If you’re a dog owner, you might wonder about what foods are safe for your furry friend. Specifically, you’re here to find out if dogs can safely eat apples. Let’s explore whether apples are a suitable treat for your furry friend.
Can dogs actually eat apples ?
Fortunately for you, the short answer to question is yes, dogs can definitely eat apples. However, here are a couple things that you need to know before you give your dog apples.
Apples are a type of fruit that is stock full of nutrients that can be very beneficial for your dog’s health, but there are some dangers to keep an eye out for, namely the core and the seeds of the apple. Moderation is key, as with any good things, since too many apples may cause some stomach upset in dogs.
However, if you serve them to your dog correctly and safely above all, they are still good and healthy food items that can sometimes count as treat that can be quite refreshing. As with everything you should always consult your vet before attempting to implement new food to your dog’s diet, this includes apples.
Now, here are some crucial things you need to know about feeding your dog apples.
How exactly are apples good for dogs?
Since apples are an affordable and low calorie food, they make the perfect snack that is stock full valuable nutrients that are fortunately good for dogs, and can make the perfect reward after or during training, as long as they are served in moderation.
Apples are high in protein and low in fiber, which is amazing for digestive health and may make a good choice for dogs that have pretty restrictive diets that do not allow for high protein and fat. This can be especially great for older dogs that are battling certain illnesses.
They are also a great source of the vitamins A, C and K, as well as being rich in calcium and phosphorus. Additionally, the antioxidants found in these fruits may help with warding off cancer and reducing the symptoms of joint disease.
As well as all of those benefits, apples can improve a dog’s dental health and breath too!
What parts of the apple are bad for dogs?
The two most important bad things you need to watch out for when feeding your dogs apples are their seeds and cores.
The apple seeds contain a trace amount of cyanide, which of course is toxic to anyone. While it would take quite a few seeds to cause any kind of cyanide poising, it’s for the best that you avoid giving your dogs whole apples to ingest. Your dog’s health comes first!
Some studies even suggest that the stems may be toxic as well, so it’s best that you remove them as well. Meanwhile the core of the apple is too firm and quite difficult for most dogs to chew, presenting a choking hazard, or even a gastrointestinal blockage if swallowed.
Apples, and many other fruits, contain a fair amount of sugar, so serve them in moderation as the sugar content can cause a lot of problems for dogs that suffer from cancer or diabetes, which is also another reason why you should consult with your veterinarian before giving anything to your dog. Also, too many apples can cause stomach upset and diarrhea even in healthy dogs, so watch out.
Before giving your dog any apple flavored or apple containing products always read the labels, since those products often contain a lot of sugar, artificial flavorings and sometimes even chemicals. Avoid all of that along with ingredients you are not familiar with since they can most likely end up being toxic.
It is recommended to choose only organic apples, since many of the apples that you find in the supermarkets are coated in substances that make them appear shinier, such as wax. Before giving anything to your dogs you should thoroughly wash it as it can contain herbicides or even pesticides.
As with many foods, there is the risk that your dog may be allergic to it. A rare occurrence, but those allergic reaction may lead to anaphylaxis which is a potentially life threatening condition.
It is crucial that you contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice signs of an allergic reaction in your dog, that includes coughing, swelling, sneezing, hives, difficulty in breathing or any other symptoms to an allergic reaction.
How exactly should you feed your dogs apples?
As it was mentioned above, ALWAYS consult with your veterinarian before sharing any kind of human food with your pooch. Some dogs may even have medical conditions that can be made worse by consuming apples.
Only when you have the green light given to you by your vet, should you attempt to give your dog apples. But always make sure to wash them beforehand, and slice them so that they don’t include any stems, seeds, and cores.
There are many ways to serve your dogs apples. You can try to freeze them and serve them as a refreshing snack for the summer climates. You can also mix them in with your dog’s usual food for a sweet treat, or even smashed into homemade applesauce, smoothies are a good option as well.
You can find many recipes for dog treats that include apples online, so go on and try some out!
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