Can Dogs Eat Apple Pie?

If you’re like me, you probably can’t wait for fall baking time, and one of the first things you make in early September is apple pie. Unfortunately, apple pie is not something you can share with your dog!

It’s full of sugar and flour and offers no nutritional value to dogs. Now, that doesn’t mean something bad will happen if your dog eats some apple pie. It just means you shouldn’t feed them sweet baked goods!

Is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked apple pie with cinnamon on a cozy Sunday afternoon? Baking is one of my favorite fall activities and probably the only time I don’t let my dog lick the bowls or eat the leftovers. The main reason? Sugar! But other than that, most of the fall goodies we make, like pies and cookies, aren’t good for dogs! Sugar, carbs, pastry, and dough are all empty calories for them, and they don’t provide nutritional value.

Is apple pie bad for dogs?

Apple pie is definitely not recommended for dogs, but it’s not toxic.

Depending on the spices you use, you should be careful and keep the pie out of reach because some of the spices that give apple pie that delicious smell and taste can be toxic to dogs in large amounts.

However, the amount of the spice you’ll use in an apple pie is absolutely harmless, and even a small dog would only end up with mild stomach issues, nothing too serious.

Let’s look into it!

Apple pie spices and what’s really bad for dogs

• Cinnamon is fine for dogs in small amounts, and it’s not toxic. But if they get into a lot of it, it might mess with their stomach and cause some irritation.
• Nutmeg, on the other hand, is definitely bad. Nutmeg can be seriously toxic to dogs! It has a toxin called myristicin that can cause vomiting, a fast heart rate, and some weird symptoms like hallucinations. The amount used in apple pie, half a teaspoon or even a whole teaspoon for the entire pie, won’t be toxic to dogs, but they could end up with an upset stomach.
• Allspice contains a substance called eugenol that can be harmful to dogs. It’s best to avoid giving it to them, as it can cause digestive upset, but it’s not toxic in small amounts and generally not as dangerous as nutmeg.
• Like allspice, cloves contain eugenol, which can be harmful to dogs in large amounts. It’s safer to avoid them in your dog’s diet.
• Ginger is ok for dogs in small quantities. It can even have some mild health benefits, like helping with nausea and digestion. But this doesn’t mean you should use it as a medicine.

So, if these spices are all generally okay in the tiny amounts we use in apple pie, why is apple pie still not recommended for dogs?

Why we don’t give dogs apple pies

Sugar, flour, butter, saturated fats, oils, pre-made frozen stuff, artificial sweeteners, and additives—sounds like every mom’s worst nightmare, right? Well, let me tell you, your vet feels the same.

Whether you’re making homemade apple pie or getting a frozen store-bought version, you may see some of these ingredients, and your dog won’t handle them well.

While some larger dogs can generally manage baked goods with butter and other dairy, like our fall favorites, apple pie or cinnamon rolls, getting your dog hooked on sugar is not a good idea.

Dogs are naturally curious and can have quite a sweet tooth, but these foods aren’t good for them.

They need nutrients—vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, grains, and healthy food for strong joints, muscles, and coats. Eating apple pies won’t fuel this energy.

The same goes for other fall-baked goodies. I wrote about why pumpkin pie is not recommended for dogs and broke down the ingredients in “pumpkin spice,” so check the highlighted link if you’re interested!

Are apples okay for dogs to eat?

Yes, apples are fantastic for dogs! They’re one of the best fruits you can give, packed with vitamins and fiber! Just make sure to remove the core so your dog doesn’t eat any apple seeds. But even if they do, don’t worry too much. Apple seeds are only toxic if crushed and chewed, and even then, your dog would have to eat an insane amount of seeds for it to be harmful! If you’re interested, read my detailed guide on whether dogs can eat apples!

So, it’s best to stick to plain apples, baked apples, or homemade applesauce that you can share with your dog! Skip the pie, please!

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Is it okay for dogs to eat pie?

Honestly, most pies aren’t great for dogs. Pies are usually full of sugar, butter, and spices that aren’t toxic in small amounts but can still irritate your dog’s stomach. If your dog has some pie, nothing bad is likely to happen. But it’s your job not to make this a regular thing, as it’s not good for them in the long term.