Can pet dogs participate in apple season? Find out here!
A top question people ask is whether or not dogs can eat one fruit or another, like bananas, oranges, pears, grapes, and avocados. There is a long list of foods humans enjoy that are poisonous to dogs, grapes being one of the top ones. On the other hand, there are many fresh treats that dogs can enjoy and would benefit their diet. Can dogs eat apples?
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Yes, they can! Apples are safe and healthy for dogs, having vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and lots of fiber. Fresh, crunchy apples can not only support their overall health but their dental health as well. However, munching on apples is not a replacement for regular canine dental care. There are also other limitations in feeding your dog apples, which we’ll discuss next.
How Much Apple Can Dogs Eat?
One or two apple slices should be enough for your pet. Too many apples can make your pet’s stomach sick. The problem with apples, even fresh ones, is their high natural sugar content. If your dog has a sweet tooth, less than a whole apple should be sufficient.
Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?
Dogs can eat applesauce, but please only buy or make applesauce that is plain and unsweetened. Dogs can’t handle too much sugar nor many spices well. You can feed your pet the right applesauce by the spoonful or frozen into cubes for a summer treat.
What Are Exceptions?
When feeding your pet fresh slices, wash the apple thoroughly beforehand to rinse off pesticides. Remove all apple seeds from the apple slices or cubes to prevent cyanide poisoning and choking. Peeling the apple can aid in digestion.
Avoid feeding nutmeg to your dog. Cinnamon is actually okay in very small amounts, but nutmeg can produce hallucinations, seizures, and high blood pressure in large doses. A small amount will cause gastrointestinal problems.
Additional Apple Treats to Feed Your Dog
You can find dog treats with apples that are completely safe, nutritious, and delicious. Whether commercially sold or homemade, they can be an excellent treat to change up your pet’s daily diet.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!