Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Dogs can eat apples, and they often really love them! Apples are one of the best fruits you can give your dog and a healthy, hydrating snack. It’s okay to share apples as a treat or serve them with regular home-cooked meals.

dog looking at apples in a basket with fall leaves

Dogs really do love apples. If you’ve got an apple tree in your backyard and have trained your dog to enjoy apples, you can expect them to grab a whole one when they get the chance. In that case, it’s good to stay informed and see whether dogs can eat apple cores and just how true the myth is about apple seeds being dangerous for dogs.

Can dogs eat apple cores?

It’s probably the millionth time I’ve written about how rare cyanide poisoning is from fruit seeds. Still, every now and then, I’ll run into an article warning against feeding your dog whole apples because the seeds contain cyanide.

While it’s true that there are traces of cyanide, it’s highly unlikely your dog will ever eat enough apple cores with seeds to experience even mild toxicity.

This doesn’t mean we should deliberately give them whole apples when we can remove the cores and seeds. The best way to share apples with dogs is to slice them and give them as a fresh treat or snack. However, if your dog happens to eat a whole apple with cores and seeds, you really don’t need to worry.

If you’re interested in a detailed breakdown of how dangerous pits are for dogs, I wrote about this when analyzing whether dogs can eat cherries so you can read further. But there are some traces of cyanide in plums, nectarines, and guava, and I’ve also written about those.

Apple cores are not immediately toxic for dogs, but they are still not recommended

What does it mean when we say something is not immediately toxic to dogs? It means that the toxicity won’t occur after just one bite. Apple cores are not recommended, but nothing bad will happen if your dog eats one or a few!

Can dogs eat apple seeds?

No, dogs can’t eat apple seeds, but apple seeds are not the reason to panic, and they are not immediately toxic, even though they are classified as toxic on the ASPCA website.

Here’s the thing.

Apple seeds contain amygdalin. Amygdalin converts to cyanide when digested. In order for that to happen, your dog would have to chew and crush the apple seeds into powder so the amygdalin is released. The cyanide won’t be released if the seed is swallowed whole (source – ASCPA vets on Facebook Q&A and many other published articles about whether apple seeds can kill you).

Then there are factors like other foods they ate, gut microbiome, and the size of your dog… all of which affect the amount of apple seeds your dog would have to ingest to get into trouble.

So that’s why I don’t want you to worry, but do the following:

always remove the core and seeds when you share apples with your dog

don’t teach your dog to eat whole apples

don’t share apple cores with your dog or feed them scraps

keep the trash out of reach.

Are apples good for dogs, and what are the health benefits

They are not just good; they are great for dogs! Apples can be a great part of the 90-10 rule when it comes to feeding dogs. This means that 90% of your dog’s diet should come from their main food source, like kibble or wet food, while 10% can be from treats.

Fruit sugar, like the natural sugar in apples, is perfectly safe for healthy dogs and is metabolized easily, so offering apples as a treat is a smart choice. They’re sweet and hydrating, which makes them a fun and healthy option for that 10% part of your dog’s diet.

Health benefits of apples for dogs

Apples are hydrating and refreshing, which makes them a great snack after a walk or playtime.

They’re low in calories compared to other treats, so you can offer them without adding too much to your dog’s daily intake.

Apples contain vitamins A and C, but realistically, your dog would have to eat a lot of apples to get a real vitamin boost, and we know that’s not going to happen.

They can help clean your dog’s teeth a little because of the crunch, but it’s not a replacement for regular dental care.

When it comes to fiber, apples have just the right amount to help with your dog’s digestion.

Adding apples to their diet can promote healthy bowel movements and support a strong gut microbiome.

Fiber is great for maintaining a balanced digestive system and feeding your dog apples can help with regularity and keep things moving smoothly.

It’s a simple way to add a little more to their diet and keep their digestion on track.

How to safely prepare apples for dogs

You literally just need to give your dog an apple how you would give it to a child! Just follow these simple steps:

Wash the apples to remove the wax and chemicals.

Cut the apple into slices or small pieces to avoid choking.

Remove the core, seeds, and stem—they’re not good for dogs.

And that’s it! Now you’ve got a healthy, dog-friendly treat.

Speaking of healthy apple treats for dogs, there are some you need to be careful about and some that you can give almost every day!

The first one I want to mention is applesauce. Store-bought applesauce isn’t necessarily bad for dogs, but you really need to make sure it’s the sugar-free kind without any artificial sweeteners—which, honestly, is pretty hard to find.

Caramel apples are not good for dogs. I wrote about why caramel is bad for dogs as it’s full of sugar, and its sticky texture makes it very hard for dogs to digest.

Then, we have cozy seasonal baking with apples! Our favorite is apple pie, but it is not really a good choice. While dogs can technically eat apple pie, it’s not something we recommend giving them. Apple pie is full of sugar, butter, and sometimes spices like nutmeg, which isn’t safe for dogs. While a small bite probably won’t hurt, it’s best to stick to other treats. Too much sugar and fat can upset their stomach and is not good in the long run.

Instead, how about frozen apple treats? They’re a perfect summer snack—hydrating, refreshing, and super easy to make. Or, if you’re feeling creative, try apple and pumpkin barks with Greek yogurt. It’s a fun homemade treat that’s healthy and delicious for dogs!

Can dogs eat dehydrated apples and apple chips?

Yes, dogs can eat dehydrated apples and apple chips, but you have to be careful with what kind you give them. If you’re making dehydrated apples at home or buying plain, unsweetened apple chips, they are okay for dogs, although not really a healthy boost to their diet.

Dehydrated apples are a convenient snack, and apple chips are perfect for a little crunch, but remember, your dog doesn’t really need that kind of food. Too many could lead to digestive issues.

And with all fruit, fresh is always better.

How many apples can dogs eat?

When it comes to how many apples dogs can eat, it really depends on their diet, size, and how they handle new foods. Apples make a great snack as long as your dog gets their regular food 90% of the time.

You don’t need to worry too much as long as you stick to moderation—maybe a few slices for smaller dogs and up to half an apple for larger ones. Just keep in mind that too much fiber can mess with their digestion, so make sure to offer apples as part of a balanced diet, not a main course!

Are there any risks to feeding apples to dogs?

The main risk when feeding apples to dogs is choking, especially for dogs that tend to swallow without chewing. It’s always a good idea to cut apples into small pieces to avoid any issues.

Another thing to watch for is digestive upset—if your dog overeats, the extra fiber could cause some discomfort or even diarrhea.

As for cyanide poisoning from apple seeds, it’s really not something to stress about. Your dog would have to chew and eat a massive amount of seeds to experience any symptoms, and even then, it’s not usually dangerous. That said, it’s still best to avoid giving your dog apple seeds and cores altogether. Better safe than sorry!

Best apple varieties for dogs

Some apples are sweeter, some are tarter, and each has its own unique flavor. Some are also lower in sugar, so it’s good to take a look at some popular apple varieties and see which ones are best for your dog.

Crab apples

Crab apples are much smaller and more tart than regular apples. They aren’t the best choice for dogs because they tend to be quite sour and might upset their stomach. If you’re wondering whether dogs can eat crab apples, it’s probably best to avoid them, as they can be too sour for your dog. However, if your dog managed to eat some, you don’t have to worry.

Granny Smith apples

I love Granny Smith apples because they are sour, crisp, fresh, and hydrating! Granny Smith apples are great and safe for dogs as a regular treat, as they are low in sugar!

Green apples

Green apples, like Granny Smiths, are tart and low in sugar, especially compared to red apples. Dogs can eat green apples as a refreshing snack, but just make sure not to overdo it, as too much fiber is never a good idea.

Red apples

Red apples, such as Fuji or Gala, are sweeter and have a higher sugar content compared to green apples. Dogs can eat red apples, but because they are sweeter, it’s good to limit how much you give. However, if you follow the 90-10 rule, then include them as a treat! As always, slice them up and remove the core before sharing them with your dog.

Honeycrisp apples

Honeycrisp apples are a delicious choice for dogs, as they are sweet and crisp. While they have more sugar than other apples, they are still healthy for dogs.

Pink Lady apples

Pink Lady apples are sweet, crispy, and full of fiber and hydration, so you can share Pink Lady apples with your dog as long as you remove the seeds and core.

Can dogs eat unripe apples?

While dogs can eat unripe apples, it’s not the best idea. Unripe apples are more sour and harder to digest, which could lead to gas or diarrhea. If your dog eats an unripe apple, you might notice them feeling a little uncomfortable afterward. It’s not dangerous, but it’s better to stick with ripe apples for a safe snack.

Hope you enjoyed this article, which turned out to be a comprehensive guide to feeding apples to dogs. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to reach out below. Now, go ahead and enjoy some apples with your dog!

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can puppies eat apples?

Yes, puppies can eat apples! Just cut them into small, bite-sized pieces so they don’t choke. Apples are an excellent snack for puppies, but you’ll want to keep it to a small amount since their little tummies are still getting used to new foods.

Can dogs eat apple skin?

Yes, dogs can eat apple skin. The skin has a lot of fiber, which is actually good for them! Just make sure to wash the apples really well to remove any pesticides or chemicals.

Can dogs eat whole apples?

It’s probably not a good idea to give your dog a whole apple. While apples themselves are safe, the core and seeds are not, and there’s a choking risk.

Can dogs eat freeze-dried apples?

Yes, dogs can eat freeze-dried apples! They’re a crunchy, convenient snack, but just make sure there’s no added sugar or preservatives. Like anything else, you want to give them in moderation so it doesn’t upset your dog’s stomach.

Can diabetic dogs eat apples?

Diabetic dogs can eat apples, but you need to keep the portion small. Even though the sugar in apples is natural, it can still affect their blood sugar levels. It’s always best to check with your vet before adding apples to their diet if they have diabetes.

Can dogs with pancreatitis eat apples?

We can’t give fat or sugar to dogs with pancreatitis, but apples are a healthy fruit and they are usually okay in small amounts. If your dog has pancreatitis, please talk to your vet about their diet.

Can dogs eat wax apples?

Wax apples, also known as rose apples, aren’t toxic to dogs, but they aren’t the best option either. They have a different texture and flavor compared to regular apples, so it’s safer to stick with the more familiar kinds for your dog.