Dogs can eat various food items, but only a few can prove to be the most nutritious. As their owners, it falls upon us to take control of what they eat so we can keep them healthy and happy. One of the more popular treats owners give is apples. But can dogs eat apples?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat apples. They are high in fiber, while still being low in calories. It has the essential nutrients needed for growth and development.
Aside from this, there are more benefits dogs can get from apples. With that, we’ll talk about everything you need to know so you can safely give apples to your dogs.
What Are the Benefits of Apples for Dogs?
Apples have essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for dogs. But aside from these nutrients, apples also provide a number of benefits.
Improved Digestion
Apples have high amounts of fiber, which helps improve digestion and gut health. It helps regulate bowel movements, prevents diarrhea and constipation, and also promotes a feeling of fullness. Through this, dogs will have a more balanced weight.
Nutritional Benefits
Apples provide a lot of nutritional benefits, which include:
Vitamin A. Vitamin A supports your dog’s eyesight and promotes a healthy immune system. It’s also essential for healthy skin and coat, as well as overall growth.
Vitamin C. Vitamin C plays a huge role in boosting a dog’s immune system. It helps provide better overall health and supports collagen production for bone health.
Vitamin K. Vitamin K creates a safe barrier for your dog’s skin. This vitamin plays a crucial role in helping your dog respond to injuries. Vitamin K helps promote good physical health by preventing excessive bleeding and supporting bone strength.
Potassium. Dogs require good amounts of potassium to keep their muscle and nerve functions. This mineral also aids in keeping your dog’s heart healthy while keeping blood pressure at a good level.
Dental Health
A fresh apple is a good apple. Apples have a solid texture that improves their dental health due to their ability to help remove any debris stuck on the teeth. This removes any chances for plaque buildup.
Additionally, apples have malic acid, which helps keep their breath fresh. While this is not a permanent solution to dental health, it certainly helps when at home.
Weight Management
Apples are a tasty and nutritious snack that has low calories. This treat can be a healthy, low-fat treat for dogs that need to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Since they contain high fiber levels, they can help your dog feel more satisfied with the treat.
Hydration
Apples contain high levels of water, as they are approximately 86% water. This helps your dog stay hydrated, even through treats as simple as apples. However, it’s always important to remember that water should not be replaced.
Antioxidant Support
Antioxidants help protect your dog from free radicals while reducing the oxidative stress surrounding them. They also help reduce inflammation, which helps dogs live happier and more comfortable lives, leading to better health.
Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Apples?
While apples can be a nutritious snack for your dog, there are still some risks involved when feeding them.
The seeds and core of the apple can be dangerous for your dog due to the cyanide content. These toxic substances can be released when they bite into the seeds and core. As a result, affected dogs can experience vomiting, excessive drooling, and a rapid heart rate.
Additionally, these can also pose a choking hazard for dogs or an intestinal obstruction.
The high sugar content of apples can also be detrimental to a dog’s health, especially when consuming too much. Excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as obesity and canine diabetes.
While it is not common, some dogs may experience allergic reactions after consuming apples. Food allergies create a lot of problems, such as itching, swelling, redness, and digestive upset.
The skin of the apples themselves may also be dangerous when not prepared well, as pesticides or debris might still be on the surface.
Lastly, feeding too many apple slices is bad for dogs. A dog’s diet should revolve around protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Apples should only be given in small portions so as not to disrupt your dog’s diet.
Are Green Apples Safe for Dogs?
Yes, just like the normal type of apple, green apples are safe for dogs. They also provide a number of essential nutrients and are great as treats. However, they still need to be given in moderation and prepared properly.
What to Watch Out for When Feeding Apples to Dogs
While apple toxicity in dogs is not a common occurrence, it is still something that may happen to your best friend. These normally happen when consuming the seeds or core.
Vomiting. Vomiting happens when dogs have an upset stomach from apples or from the toxins in the seeds, stem, and core. This can also be a result of choking from the big slices or high amount of fiber.
Diarrhea. Excessive apple consumption may lead to negative effects on your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. Apples are high in fiber and sugar, which can lead to diarrhea if given too much. This leads to frequent bowel movements, dehydration, and the presence of blood in the stool.
Lethargy. If a dog ingests too much cyanide from the seeds and cores of apples, they might be physically weak and lethargic. This leads to excessive fatigue, weakness, and hesitance to play.
Abdominal Upset. Dogs that eat too many apples or too many pieces can be at risk of digestive upset. This can cause discomfort for hours.
Vet Tips: How to Safely Prepare Apples for Dogs
Apples are healthy, but the right preparations should still be taken into account. Follow these steps:
Wash Thoroughly
Apples may contain debris and pesticides. This is why it’s important to wash and prepare them properly. Make sure to wash and rub the surface of the apples you plan to give to your dog to remove any contaminants.
Slice and Remove
Always slice the apple into bite-sized pieces for your dog. Large pieces can potentially be a choking hazard. Be sure to also remove the seeds, stems, and cores of the apples to prevent any complications when eating.
Serve Gradually
When feeding apples, remember to give your dog small amounts gradually. This helps control the pace at which it is eating and prevents any issues with its stomach. The slower you give apples, the better.
Only Provide As Treats
These treats should only be given as treats, nothing more. Treats should only consist of about 10% of your dog’s daily diet. Giving more will cause problems, especially because of the high fiber content.
“Feeding your dog is more than just filling its bowl. It’s about nourishing their health and happiness.”
- Dr. Paulina Czerska
Final Thoughts
While apples can be a good and nutritious food for your dogs, they can only be given as treats. A dog’s diet should not rely on apples due to the high sugar and fiber content. If you need help with your dog’s diet, our pet nutritionists are always ready to assist.
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