Everybody knows the saying, “an apple a day keeps the vet away.” However, did you know that an apple a day could potentially keep the vet away as well?
As pet owners, one of our top priorities is the health and safety of our dogs. That’s why we pay such close attention to the food our dogs eat and what goes into their diet. And if you’re looking for a healthy fruit that you can give your dog, why not go for apples?
After all, these are some of the most common, accessible, and tasty fruits available. And for certain dogs, apples are their absolute favorite treat that fuels them, helps them during training, and keeps them happy.
But should you cut up the apple before serving? Or would it be best to give your dog a whole natural apple?
The answer to this is pretty complicated, but we’re here to simplify it for you. Keep reading to learn more about feeding your dog whole apples, whether it’s a safe option and other alternatives for you.
Are Apples Safe for Dogs?
Yes, apples are safe for dogs. In fact, these are some of the best fruits that you can give your dog. While meat should be the primary part of your dog’s diet, fruits and vegetables can go a long way and also keep them as healthy as possible. And if you’re stumped when it comes to what fruit would be the best option for your dog, apples may be the best option available.
With that said, we don’t exactly recommend giving your dog a whole apple. This isn’t because whole apples are inherently dangerous, or anything, but they can be a choking hazard. Remember, dogs eat differently from us, so large chunks of fruit may not be ideal for their teeth, resulting in them having a hard time chewing.
With that said, it’s hard to find a fruit that would be a better option for dogs than a trusted apple. This is because apples are easy to find, are very sweet, and offer a range of health benefits. On top of that, their sweet flavor is very enticing to dogs, so many pet enthusiasts and dog lovers recommend it.
How Should I Feed Apples to My Dog?
There are a couple of ways you can feed apples to your dog. We’ll get into the details in this section.
Whole
If you aren’t keen on prepping the apples for your dog, you can feed it to them whole. However, this isn’t the most-recommended serving method for dogs. This is because a large whole apple is a major choking hazard, and if left unchecked, your dog may run into some trouble when eating the apple.
Additionally, Spot & Tango says dogs can eat apples (but not the seeds). This is because apple cores and seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, which is highly toxic. Don’t worry, your dog will have to actually eat a lot of apples to start feeling the effects, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Sliced
The best way to feed apples to your dog is to slice them neatly. That way, you can remove the entire core and the seeds, which are the parts of the apple that contain trace amounts of cyanide. As much as possible, you want to keep these parts of the apple away from your dog.
After coring the apple and removing the seeds, we recommend slicing them into bite-sized pieces. These are much easier for them to eat and digest, allowing your dog to get the most out of their snack.
How Many Apples Are Too Many for Your Dog?
While feeding your dog whole apples isn’t recommended, you can still do it. However, you have to make sure to set a hard limit on how many apples your dog eats. This is because of the trace amounts of cyanide in apples and the high level of sugar.
Generally, a couple of apple slices here and there won’t harm your dog. However, if you feed them a lot of apples, that also means giving them a lot of sugar. Sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other major problems in dogs. So, if you want to keep your pet as safe as possible, remember that moderation is key.
And if you’re in doubt when it comes to the safe amount of apples for your dog, don’t hesitate to call your vet. Remember, your vet has a relationship with your dog and understands all their idiosyncrasies and special considerations. So, they will be able to give a recommendation tailored to your pet’s needs and medical history.
Conclusion
If you want to feed your dog apples, we recommend slicing them. Now, there’s nothing exactly wrong with feeding your dog whole apples.
However, many dogs may run into problems trying to eat the large fruit, so you can make it easier for them by slicing the apples up first.
