Can Dogs Eat This? Nutrition & Recipes Recipes
Can DOGS Eat Apples? Here’s How to Safely Feed Them + Recipes
Rocky Kanaka
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Apples are the quintessential healthy fruit—after all, an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but could apples be a healthy choice for your dog, too?
The simple answer is yes, you can feed apple to your dog as long as you prepare it correctly.
Of course, a simple one-word answer isn’t enough information for you to make choices for your dog’s diet, so we’re going to dig into many more details. Can dogs eat red apples and green apples? Can a dog eat apples as part of their regular diet, or should they just be a sometimes-treat? What if your dog eats too much apple, could that upset their stomach?
There is so much more to learn so let’s not waste any more time—here is your complete guide to dogs and apples.
Are Apples Good For Dogs? Health & Nutritional Benefits
Yes, raw apples are good for dogs! High in dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, apples are a generally healthy treat for your furry friend, but they shouldn’t make up a big part of your dog’s daily diet. If you notice changes to your dog’s health after introducing apples to their diet, discontinue feeding them apples immediately and speak with your vet.
It’s important to note that apples are relatively high in natural sugar, about 10 grams per 100 grams of apple. Some dogs can get upset stomachs from sugary foods, and all dogs can experience GI issues if they eat too many apples. Other than sugar, here are some of the nutrients found in apples and how they could benefit your dog.
| Apple Nutritional Info | |
| Nutrient | Benefits |
| Dietary Fiber | Regulates and supports healthy digestive systems. |
| Magnesium | Supports bone, muscle, and cardiac health. |
| Potassium | An electrolyte that supports nerve, cardiac, and muscle function. |
| Vitamin C | Supports joint health and immunity and acts as an antioxidant protecting your dog at the cellular level from free radicals. |
Can Dogs Eat Apples Every Day?
Some fruits are safe for dogs to eat but only in very small amounts and on rare occasions. Apples are safe for dogs to eat daily, and you can give them one or two raw slices every single day as long as they don’t show any signs of upset stomach or allergic reactions. While you don’t want to feed your dog large amounts of apples at a time, it’s okay to make apple slices a regular part of your dog’s diet.
How To Safely Feed Your Dog Apples
Can dogs eat whole apples, or do you need to prepare them before your pooch chows down? Here’s a quick guide to quick parts of the apple your dog can and can’t eat.
Can Dogs Eat Apple Slices?
Yes! Dogs can eat the flesh or fruit of the apple, and this includes slices of apple! We recommend feeding small dogs ½ to one apple slice, while big dogs can have one or two.
Can Dogs Eat Apple Skins?
Yes! Apple peels are safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, so if you don’t feel like peeling your apples before you cut a slice for your dog, you have nothing to worry about. Large quantities of apple skin could upset your dog’s stomach, for example, if you have peeled a bunch of apples for baking and they get into the peels, but small amounts aren’t an issue.
Be aware that some apples are waxed, and while it isn’t toxic to dogs, it’s a good idea to wash your apples before you serve them to your dog. Unless they are organic apples, apple skins may also have trace amounts of pesticides that are safe in small amounts, but are worth washing off if you can.
Can Dogs Eat Apple Cores?
No, we don’t recommend allowing your dog to eat apple cores. The core is more fibrous than the surrounding fruit, and the core houses the seeds, which aren’t good for your dog to eat. If your dog chooses to swallow an apple core whole, they could experience health issues like intestinal blockage.
Can Dogs Eat Apple Seeds?
No. Apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide that can upset your dog’s stomach. While one or two apple seeds won’t hurt your dog, it’s best to avoid letting them eat apple seeds regularly so they don’t get consistent exposure to cyanide.
What Varieties of Apple Can Dogs Eat?
Can dogs eat green apples and red apples equally or is one better? Are some varieties known to upset stomachs more than others? Do dogs prefer certain types of apples? Let’s chat about apple varieties, whether they’re safe for dogs to eat, and what they taste like!
Can Dogs Eat Fuji Apples?
Yes, dogs can eat fuji apples! Fujis are deep pink and yellow-green speckled apples known for being extra-juicy and predominantly sweet without much flavor nuance. Fuji apples are most common for eating, but can also be used for baking and cooking.
Can Dogs Eat Gala Apples?
Yes, dogs can eat gala apples! Gala apples are red with golden streaks and have a crisp, juicy texture and aromatic floral flavor. Best for snacking and not preferred for baking and cooking, Gala apples taste subtly of honey.
Can Dogs Eat Golden Delicious Apples?
Yes, dogs can eat Golden Delicious apples! Golden Delicious apples are an almost neon yellow-green with a mild, sweet flavor. Firm and juicy, Golden Delicious apples can be used for baking if you prefer sweet to tart apples.
Can Dogs Eat Granny Smith Apples?
Yes, dogs can eat Granny Smith apples! Granny Smiths are tart and almost citrus-like, sometimes too sour to eat on their own. Mostly used for baking and cooking, Granny Smith apples are sometimes not sweet enough for dogs who like fruit.
Can Dogs Eat Honeycrisp Apples?
Yes, dogs can eat Honeycrisp apples! Red with yellow stripes, Honeycrisp apples are—as the name suggests—sweet like honey, super juicy, and one of the world’s favorite snacking apples.
Can Dogs Eat Red Delicious Apples?
Yes, dogs can eat Red Delicious apples! A deep, almost crimson red, Red Delicious apples have one of the mildest flavors of any apple variety, and are a little softer in texture than other popular snacking apples.
Delicious Canine-Approved Apple Dog Treat Recipes
Slices of raw apple make an excellent treat, but if you want to turn this dog-safe fruit into something your dog will really love, try one of these delicious dog treat recipes!
1. Apple, Oat, & Peanut Butter Dog Treats
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Bake Time | 20 minutes |
| Yield | 20 treats |
Apples and peanut butter are a classic combination, and dogs absolutely love both! These dog treats are delicious, healthy, and gluten free, plus they’re incredibly easy to make. Submitted to Allrecipes by Kim, this easy recipe comes together in just half an hour!
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups carrot, grated
- 1 ¼ cups quick-cook oats
- 1 cup apple, grated
- ½ cup peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ and prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, combine shredded carrots, quick-cook oats, and shredded apple, mixing to combine.
- In a separate larger bowl, whisk together peanut butter and eggs until smooth, then stir in the oat mixture and fold until well combined.
- Drop 1 ½ TBSP servings of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheets and use slightly damp hands to flatten each scoop to ½-inch thick.
- Bake the treats for 15–20 minutes or until they are browned on the bottom and edges.
- Cool 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring the treats to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
2. Pumpkin Apple Dog Treats
| Prep Time | 20 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Yield | (16) 2-inch treats |
Pumpkin is a super healthy dog-friendly ingredient, and we’re combining it with apple in this dog treat recipe that would be perfect to make ahead for the week. This recipe by Amanda Livesay from Fake Ginger is a great alternative to store bought dog biscuits, and they’re perfect for dogs who love to crunch!
Ingredients
- 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup apple, finely diced
- ½ can pumpkin puree (100% pumpkin with no added sugar or spices)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ and a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and baking powder. Add the diced apple, pureed pumpkin, egg, and water and stir well until the ingredients are combined and you have a dough that will hold together easily but isn’t too sticky or dry.
- Lightly flour a surface, dump out your dough, and use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a ½-¼ inch sheet.
- Cut out biscuits with a 2-inch cookie cutter and transfer them to your prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the treats for 30 minutes or until lightly browned on the edges as crisp.
- Cool the biscuits to room temperature on a wire cooling rack before serving.
- Store the treats in an airtight container at room temperature for 5 days, or in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Can Dogs Eat Apples? FAQ
Wondering whether your dog can indulge in apple snacks and apple flavored foods? Maybe you have a crab apple tree in your yard and your dog has been snagging apples off the lawn. Should you share foods like apple chips or apple sausage with your pooch? Here are our answers to these questions and many more.
Can dogs eat crab apples?
It’s best to avoid letting your dog eat crab apples. While the flesh of crab apples is non-toxic to dogs, these tiny little apples are easy for your dog to eat whole—stem, seeds, core and all. Like culinary apples, crab apples contain trace amounts of cyanide, which can upset your dog’s stomach and be dangerous in large amounts. If your dog eats one or two crab apples they will likely be fine, but keep an eye out for signs of gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea, and do your best to prevent them from eating crab apples in the future.
Can dogs eat applesauce?
Yes, if it is homemade. Store bought apple sauce contains added sugar, seasonings, and preservatives that can upset your dog’s stomach. If you make your own apple sauce at home from 100% apples you can give them a tablespoon or two, but you shouldn’t feed your dog store bought apple sauce.
Can dogs eat cooked apples?
Yes—as long as they do not contain added sugar or seasonings. Plain cooked apples are safe for dogs to eat, but sugary cooked apples—like apple pie filling—are not.
Can dogs eat apple pie?
No. Apple pie is high in added sugar, butter, and other ingredients that are bad for your dog and can upset their stomach. While apple pie isn’t toxic to dogs, it can make them quite sick for a day or two.
Can dogs eat dried apples?
Yes, in moderation. As long as the dried apples do not contain any ingredients that are unsafe for dogs, they can eat a few slices of dried apple.
Can dogs eat dehydrated apples?
Yes! See the information above about dried apples.
Can dogs eat apple chips?
Yes, if they are homemade. Store bought apple chips may contain additional ingredients that could upset your dog’s stomach.
Can dogs eat apples with peanut butter?
Yes! Most dogs love peanut butter, and it’s a great protein-rich treat to give your pooch alongside a few apple slices. Be sure to only use dog-safe peanut butter that is free from xylitol—an artificial sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs.
Can dogs eat caramel apples?
No. Caramel is not good for dogs, and can both upset their stomach and get stuck in their teeth.
Can dogs eat chicken apple sausage?
No. Chicken apple sausage is usually high in sodium and contains ingredients like onion and garlic which aren’t safe for dogs to eat.
Can dogs eat apple cider vinegar?
Yes, in moderation. Apple cider vinegar is included as an ingredient in some fresh dog foods and may be recommended as a supplement by some holistic practitioners, but it should only be given to dogs in extreme moderation. Because it is highly acidic, too much apple cider vinegar can upset your dog’s stomach.
Can dogs eat Apple Jacks?
No. Apple Jacks cereal is not safe for dogs to eat and is high in sugar and other ingredients that could upset your pup’s stomach.
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- Can Dogs Eat Pineapple? Unleashing the Juicy Truth Behind This Fruity Snack
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- Can Dogs Eat Bananas? A Delicious Dilemma Unpeeled!
