Your ball-obsessed dog sees an apple on the counter and can’t control his impulse to grab it. But, this is one food you shouldn’t let your dog have without supervision. Don’t get us wrong, some apple parts are fair game for pups to enjoy, but you should serve them properly instead of allowing your dog to chow down freely.
(Even though apples are generally safe for your pet, always consult your vet before introducing a new food item to their diet.)
Apples are high in fiber and low in calories and fat. This snack won’t cause obesity and will leave your pup feeling full and satisfied. They’re also full of vitamins, too (just know that your dog’s overall health won’t change drastically from the small serving sizes you’ll be offering up):
• Vitamin A: Supports healthy skin, hair and vision
• Vitamin B: Regulates carbohydrate metabolism and acts as a building block for enzymes
RELATED: Can dogs eat bananas?
We know you want to share everything with your dog (especially snacks!), but it’s best to keep certain parts of this fruit away from your pup. The stem, seeds, and core may contain cyanide, which can be dangerous to dogs. It’s unlikely that your pup will suffer from cyanide poisoning after eating a few apple seeds, but it’s best to avoid these risks altogether. If you think your dog is suffering from cyanide poisoning, contact your vet and watch out for:
• Difficulty breathing
• Bright red gums
Keep your pup away from apple trees, too. If your dog eats rotten or fermented apples on the ground, it could be at risk for mold toxicity or alcohol toxicity.
Contact your vet if you think your dog is suffering from mold toxicosis — here are some signs to lookout for:
• Panting
• Excessive drooling
• Muscle tremors
• Seizures
Contact your vet if you think your dog is suffering from alcohol toxicosis — here are some signs to lookout for:
• Upset stomach
• Lethargy
• Incoordination
• Disorientation
The apple core, if swallowed whole, could also be a choking hazard for pups. If you think your dog is choking, look out for pawing at their mouth, gagging or retching, coughing, turning blue, silence or collapsing. When a dog is choking, it’s important to act fast. Swipe their throat using your finger, perform the Heimlich maneuver or do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Read our article to learn how to act fast in emergency choking situations.
Make sure you chop the apple up into bite-size, digestible pieces while avoiding the poisonous parts. Monitor your pup to make sure they don’t choke, as apple pieces are sometimes hard to chew. Treats, including apples, should not exceed 10% of your pet’s total daily calories. Your veterinarian can help you determine proper portions based on your pet’s specific needs.
Should you monitor your dog while they enjoy this snack? Yes, but luckily for them, when apples are chopped carefully (and with love), they can still get in on the sweet, yummy fun.
We’re confident that apples aren’t the only human food your dog would love to sink their teeth into (cue the drool). Check out our series “Can dogs eat ... ?” to learn more about which human foods are off-limits and what’s fair game.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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