Canine parents are always on the lookout for healthy and tasty treat options for their furbabies. However, if you want to know the answer to the question – can my dog eat apples – you’ve come to the right place.
Canines can safely eat apples, as they’re not toxic for them. However, even good things in excess can lead to problems, and apples are no different. These fruits are jam-packed with nutrients, but there are certain hazards you should be aware of that may cause your pooch harm.
Grab a comfy seat and mug of your choice of java juice as we walk you through the pros and cons related to the query ‘can my dog eat apples?’
Can My Dog Eat Apples – Everything you Need to Know
Nutritional Value of Apples
Before anything else, let’s focus on the approximate nutritional value of a hundred grams of apples. One hundred grams roughly equals a medium-sized apple.
- Fat – 0.2 grams
- Carbs – 13.7 grams
- Sugar – 10.4 grams
- Protein – 0.3 grams
- Fiber – 2.3 grams
- Calories – 51
As it’s clear from the values listed above, apples consist primarily of carbs and sugar. However, apples also offer health benefits in the form of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Potassium, Quercetin, Catechins, etc.
Benefits of Apples For Dogs
If you’re wondering about how the nutrients listed above can help your doggo’s health and well-being, you might want to pay attention here.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K can be described as a fat-soluble vitamin. It’s particularly helpful when it comes to promoting your doggo’s ability to clot.
That may not sound like much, but the ingestion of certain harmful chemicals (found in dangerous products like mouse poisons) can severely hinder your canine’s capacity to clot – which can lead to hemorrhaging.
That’s where a supplementary source of Vitamin K can come in handy.
Vitamin C
Did you know that canines, unlike humans, can synthesize Vitamin C in their livers? That’s why, most of the time, your pet may not need vitamin C supplements.
However, a natural source of vitamin C – like apples – can’t hurt in moderation. Not to mention, this vitamin has important antioxidant properties, which means a healthy intake of vitamin C may help keep your pet safe from conditions like cognitive aging, cancer, inflammation, etc.
Potassium
As an electrolyte, potassium is essential to your pet’s overall well-being. Electrolytes help promote the function of electrical charges in your canine’s muscles, nerves, and heart.
A deficiency of potassium can lead to your pooch appearing lethargic and losing its appetite. Conversely, the right amount of potassium in your pet’s body will lead to optimal levels of energy.
Dangers of Apples For Dogs
Having covered the benefits, let’s focus on the drawbacks of feeding your canine apples.
Cyanide Poisoning
Apple seeds contain amygdalin – a natural chemical that releases cyanide when ingested. That means eating apple seeds can lead to poisoning, and in severe cases, death. Ensure you’ve removed all the seeds from the apple slices you’re planning on feeding your canine to avoid this possibility.
Too Much Sugar
Some canine breeds are prone to obesity, and feeding them too much sugar will invariably result in your pet becoming overweight. Obesity in dogs is related to its own set of health problems, such as heart concerns, pancreatitis, and diabetes.
Bottom Line
There you have it, folks. We’ve provided you with a rundown of the advantages and disadvantages related to feeding your pup apples. We’re hoping this apple-centric guide was able to answer your initial concern – can my dog eat apples?
Canines are a lovable bunch and deserve all the love and attention we shower on them. Just ensure to thoroughly wash and peel the apple before serving it to your pet.
Also, never forget to remove the apple core, along with all the seeds, to avoid trouble. Finally, chop the fruit into bite-sized morsels to evade choking hazard – and you and Fido should do just fine.
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