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Can Dogs Eat Apples? | Are Apples Good for Dogs?

are apples good for dogs

We’ve all heard the saying, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”  But does it keep the vet away too?  Can dogs eat apples?  Are apples good for dogs or are apples bad for dogs?  Let’s find out!

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Can Dogs Eat Apples Safely? (The Short Answer)

Apples are safe and healthy treats to share with your pet.  However, this is provided that you take a few major precautions.  Always remove the apple core as the apple seeds are toxic to dogs and the stem can present a choking hazard.  Also, only feed apples in moderation to avoid an upset stomach or diarrhea.  Keep reading to learn about what makes apples healthy, when they can become dangerous to your dog, and which apple products are safe to share with your four-legged friend!

It’s important to remember, that even with the best of intentions, accidents happen and dogs can easily eat things they shouldn’t.  Unfortunately, even if those accidents aren’t fatal, they can result in huge, unexpected veterinary expenses.  That’s why we recommend all responsible dog owners get a free, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws.

Are Apples Good For Dogs?

Apples are a great low-calorie, healthy treat to share with your dog.  They have lots of nutritional value and are a great source of natural sugar.  This makes them a great way to cure your dog’s sweet tooth as opposed to unhealthy options such as Ice Cream, Whipped Cream, and Prunes.

Apples are packed with nutrients, minerals, and antioxidants that can help keep them healthy in a variety of ways.  For example the high fiber content helps with gastrointestinal health.  The antioxidants contained in apples can even help fight off joint diseases!

One additional benefit of apples is that eating them can naturally help to clean your dog’s teeth.  Keep in mind that this isn’t a substitute for regular dental care.

The answer to the question “are apples good for dogs?” is yes! In moderation, apples are a great addition to most dog’s diets as an occasional treat!

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Are Apples Bad for Dogs?

If you don’t know what you are doing, apples can be unhealthy and even dangerous for dogs.  That’s why reading up about articles like this one as well as our entire “Read Before You Feed” series is a great idea.

The main thing to be concern yourself with when feeding your dog apples is that you remove the core and all the seeds.  Apples seeds contain cyanide which is toxic for dogs.  If your dog eats apple seeds you should contact your local veterinarian for further instructions.  The core and the stem can also pose a choking hazard to your pup.

While the skin is safe to leave on, we would not recommend feeding your dog just the skins as they can be tough to digest and could result in an upset stomach.

Finally, make sure to feed your dog apples in moderation.  Remember, they are high in sugar and fiber both of which when consumed in too high of quantities can result in an upset stomach.

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Other Apple Varieties & Products:

Is Applesauce Safe for Your Pup?

Yes, in general plain, unsweetened applesauce is a great treat for dogs!  Check out our full article “Can Dogs Eat Applesauce” for the specifics and everything you should be aware of when feeding!

Are Sliced Apples Safe for Your Pup?

Yes, slicing your dog’s apples is the best way to feed them.  This makes it easier for them to eat and poses less of a choking hazard.  You also get to make sure that all the seeds, stem, and core is removed before giving it to them.

Can Dogs Eat Whole Apples?

You should not give your dog a whole apple.  Instead, slice the apple for them to eat it.  When you give your dog whole apples, you risk them choking on the core or stem and also you risk them eating the seeds which are toxic.

Can Dogs Eat Red Apples?

Yes, all types of red apples including Red Delicious, Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp are safe for dogs!

Can Dogs Eat Green Apples?

Yes, all types of green apples including Granny Smith and Yellow Delicious are safe for dogs!

Can Dogs Eat Crab Apples?

Like other varieties of apples, you must follow the same guidelines when feeding your dog crab apples.  Make sure to avoid the cores, seeds, stems, and leaves and your pup will be safe and healthy when consuming these miniature-sized apples!

Can Dogs Eat Apple Cores?

No, you should never feed your dog apple cores.  Not only are they a choking hazard, but they are where the apple seeds are located which are poisonous to dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Apple Skin? / Can Dogs Eat Apple Peels?

While leaving the skin on the apple slices you feed your dog is perfectly safe, it is not recommended to feed them just the apple skin or peels.  This is because the apple skins are hard to digest and too much of them at once can result in an upset stomach and potential digestive problems for your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Apple Pie?

No, dogs should not eat apple pie.  Apples contain a lot of natural sugar by themselves which is why we recommend very small serving sizes to avoid an upset stomach.  Apple pie adds a ton of additional sugar on top of that making it super unhealthy and almost guaranteed to result in gastrointestinal distress for your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Apple Chips?

If you make apple chips at home by thinly slicing apples, sprinkling cinnamon, and baking them they are a great treat for dogs.  Avoid commercial apple chips which add preservatives, sugar, and other unhealthy and potentially dangerous ingredients.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Apples?

No, you should avoid dried apples and opt for feeding fresh ones instead.  Dried fruits tend to be too high in sugar and calorie-dense for dogs to consume.  This is why we advise against feeding your dog prunes and dried figs.

Is Apple Butter Safe for Your Pup?

No, dogs should not eat apple butter. While apples themselves are safe for dogs, apple butter adds lots of excess sugar that simply isn’t good for your dog to consume. Too much sugar can lead to an upset stomach, other digestive issues, as well as long-term concerns like weight gain and diabetes. As a healthier alternative, try almond butter instead.

In Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Yes, apples are a great treat to feed to your dog sparingly in in moderate quantities.  As long as you avoid feeding them the cores or the seeds, your dog will thank you for this healthy and delicious new food!

Want to Learn More?

Check out these related articles from our “Read Before You Feed” series for more advice on safe foods for dogs!

Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians and this article should not be taken as medical or veterinary advice.  If you have any questions about your pet’s health or dietary needs, please contact your local veterinarian.