poses a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockages if eaten. If your dog does eat a whole apple, core and all, please call a pet poison hotline or veterinary clinic for advice.
What They Can Eat
While some parts of an apple are dangerous, dogs can safely eat the flesh and the peel. Apples make a healthy snack as they contain vitamins and nutrients including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium. The skins are a good source of fiber.
Since your dog should get all the nutrients they need in their dog food, these nutrients won’t make too much difference overall. But, it’s better to feed a healthy treat like apples than an unhealthy option, like bacon!
There’s no need to determine which apple variety you’ve purchased, either, since all varieties are non-toxic to dogs. However, your pup will probably prefer sweet apples to tart ones, so keep this in mind if you buy apples specifically for them.
Apple-Flavored Desserts
When it comes to your favorite apple-flavored snacks, these are usually unhealthy for dogs to eat due to high sugar contents and other ingredients. Still, you can sneak them a small bite so long as the food doesn’t contain anything that’s toxic to dogs–including xylitol or allspice.
Xylitol, also known as birch sugar, wood sugar, and birch bark extract, is a sweetener seen in many desserts. Allspice is a seasoning that can be found in apple-flavored snacks and drinks, including apple cider.
If you’re unsure about the ingredients in your food, it’s best not to share with your dog. Better safe than sorry!
If your dog has eaten an apple dessert containing toxic ingredients, please call a veterinarian or pet poison hotline immediately. They can advise you on whether your pup needs treatment.
How to Prepare Apples for Your Dog
The best way to share apples with your dog is:
- Wash the apple to remove pesticides
- Remove the core, stem, and seeds
- Cut the apple into bite-sized pieces
There’s no need to peel the apple as dogs can eat apple skin. However, it can be tough on some dog’s digestive systems. If your dog has a sensitive tummy you may want to take the extra step.
You can also bake the apples into homemade dog treats or dehydrate them for a new texture.
There are some excellent store bought apple dog treats on the market as well. We love these single-ingredient dried apple slices, as well as Hill’s Fruity Snacks. Single-ingredient apple baby food is also a good choice since it doesn’t contain unhealthy or toxic additives.
Remember that apples have a high natural sugar content. While they’re healthy for most dogs, they should be fed in limited amounts. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
If your dog has a health problem, please talk to your veterinarian before feeding new treats.
Other Seasonal Treats
If you’re looking for more autumnal treat inspiration, there are plenty of other fall fruits and vegetables that are safe for dogs. Try baking our vet-approved sweet potato chewies or feeding some of these snacks:
- Pumpkin and squash without seeds, skin, or rinds
- Cooked potatoes and cooked sweet potatoes (never feed these raw as they contain toxins!)
- Plum without the pit
- Pear without the pit
- Corn without the cob
- Carrot
These festive fall ingredients can also be baked into treats or found in store bought treats at the supermarket. While it’s fun to share new foods with your dog, always feed them in small amounts to ensure they don’t cause an allergic reaction or stomach upset.
As always, moderation is key so that your dog doesn’t get sick or gain weight on their autumn treats.
Final Thoughts
Apples are a terrific treat for your dog to eat, not just in the fall, but year-round, as they’re incredibly healthy. Remember to remove the stem, pit, and seeds, and to feed apples in moderation.
While your dog is sure to love plain apple slices, you can add variety to their treats by dehydrating the fruit or baking it into homemade treats. Either way, we hope you enjoy the autumn months with your pup!
