Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Dogs Eat Apples? Vet Approved Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

Can Dog Eat apples

Vet approved

Dr. Maja Platisa Photo

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Maja Platisa

In-House Veterinarian, DVM MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

You’re all set to bite into a crunchy, juicy, sweet apple, but your dog is giving you those puppy dog eyes you find so hard to resist. So, you wonder if it’s okay to give your dog a piece of your apple.

Are apples safe for your dog to eat? The good news is, yes! Apples are a safe and healthy treat for your dog, but with a few warnings.

Divider 8

Before changing your dog’s diet or introducing new ingredients or supplements that they haven’t eaten before, especially when it comes to human food, make sure to consult your veterinarian first. Every dog is different and requires an individual approach to nutrition, depending on their age, health, level of activity, and medical history. Guidelines offered in our article have been fact-checked and approved by a veterinarian but should be used as a mere guide on food safety, rather than an individual nutrition plan.

The Healthy Apple

Apples are full of all kinds of nutritious goodness. These golden, green, and red globes of crunchy deliciousness come in a wide variety; as much as 7,500 different types of apples can be found throughout the world!1

One medium-sized apple contains vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, and E as well as calcium, manganese, and polyphenols (antioxidants). They also contain lots of vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and are low in calories.2

dog being fed apple
Image By: Agnes Kantaruk, Shutterstock

Some of the health benefits of apples can include:

  • Keeping teeth clean
  • Promoting healthy bones
  • Preventing mental decline
  • Helping prevent cancer
  • Aiding with weight loss
  • Lowering the risk of Type-2 diabetes
  • Boosting the growth of good bacteria in your gut
  • Assisting in fighting asthma
  • Helping to prevent heart disease

Apples are available all year but are generally in season from mid-June until early November.

Apples and Your Dog

Apples are clearly a healthy snack for humans, but what can they do for a dog? Some of the health benefits for humans may also work on dogs:

  • Apples are chock full of fiber, which can help with your dog’s gastrointestinal health.
  • Apples may possibly help keep your dog’s teeth clean and might even temporarily help with their doggy breath.
  • All of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can benefit your dog’s overall wellbeing, but will not be the main source of these nutrients due to the safe amount of apples a dog can eat.

The apple is also low in calories and will give your dog a tasty, sweet, and crunchy snack that is good for them. But remember, your dog’s balanced and complete diet will provide them with everything they need for a healthy life, while apples and other healthy treats are there to be given occasionally and in moderation, based on your vet’s recommendations.

apples

The Downside for Dogs

While apples can provide many benefits for your dog, some issues should be taken into consideration.

Firstly, apple cores are not safe for dogs. Not because they’re toxic but because they are a serious choking hazard. So, avoid giving your pup a whole apple to devour. Cores are hard and may cause a stomach or intestinal blockage, which will need urgent veterinary attention.

Next, overall, dietary fiber is good for the digestive system, but eating too much apple, or anything really, can make your dog ill. They could suffer from upset stomach and diarrhea, so ensure you only feed your dog a small to moderate amount of apple, no more than a few slices.

Most of the antioxidants can be found in the skin of the apple so you can feed your dog the peel and the flesh. However, you should always remove the core and especially the seeds, as apple seeds contain a small amount of cyanide that is released when chewed. Your dog would have to eat quite a lot of seeds for it to harm them, but it’s always best to play it safe when it comes to the health and safety of your dog.

Always wash your apple before eating it yourself or feeding it to your dog to avoid any pesticide residue as well as dirt and bacteria. The best way to clean your apples is to mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda into 2 cups of water in your sink or a bowl. Soak your apples in this mixture for at least 15 minutes, and rinse them well, as baking soda may be harmful to dogs if present in large amounts.

Lastly, apples have a moderate amount of sugar (fructose). If there are concerns about your dog’s weight or if your dog is diabetic, you should avoid apples or only give it to your dog in small amounts. You should discuss any concerns you may have with your vet about diet if your dog has issues with their weight or is diabetic.

The general rule of thumb is that you should avoid applesauce (unless you know there’s no added sugar or artificial sweetener such as xylitol, which is toxic to dogs), and don’t give your pup any apple juice. Sugars tend to be concentrated in these forms, plus there will be many other additives.

labrador eating apple

hepper-dog-paw-divider2

Final Thoughts

Apples are a safe and healthy treat for your dog, provided you remove the core and seeds and only give them small amounts. When you give your dog or puppy their first few pieces of an apple, watch for stomach upset, or any other unusual behavior or symptoms that indicate discomfort.

You can look for apple recipes for dogs if you want to try something new or just give your dog a few bites of your own apple. Always check with your vet if you have any concerns and remember to always read the label before giving your dog a new treat. Apples are found all year round and are a cheap and tasty snack for you and your dog.


Featured Image: Pikist

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

Authored by

Nicole is the proud mom of Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway, and Baby, a Burmese cat. Originally from Canada, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband in New Zealand. Nicole has a strong love for all animals and has experience caring for all types of dogs, from Yorkies to Great Danes. Nicole even worked as a dog sitter during her travels through South America and cared for stray pups — something she ...Read more

Related Articles

Further Reading

Vet Articles

Latest Vet Answers

The latest veterinarians' answers to questions from our database