CAN DOGS EAT APPLES?
Apples are known as one of the most healthy foods that human beings can enjoy. As the famous saying goes: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Apples are rich in a number of important vitamins and fibers that contribute to better nutrition and weight loss. But can dogs have apples and reap the same benefits? After all, it's no secret that our curious canines can sometimes get sick after eating the foods that their human companions love. With that fact in mind, it's incredibly important to know what people foods dogs can eat so you can keep them happy and healthy.
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Can dogs have apples without getting sick? Yes, dogs can eat apples! In fact, apples are one of the best people foods for dogs, offering a number of benefits that can improve your pet's quality of life.
"Apples as a snack are a great healthy alternative to dog treats," says Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC, DABT, a toxicology consultant at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and founder of VETgirl. "Apples don't have that high of a caloric intake, they're high in fiber, they're good for you, and they're totally safe for the dog," says Lee, pointing out that the apple stands in contrast to many of the fattening dog treats.
What does this mean for your beloved pooch? The fiber in apples aids pets with chronic diarrhea, giving bulk to watery stools and providing a prominent source of roughage for your dog. According to Lee, fiber in apples also makes pets feel full and "less likely to beg or be hungry," allowing some brief relief and possible weight loss for dogs suffering from obesity. But it's important to give dogs apples in moderation to avoid overfeeding. Overall, apples are a doggie power snack that's low in calories, high in fiber and quite good for your pet all-around!
Are All Apples Safe for Dogs?
Some apples are nutritionally rich and make for a quality addition to your dog's diet—but are some apples poisonous to dogs? According to Lee, it's important to "stick with general apples that you're going to eat." She cautions pet owners to "avoid crab apples or anything that's fermented, like rotten apples or crab apples on the ground." Much like in humans, crab apples can give your dog indigestion and, in rare cases, fermented or decomposing apples can even give dogs alcohol poisoning.
What about other parts of the apple? Can dogs eat apple cores? Can dogs eat apple peels? When in doubt, treat the dog as you would like to be treated. If you would consume that part of the apple, then your dog will probably also be able to consume it. Apple cores themselves are not harmful to dogs, but apple seeds contain a small dosage of amygdalin that produces hydrogen cyanide, which can accumulate in the body if eaten regularly in large quantities.
As an extra precaution, Lee emphasizes the importance of cutting apples into bite-size pieces to prevent choking. Assuming that the apples are purchased from grocery store shelves, don't contain apple seeds and are carefully prepped for consumption, then apples are perfectly safe for dogs to eat.
Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs
Apple Cider Vinegar can be a fantastic holistic remedy for dogs that suffer from itchy or irritated skin. When applied topically to hot spots on dogs, apple cider vinegar can expedite the healing process thanks to its famous antibacterial properties. Hot spots are typically caused by some sort of bacteria or fungus, making apple cider vinegar an ideal at-home remedy.
Before even thinking about applying it to your dog's body, it's important to check that the apple cider vinegar is certified organic, which will ensure that every ingredient in the product is natural and safe. Blend one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water before gently spraying or dabbing the mixture onto your dog’s hot spots.
In addition, apple cider vinegar for dogs that are prone to ear infections can also be quite effective. But it's important that you gently apply the mixture with a cotton ball or gauze. This will allow you to carefully remove dirt, while ensuring that the excess apple cider vinegar doesn't run into your dog's ears. Never place anything into the dog’s ear canal, as you risk injuring and possibly even deafening your beloved pet.
What People Foods Can Dogs Eat?
Our beloved canines may be able to consume apples, but can dogs eat fruit in general? Contrary to popular belief, dogs are omnivorous, meaning they can eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables safely. Among other things, Lee recommends high fiber foods like carrots, pumpkin, and green beans, which will provide vital nutrients and keep your pet full. But it's important to note that grapes and raisins are poisonous to dogs. Though the exact toxic ingredient is currently unknown, even a small amount of this poisonous food can result in fatality.
Is it possible that sometimes feeding dogs people food (even healthy foods like apples) can be bad for them? Lee cautions against overfeeding your dog and promoting obesity, a health epidemic that has taken the nation’s pets by storm. Pay close attention to how much food you give your pet, no matter how cute they make themselves look when begging!
By: Jacquelyn White