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Can Dogs Eat Apples? Discover Safe Feeding Tips

An apple a day may keep the doctor away from people, but can dogs eat apples? Yes, dogs can eat apples. While dogs shouldn’t eat apple seeds or cores, the flesh of the fruit can make a tasty addition to your pup’s diet when fed in moderation.

Here’s everything you need to know about feeding apples to dogs.

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Can Dogs Eat Apples? Nutritional Benefits of Apples for Dogs

Apples can provide numerous nutritional benefits to dogs, including antioxidants, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, phosphorus, and calcium.

How to Safely Feed Apples to Dogs

The best way to safely feed apples to dogs is to thoroughly wash the fruit, remove the core, then cut the apple into small pieces. If you’ve never given your dog an apple before, feed them a small piece first to see how they react. Allergies and stomach upset are not likely with apples, but they are possible.

Apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide and apple cores may cause intestinal blockages, so you should never feed them to your dog.

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Appropriate Quantity of Apples for Dogs

Treats and snacks like apples should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake, and apples are fairly high in natural sugars, so you shouldn’t give your dog more than a few small pieces of apple per day.

Risks Associated With Apple Cores and Seeds

If eaten whole, an apple core can cause an intestinal blockage in your dog. The core also contains the seeds of the apple, which contain trace amounts of toxic cyanide, so be sure to remove any and all seeds before feeding bites of apple to your dog.

Exploring Various Forms of Apples

Now that we’ve talked about apples in general, here are some more specific types of apples and apple products that dogs should or should not eat.

Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?

Applesauce that is made only from apples is safe for dogs to eat. However, many types of applesauce have added sugar or, worse, xylitol, a sugar-free sweetener that is toxic to dogs. So yes, dogs can eat applesauce if it doesn’t contain added sweeteners.

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Can Dogs Eat Dried Apples?

Yes, dogs can eat dried apples as long as they aren’t covered in potentially problematic seasonings. Dried apple pieces are like a healthy chip for your pup.

Can Dogs Have Apple Peels?

Apple peels are technically safe for dogs. However, you should always wash apples before feeding the peel to your dog because it may be covered in pesticides. Additionally, the peel contains the highest amount of fiber, which your dog may struggle to digest.

Can Dogs Eat Green Apples?

Yes, dogs can eat green or red apples. Dogs should not eat crab apples, wild apples, or ground cherries.

Can Dogs Eat Apple Pie?

No, dogs should not eat apple pie. In addition to sugar, which dogs shouldn’t eat, apple pie frequently contains nutmeg, which is toxic to dogs.

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Other Safe Fruits for Dogs

Other than grapes and raisins, most fruits are safe for dogs (in small quantities). Some popular fruits that are safe to share with dogs include:

  • •Watermelon

  • •Strawberries

  • •Raspberries

  • •Pumpkin

  • •Pineapple

  • •Plums

  • •Pears

  • •Peaches

  • •Tangerines

  • •Oranges

  • •Mangos

  • •Cucumbers

  • •Cranberries

  • •Cantaloupe

  • •Blueberries

  • •Bananas

Beyond Fruit: Can Dogs Eat Raw Meat?

You want the very best for your dog. Have you ever considered switching them to a raw diet? Raw dog food is species-appropriate, healthy, and delicious. In fact, studies have shown that puppies fed a raw diet are less likely than kibble-fed dogs to develop ear infections, digestive problems, and skin allergies when they grow up.

Additionally, owners report that after switching their dog to raw, their pup experienced smaller poops, healthier skin, more mealtime excitement, improved digestion, weight loss (if needed), and decreased allergy symptoms.

To learn more about the benefits of We Feed Raw, click here. To find out how much it would cost to start your dog on the life-changing benefits of raw, click here to take our quiz and get a custom quote.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can dogs have applesauce?

Yes, dogs can have applesauce as long as it doesn’t contain any added sweeteners. Sugar is bad for dogs, and the artificial sweetener xylitol is toxic for dogs.

Can dogs eat dried apples?

Yes, dogs can eat dried apples as long as there aren’t any harmful seasonings on them. You can easily dry out plain apple slices yourself in your oven to share with your dog.

Can dogs eat apple skin?

Yes, dogs can eat apple skin. However, you should stick with organic apples and you should thoroughly wash the apple first to ensure there is no pesticide residue on the skin before feeding it to your dog. Apple peels also have a lot of fiber and may cause stomach upset in large amounts.

Can a dog eat apples?

Yes, a dog can eat apples in moderation. Treats and snacks, including apples, should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet.

Can my dog eat an apple?

Yes, your dog can eat an apple as long as you remove the core and seeds first. Unless you have a very large dog, you should only feed a few small bites rather than an entire apple to your dog.

Is it safe for dogs to eat apple?

Yes, it is safe for dogs to eat apple as long as you wash it well and remove the seeds and core before serving.

Can dogs eat apple cores?

No, dogs should not eat apple cores. They are very difficult for dogs to digest and may get lodged in their intestines, causing a potentially dangerous blockage.

Are apple skins safe for dogs to eat?

Yes, apple skins are safe for dogs to eat as long as you wash them first. To best avoid feeding your dog pesticide residue, stick with organic apples. Also, note that the highly fibrous skin may cause digestive problems in some dogs.

Can dogs have green apples?

Yes, dogs can safely have both green and red apples. Dogs should not eat crab apples or wild apples.

Is it okay for dogs to eat apples?

Yes, it is okay for dogs to eat apples in small quantities as long as you thoroughly wash the apple, remove the core and seeds, and cut it into small pieces before feeding it to your dog.

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Feed Your Dog the Best: We Feed Raw

Ready to enhance your furry best friend's health and happiness with the natural goodness of raw, whole foods? At We Feed Raw, we believe that providing your pup with a balanced and nutritious diet is the cornerstone of a vibrant, energetic life. We've learned that an apple can indeed be a delightful, healthy treat for your dog, but it's just the beginning.

By choosing We Feed Raw, you're unlocking the multitude of benefits that come with a raw, species-appropriate diet. Our meals are crafted with the understanding that dogs thrive on high-quality, minimally processed foods—just as nature intended.

But it's not just about the quality ingredients; it's also about convenience for you. We take the guesswork out of feeding your dog a raw diet. No more worrying about balancing nutrients or portion sizes—our team of experts has it all under control. With We Feed Raw, you'll receive pre-portioned, ready-to-serve meals, customized to meet your dog's specific dietary needs and delivered straight to your door.

Witness the transformation in your pet's health—shinier coats, more energy, and fewer allergies, just to name a few perks—when you make the switch to a raw diet with We Feed Raw. It's a simple step that can lead to significant positive changes in your dog's well-being.

Don't wait to make a change that could redefine your dog's mealtime and overall health. Click here to take our quick quiz and receive a personalized quote for your dog's new, tailored raw food journey. Let We Feed Raw help you give your dog the vibrancy, joy, and longevity they deserve. Start your journey towards a happier, healthier dog today!

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