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How you like dem apples? Or, perhaps more relevant, how does your dog like dem apples? If he loves them, that's great, because apples are a healthy food that make a great snack for dogs due to their numerous nutritional benefits. You should just be sure to follow a few common-sense rules when feeding them to your dog to make sure he enjoys them in a safe and healthy fashion.
Dogs sure can have apples! They're a great snack, you just have to be sure to avoid giving your dog the seeds, core and stem, as those can all be problematic for different reasons. As with any treat, you should also be sure not to overdo it, because apples do contain a bit of sugar and can cause minor stomach irritation in large quantities.
Of course, it's important to note that we're just talking about plain apples here. Apple-flavored foods and other things that have apple as one of many ingredients are much less likely to be okay for your pooch. If you ever have any questions about a particular food and whether it's okay to give to your dog, your best bet is always to check with your veterinarian.Â
Generally, yes - apples are very good for dogs. They're a fantastic source of vitamins and minerals including vitamin C, calcium, fiber and phosphorous. Apples also have a texture that many dogs love - there's nothing like a crunch when you bite down on your treats! Lastly, they are low in calories, so a few bites of apple here and there won't lead to a bulging waistline on your pup.
The main thing to be aware of when it comes to giving apples to dogs is that their seeds can be very dangerous. This is because they contain cyanide, which you're probably familiar with as a very dangerous poison. While their size means they have a relatively small amount of cyanide, it's nonetheless best to just keep apple seeds away from your dog entirely.
The other risk posed by apples is that they can be a choking hazard. This is particularly true when it comes to the stem and the core of the apple, which are best kept away from dogs.Â
The most important way to prepare an apple for a dog is to make sure it has no seeds in it. We also highly recommend removing the core and stem because those pose choking hazards. In fact, it's generally best to cut your apple up into bite-sized chunks before handing any of it over, just to be on the safe side when it comes to choking risks. And it certainly never hurts to keep an eye on your pup while she's munching away just to make sure nothing gets stuck.
Apples are also great cooked! You can bake them with a little sprinkle of cinnamon for a warm, sweet treat in the cold winter months, or you can add a little diced apple to most baked treat recipes (like our Baked Biscuits!) to give them a little extra flavor.
There is a somewhat common misconception that dogs shouldn't eat green apples, and we suspect it comes from the fact that tomatoes are okay to feed to your dog when they're red but are toxic when green. The same isn't true for apples, which are fine for dogs regardless of what color they are.Â
Again, a bit of a misconception here that is that apples need to be peeled. That's not the case at all, and it's fine to feed an apple to your dog with the skin still on the outside. Of course, you should always wash any fruits and vegetables before feeding them to your dog (or eating them yourself) just to make sure they are clean of any pesticides or other chemicals that may have been used while they were growing.
Applesauce is okay for your dog as long as it's all natural and has no additional sugar or other sweeteners. Make sure you check the label, as much of the applesauce that you'll find in grocery stores is packed with added sugar and should be avoided. If you make your own applesauce, that's great, and it's a perfect snack for dogs. You can serve it plain, add it to the top of their food, or add a few apple slices in to vary the texture. We love frozen treats because they last longer and have a nice crunch to them, and applesauce is perfect for that - just fill an ice cube tray with it, pop it in the freezer, and you've got a delightful snack ready at all times!
Come on now, I think you and I both know the answer is no. Don't feed your dog pie. As delicious as it is, it's a mess of sugar and carbs and totally unsuitable for dogs. The same goes for just about any apple pastries or baked goods you can think of - no apple fritters, apple turnovers or apple tarts. Your dog may enjoy them at the time, but he'll definitely be unhappy later when his stomach is causing him all kinds of problems (and you'll be unhappy when you have to clean up the results of those problems).
They sure can! Apples are a great source of nutrients, they're low in calories, and they have a satisfying crunch that many dogs love. Just make sure to get rid of the seeds, stem and core, and you've got a great pup snack on your hands. And if you're considering feeding your dog any apple-related products, just remember that plain is good - applesauce with nothing added is great, while baked goods and other apple foods that have sugar, salt or other additives are a definite no-no for your pooch.
