Most people who own a dog are already aware that certain types of human food are not safe for them to eat. For instance, foods like chocolate and grapes are safe for people but toxic to dogs. That is why it is so important to research any type of human food that you plan on giving your dog including apples.
Are apples OK for dogs to eat? As it turns out, they are. Apples are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and other nutrients. They are also high in fiber. As an added bonus, they are low in calories, making them a good treat for dogs who struggle with weight issues.
Some dogs are on restricted diets where they aren’t able to eat a lot of fat or protein because of health issues. Apples could also be a good treat in these cases. Of course, it is important to talk to your vet to make sure that your dog can safely eat apples – especially if they have a pre-existing health condition.
It is important to note, however, that you shouldn’t just give your dog a whole apple without properly preparing it. The seeds and stem need to be removed. For smaller dogs, cutting the apple into little pieces is a good idea since it makes it much easier to eat. Although most dogs are fine eating the peel, if your dog tends to have digestive issues, you may want to consider peeling the apple, as well. Much of the fiber in the apple is contained in the peel. By removing it, it is less likely to cause digestive upset.
You should also limit the amount that your dog eats. Since apples are high in fructose and fiber, they can cause diarrhea if they are eaten in excess. The last thing that you want to do is give your dog an upset stomach by feeding them too many apples. This is one instance where moderation definitely pays off. Try feeding them no more than a slice or two at a time. For smaller dogs or dogs with sensitive digestive systems, you may need to limit the amount even more than that.
As with any type of food, it is important to get your veterinarian’s approval before you feed it to your pet. Even though apples are technically safe for dogs to eat, they should be limited or avoided with certain health conditions. Only your veterinarian can tell you for sure whether or not your dog can safely consume them.
Are apples OK for dogs to eat? In most case, the answer is yes. Unlike some other types of human food, they don’t have any properties that would make them toxic to dogs. The key is to feed them in moderation. Otherwise, you could wind up giving your dog diarrhea. Additionally, it is extremely important to make sure that the apples are properly prepared by removing the seeds and stem. Don’t forget to check with your veterinarian before feeding apples to your dog. Getting their approval is the best way to make sure that you don’t inadvertently harm the health of your pet.
