Can I give my dog apples?

Video: Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Apples are one of the most popular fruits and no doubt your pet dog has seen you bite into one. Can this healthy food be an appropriate snack for Fido? Let’s find out!

If you’ve got quality dog food at the ready, there’s really no need to share any apples. That said, giving your best buddy a few sliced up pieces won’t hurt if you prepare their portions properly.

So apples aren’t poisonous for dogs but the seeds do contain trace amounts of cyanide, although that’s likely a non-factor. Just be sure to cut up this fruity treat into easily digestible slices and withhold seeds and stems.

Video: Cute Dogs Eating Apple

Can I Give My Dog an Apple? Answer: Yes, but prepare it

Though this fruit isn’t necessary for their diet, there’s no harm in sharing one.

Apples can be a good treat for your dog on occasion, but keep in mind that canines are much more carnivorous than humans. The family dog has much in common with a wild wolf which isn’t going to thrive on eating lots of apples. That said, this classic fruit is nutritious which makes it a suitable treat for anyone. If you like giving fruits then consider a healthy variety pack of fruity dog treats.

It’s best to strategically use apples as a reward for your dog’s good behavior!

Different Doggie Digestion

Dogs, in general, aren’t accustomed to eating fruits. It’s just not in their DNA. If your pet is getting the same quality dog food on a daily basis, then their stomach and digestive juices are in tune with that. There’s a reasonable chance they won’t fully absorb an apple’s vitamins and minerals.

May you notice, after giving your dog an apple, that their poop isn’t quite right. Small portions are less likely to trigger a digestive problem though every dog is different. Regardless of the circumstances, if your dog ate their fair share, it’s wise to monitor them afterwards.

Sharing Fruits With Dogs

Fruit is well-established as a great health food for humans. The fact remains, the natural instinct is for dogs to spend their time finding an animal to kill. They’re primarily pack hunters, not apple pickers, that crave and eat protein-packed meat. You may not think of your dog this way but you can’t argue with evolution.

The good news is that your dog can eat an apple and there’s no harm in that.

They Say, An Apple a Day…

As the saying goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away but this doesn’t apply to dogs. Fido won’t have nutritional deficiencies as long as you are providing them with a high quality dog food. There’s really no need to supplement their diet with apples.

So apples should be the exception and not the rule. Most owners would be better off researching the best dog foods rather than concerning themselves with questions that mostly don’t apply to their carnivorous canines.

Portions & Proper Preparation

The biggest concern is the possibility of your dog choking on an apple. Imagine if they try to eat one whole, in one big gulp. That’s a scary thought even though it’s unlikely. So be sure to cut up your apples in order to make them easy to digest. That will eliminate your worries.

Remove the stem and the seeds, even though the cyanide levels are very low. Limit portions to reduce the possibility of an upset stomach or diarrhea. Rationing will also make room for regular chow which is important. These tips will make feeding your dog an apple a better and safer idea.

Conclusion on Apples

Apples can be fed to dogs on occasion. Stomach discomfort or diarrhea are possible so don’t provide too much. Always remove the stem and any seeds prior to sharing. Aside from that, this fruit is fine but it cannot replace what your dog requires on a daily basis which is meat-based protein. There are excellent naturally-flavored fruity canine treats that you can give to your dog on a regular basis.

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