Can Dogs Eat Apples?

They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but can dogs eat apples? Dogs love fruits, especially sweet ones. Like us, they have a sweet tooth. So, your dog might be begging you for a slice of apple in the kitchen. It can be hard to say no to those precious eyes, but dogs can’t ingest the same foods as us, right? Don’t worry, Fido can certaintly have a nibble.

Apple Stipulations for Dog Consumption

There are two ways to eat apples: slice it or gnaw on it. For dogs, there is only one safe way. So, when serving your pup some golden delicious apples, remember these rules:

• Remove the core: it can be choked on or cause a blockage.
• Never let them eat the stem: it can be choked on or cause a blockage.
• Remove all seeds: they contain cyanide.
• Slice it up to make it easier for them to eat.
• Don’t overfeed them, or it can result in diarrhea and/or a bellyache.
• Because apples have a high sugar content, they are not suatable for dogs with diabetes.
• Beware of possible allergic reactions.
• Don’t let them ingest too much peel: it can cause diarrhea.

If there is an apple tree in your backyard or on a route you walk, make sure to keep an eye on your pup. Your dog may try to ingest a little apple delight without you noticing.

Down to the Core

If your dog chews and swallows a core before you can take it, don’t panic; just look out for signs of choking. If they paw at their snout, try to see if you can carefully remove the core with your fingers. It may just be lodged in their mouth.

How to remove something lodged in their mouth:

1. Open your dog’s mouth with both hands, one hand on the top and one on the bottom.
2. Push the dog’s lips over their teeth to avoid getting bit when looking in their mouth.
3. Use your fingers to sweep the back of the mouth to feel for the object.
4. If you can see the object, but cannot remove it, take your dog to the vet.
5. Never remove bones from your dog’s throat.

The Heimlich Maneuver for Dogs

1. For small dogs, lay them on their back and apply pressure to the area below their ribs.
2. A standing dog should be grabbed from behind, arms wrapping around and hands interlocking into a fist, and then push the fist forward and firmly into the dog below the ribs. Lay the dog on its side afterward.
3. If your dog is lying down, put them on their side, place one hand on their back and another under their ribs on their abdomen and press firmly upwards and forwards.
4. Check their mouth once again to dislodge anything that may have been pushed up.

Seed Worries

If your dog gets a hold of some seeds, watch for signs of cyanide poisoning. Mild signs are lethargy and digestive discomfort, while severe symptoms are vomiting, heavy breathing, apnea tachycardia, cardiac arrhythmia, coma, and skin irritation. Call your vet if you believe your dog is having an adverse reaction due to this.

Allergic Reaction: Can Your Dog Eat Apples?

Even if dogs can eat apples, they may be allergic to them as well. Ten percent of all dog allergy cases are food-related. So, there is always a risk when feeding your dog anything new, as they may have an adverse reaction. This reaction can be from mild to severe. At its worst, it may cause anaphylaxis, which is potentially life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is when the body over-releases chemicals in response to an allergen.

Signs of a Mild Allergic Reaction:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Itching their ears
• Licking or chewing their feet
• GI problems
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Chronic gas
• Poor skin and coat
• Chronic ear or foot infections

Signs of Anaphylaxis

• Uncontrollable urination
• Shock
• Collapse
• Swelling
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Shock

If your dog is showing signs of anaphylaxis, take them to the vet immediately. They may require injectable steroids, intravenous fluids, epinephrine, antihistamines, and possibly intubation.

Why They Keep the Vet Away: Can Eating Apples Benefit Dogs?

So, yes, dogs can eat apples, but should they? Just like for humans, dogs gain health benefits from eating apples. So, serving your dog some slices of apple doesn’t have to feel like a guilty pleasure. Your best option is to feed them organic apples.

Apples contain vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, and phosphorous. They are high in fiber, but low in protein and calories, which makes them healthy for the digestive system. Their small quantity of protein makes them excellent treats for dogs that have limited diets and cannot ingest high concentrations of protein and fat.

Apples also contain antioxidants that can assist in warding off cancer and aiding in joint disease symptoms. They also help improve dental health and doggy breath.

It’s not necessary to feed them a whole apple due to the high sugar content of 25g.

Your dog can eat applesauce, too, just don’t buy any with added sugar. You can turn it into a cool treat during the hot summer months by freezing it into cubes. Apple pie is off the menu, though, due to it containing nutmeg.

Always ask your vet if it is appropriate to add apples to your dog’s diet.

Apple Treats Dogs Can Eat

Apples are an excellent ingredient in making homemade dog treats. Here are some recipes on how to do just that.

Homemade Apple Chips by First Home Love Life

You’ll need:

• Apples

Apple, Peanut Butter, and Almond Treats by Puppy Leaks

You’ll need:

• 1 egg
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup of flour
• 1 egg
• 2 apples

Apple Carrot Dog Biscuits by Reluctant Entrepreneur

You’ll need:

• 1/4-1/2 cup water (note: the apples add moisture, so only add extra water if necessary)
• 2 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1 TBSP brown sugar (optional if your dog doesn’t like sugar)
• 1 apple, cored and grated (leave the peel on)
• 1/2 cup carrots, peeled and grated
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Apple Pretzels for Dogs by the American Kennel Club

You’ll need:

• 3 cups almond flour
• 1 cup plain, unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg

An Apple a Day Keeps the Vet Away

So, dogs can eat apples, as long as you protect them from the dangerous parts. They also make delicious and healthy treats for your furry best friend. Apples can even be served raw for the lazy and aren’t terribly expensive, so your pocketbook won’t sweat it.

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