Dogs can eat fruits and vegetables just like humans to get their daily dose of nutrients. As a responsible pet owner, you must know the types of fruits and vegetables that are good for your furry friend.
You need to take some precautions before giving some fruits to your dog. One of these fruits is apples.
Do Dogs Like Apples?
Dogs are omnivores, which means they like to eat fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. Apples can be a healthy addition to their diet and the perfect snack for seniors. Some dogs like apples, and some may not.
Dogs with a sweet tooth also love different apple-made treats, while the others may prefer eating apples raw.
Are Apples Good for Dogs?
Yes, they are, without any doubt. Apples can be a nutritious treat for your dog, as they are rich in several minerals, vitamins, fatty acids, and fibers. These include Vitamins C, A, K, zinc, fiber, and iron, which are essential in:
- Strengthening the immune system
- Reducing the risk of several bone diseases
- Improving digestive system
- Relieving skin conditions
- Preventing the development of cancer
Are Apples Safe For Dogs?
Apples are safe for your dog as occasional snacks, but use some caution with larger quantities, as there may be some GI (digestive system) upset.
Since apples contain fiber, you need to control the number of apples you give to your dog. Dogs usually have a slower digestive system, and a higher fiber diet may cause an upset stomach.
Not all parts of apples are safe for your dog.
Apple cores, including seeds, are dangerous for your dog to consume as they contain cyanide. Cyanide is a toxin that can harm your pet when the seeds are chewed and consumed in large quantities.
Also, large pieces of apples can get stuck in the dog's throat and may choke them.
It is also a good idea to peel the apple’s skin before feeding the apple to your dog. That's because apple peels can get stuck between the dog's teeth or may increase your pet's daily fiber intake.
Some underlying health conditions can also affect your dog's reaction to apples, such as diabetes.
How Can I Safely Feed Apples to My Dog?
The best way to give apples to your dog is:
- Wash and scrub the apples to get rid of any pesticide or germs from their surface.
- Peel the skin.
- Remove the seeds and cores.
- Cut apples into thin slices or small cubes and give them to your dog.
If you are thinking of treating your dog with an apple pie on their birthday, don't do that. That's because the added sugar in the pie can be a little too much for your pet. Not only that, but the nutmeg used in pies can also cause problems for dogs.
Nutmeg contains myristicin, a toxin that can have mind-altering effects like hallucinations, or cause seizures and high blood pressure. When consumed in smaller doses, nutmeg can result in slight gastrointestinal issues.
How Should I Prepare Apple Treats for My Dog?
Many creative pet owners look for delicious and safe ways to treat their dogs. So can dogs eat apples in delicious ways? The good news is: yes, they can! There are some healthy dog-friendly treats that you can try at home.
Where some dogs prefer the crunchiness of raw apples, some may love cookies. Apple peanut butter cookies or cakes are an excellent choice for a sweet treat for your friend. To make these, mix unsweetened applesauce and peanut butter into your usual cookie or cake ingredients. Bake the batter, and it's ready!
Another delicious treat is roasted apple chips. To prepare these, you just need to bake finely-sliced apples in the oven until they become crispy.
Finally, you can try apple pretzels. The ingredients are the same as regular pretzels, but with the addition of unsweetened applesauce. Believe us, if your dog has a sweet tooth, they will love all these treats!
Keep in mind that too much sugar or sweetener is not good for your dog, so control amounts if you are cooking up a treat for Fido.
If your dog shows any unusual reaction to eating apples, visit the vet at your earliest convenience.
