Can Dogs Eat Apples? 8 Potential Benefits and 3 Precautions

In this research you will know the answer to the query “Can Dogs Eat Apples? 8 Potential Benefits and 3 Precautions“.

Apples are long considered healthy food because they provide a variety of nutritional benefits. Are apples safe for dogs to eat and can dogs consume them? Is there any side effect to feeding apples to dogs and what are the health benefits? Lets find out more about this popular fruit.

The answer to your question “Can I give my dog apples?” is YES – you can give your dog apples and they are not toxic. There is tons of nutrition in apples and tons of antioxidants which are both beneficial for dogs.

A doctor or veterinarian would not harm you if you eat an apple a day? Well that might be the case.

Dogs often enjoy apples as treats and they’re commonly added to homemade dog food. They’re a great addition to a dogs diet when given in moderation. Here are some reasons why giving apples to dogs is a good idea and how they affect their health.

What are apples?

One of the most popular fruits is the apple which belongs to a species called Malus. Over 2000 apple varieties exist ranging in flavor from juicy to sweet to tart and are renowned for the many health benefits they provide humans and animals.

Apples are full of antioxidants and they are one of the most studied foods in existence. This is why they are so common. I have listed all the health benefits of apples for dogs and people below so you can both enjoy them.

This is what fresh raw apples look like:

The natural sugar content of apples is lower than that of many other fruits. Apples are also high in fiber vitamins and antioxidants. Additionally apples taste delicious to dogs and most dogs enjoy them raw cooked or in their homemade food.

Here are all the benefits of apples for dogs as well as potential side effects.

Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Are dogs able to eat apples in the same way humans can? Yes dogs can eat apples in moderation when given in moderation. As a matter of fact it is recommended to add apples to your dogs diet to increase the nutrient content of your pets meals.

Researchers have done tons of research on the benefits of apples for dogs and humans and apples are considered a “superfruit.” I’ll give an evidence-based breakdown below.

Nutrition vitamins and minerals abound in apples and here are the main culprits:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Fiber
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids
• Antioxidants

Among all of these apples are mostly known for their Vitamin C and potassium content. In addition raw apples also contain a few very powerful compounds that canines can benefit from just as raspberries do:

• Catechin which may improve muscle and brain function in dogs 
• Quercetin which fights cancer inflammation depression and viruses 
• Chlorogenic Acid lowers blood sugar and helps with weight loss

It is so powerful that it has become one of the most well-studied fruits with an abundance of proven health benefits for both humans and animals. The nutrients in apples are also very likely to be absorbed by dogs just like they are by people.

Its much easier to understand how apples may benefit dogs since there are many animal studies on apples unlike many other fruits. Here is a science-based breakdown of all the potential health benefits of apples for dogs and people:

• Apples lower cholesterol risk of stroke and improve heart health 
• Apples are extremely beneficial for weight loss 
• Apples may promote healthy gut bacteria 
• Apples lower the risk of diabetes 
• Apples relieve asthma and related allergic reactions 
• Apples may lower the risk of cancer 
• Apples improve bone health 
• Apples may protect the brain from the old age
• Apples may protect the stomach from NSAID side effects

Those are just a few of the most well-known studies with many more on apples to come. Clearly apples are not only safe for dogs and people but also highly recommended and provide a wealth of health benefits.

What follows is a discussion of specific reasons why not only dogs can eat apples but why giving an apple to a dog as an occasional treat might be a good idea.

8 Potential Benefits of Apples for Dogs

In addition to apples being safe for dogs to consume if you regularly give your pet an apple as a treat or include apples in your homemade dog food recipes there are some health benefits to be gained by consuming this superfruit.

The following are the eight most important benefits of giving apples to dogs:

1. Vitamin A promotes eye health

In apples vitamin A promotes overall eye health in dogs and strengthens their vision. It may also help your dogs bones skin and coat remain healthy as well as many other body functions.

2. Antioxidants in apples may prevent diseases and cancer

One of the best foods for cancer prevention is apples since they contain large amounts of antioxidants in particular Vitamin C. Based on the research I listed above feeding apples may help prevent cancer and reduce inflammation.

Apples are full of vitamin C which encourages the production of cartilage and collagen strengthens a dogs immune system and prevents degenerative conditions such as hip dysplasia.

3. Vitamin K improves a dogs heart blood bone and liver health

Vitamin K an essential mineral that is good for your dogs blood and liver is abundant in apples. In both animal and human studies apple consumption has been shown to improve the function of all of these organs.

Additionally vitamin K may have a positive effect on the prevention and management of diseases related to bone and heart health in dogs. Furthermore vitamin K strengthens the bones and teeth of dogs.

4. Apples have calcium an essential mineral for vital body functions

Dogs’ bodies require calcium for a variety of functions including muscle contraction nerve impulse transmission blood coagulation and bone formation. Calcium is abundant in apples and evidence suggests that they can improve all of the above factors.

5. Dietary fiber helps to regulate the digestive system

Apples are also known for their fiber content. As a result of dietary fiber dogs’ bowel movements are regulated they lose weight and their digestion is improved. Additionally fiber helps dogs avoid flatulence constipation and diarrhea.

6. Essential fatty acids keep your dog’s skin healthy

Despite not being known for it apples are high in Omega-3 and Omega-6 essential fatty acids that may benefit dogs’ brains hearts and joints. A dogs coat is kept shiny by essential fatty acids which also prevent skin allergies as well as many other body functions.

7. Apples have antioxidants that strengthen multiple body systems

Apples are packed with antioxidants that can benefit the gastrointestinal system eye health skin and coat as well as the canines immune system.

Furthermore antioxidants are also known to prevent inflammation several diseases and illnesses as well as fight cancer and viruses.

8. Apples provide dental benefits for dogs

According to theory apples strengthen the bone and teeth of dogs as well as provide them with a natural way of brushing and cleaning their teeth. Apples help remove plaque and tartar from a dogs teeth resulting in fresher breath.

“So can I give my dog apples?”

Apples are certainly fine to give to your dog and theres a good reason for doing so. Adding apples to dog food dishes or as a treat is completely safe when given in moderation.

In addition science shows that it makes sense to intentionally start giving your dog apples particularly if he enjoys them. Apples are a natural superfruit that can significantly improve your dogs health.

Is apple skin safe for dogs?

When given in moderation apple skin can be fed to dogs. Dogs can eat it safely as long as you monitor them and how they eat it the first few times.

When it comes to the benefits of apples for dogs apple skin has the highest concentration of fiber. Additionally apples with skin on them contain a ton of vitamins and nutrients that are attributed to apples so giving your dog apples with skin is definitely a good idea.

Bottom Line: Apples are not only safe to eat for dogs but they are also a very healthy and beneficial treatment for them. However they should only be fed in moderation.

1 Potential Side Effect of Apples for Dogs

Apples are generally completely safe to give to dogs and are even recommended. Too much of a good thing isnot such a great idea though as with most other foods. As a result there is only one side effect to watch out for when feeding apples to dogs.

1. Too many apples may cause digestive issues

The fiber content of apples may cause your dog some gastrointestinal discomfort despite their nutritional value and health benefits.

Ingesting too many apples in one sitting may result in constipation diarrhea and stomach pains which is why you should begin gradually and monitor your dog.

More on Apples for Dogs

3 Safety Precautions

Dogs can safely consume apples because they are healthy and beneficial. Even the skin of the apple is good for them and should be fed in conjunction with apples. It is important to keep in mind however that apples contain a few things to watch out for.

If you are feeding apples to your dog you should follow these three safety precautions:

1. Remove the core and seeds from apples before feeding them to your dog

You should never feed your dog an apple core because the core poses a significant choking hazard to them. If you want to feed apples to your dog cut them up rather than feed them whole.

It is also possible for apple seeds to be harmful to dogs. You must remove all apple seeds from the apple before feeding it to your dog. Cyanide is found in these seeds and if your dog eats a large amount of them cyanide can build up in his system.

2. Don’t feed your dog dehydrated apples

Fresh raw apples are the only apples that have been studied as having health benefits for dogs.

The lack of water in dehydrated apples prevents proper digestion. If your dog eats dehydrated apples he may experience stomach upset and other digestive issues. Furthermore dehydrated apples have not been well-studied so there may be other risks involved.

3. Wash apples thoroughly and consider organic to avoid pesticides

It is believed that apples are among the fruits and vegetables most contaminated with pesticides. Consider giving your dog organic apples as treats and always wash fruits thoroughly after giving them to your dog to prevent pesticide contamination.

Can My Dog Eat Apples?

The dog can eat apples without any issues and its even recommended that she eats the skin too. If you give your dog a few apples in moderation they will enjoy them.

Apples are one of the most well-studied superfruits packed with nutrients vitamins and minerals that benefit your dog on an overall basis.

Dogs may benefit from this fruit if it is used to prevent diseases and cancers fight inflammation and viruses improve eye health support digestive health and boost heart liver and bone health.

If you are feeding apples to your dog make sure to give them in moderation so your canine gets the most benefit from this superfood without any digestive problems.

If you want to read more about dog food tips read here: Dog Food Tips and Tricks.

Can Dogs Eat Apples? 8 Potential Benefits and 3 Precautions (Watch Video)