Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Apples are a good source of vitamins and nutrients. They are known to fight certain diseases because of their strong antioxidant properties. As the saying goes, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. This is true for most of us, but can it also be applicable to our dogs? Absolutely, apples are a wonderful choice for dog treats.
They are not only delicious, but they also improve and boost the immune system. On top of that, apples can be found or bought everywhere, and you can do a number of recipes with it. You can serve them fresh or cooked but still get the same nutrients and flavor. Surely, your dogs would be more motivated and excited to eat their food when there are apples on it.
Are Apples Good for Dogs?
Of course apples are good for dogs, but you should also know how to prepare them. Apples are a good source of nutrients such as Vitamin C, fiber, and carbohydrates. Even though dogs might not require these (if they already have a balanced diet), dog treats with apple are still beneficial to your dog’s health.
Senior dogs that have age-related illnesses are more ideal candidates for apple diets because they don’t have high protein and fat. Moreover, they can also be good for digestive health.
When Are Apples Bad for Dogs?
Apples are generally good, however, you serve them, but apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic. So, your dog must not be allowed to eat the seeds including the core. Although apple seeds may not be that harmful, its effects in the long run, if eaten regularly, may cause poisoning to your dogs. What is more, the core of an apple is tough and dogs tend to chew and swallow it with difficulty.
If not eaten carefully, it may even cause choking, which may lead to gastrointestinal blockage. For dogs that have diabetes, eating apples may not be recommended. Apples naturally contain sugars and if artificial sweeteners are added to it, could aggravate the disease. Therefore, apples must be served in moderation to prevent risks in your dog’s health.
Like us, dogs are also likely to have allergies, and we can never tell which foods they are allergic to. Allergies could be life-threatening, especially when not taken seriously. If you happen to see negative symptoms when your dog eats apples, stop feeding it to him, and immediately consult your vet.
How to Safely Feed Apples to Your Dog
If you buy in supermarkets, you may notice that most apples are shiny. Little did you know, they are coated with substances to improve their shelf life and appearance. Whether you or your dog will eat it, it is important to always wash your fruits thoroughly, as these may contain pesticides or herbicides.
There are various ways to serve apples to your dogs, but the best and safest way to do it is to cut the fruit into bite-size pieces or slices. Remove the core, the seeds, and the stem to prevent choking hazards. You can serve apples as they are – fresh or frozen. You can also mix them with your dog’s food.
Mash or crush them to form a smoothie or an applesauce (preferably without added sugar for a healthier option). This way, your dog won’t have a hard time gobbling it up.
Dog Treats with Apple
Dogs love sweet treats and you can make it better with apples. There are plenty of DIY apple treats that you can serve your dogs, but one of the best is with peanut butter. An ample amount of peanut butter and apple sauce makes a moist and chewy treat. However, you also have an option if your dogs want it crunchy.
The texture and taste from crunchy peanut butter adds to the deliciousness of the treat, which is why dogs love it. Aside from that, peanut butter can also be a better substitute for sugar since most sugar-free products contain Xylitol, which is a sugar substitute that may not be good for the health.
Conclusion
Dogs can eat apples and they can enjoy it better with the right preparation. Indeed, apples are a good option to add on your dog’s diet due to a number of its beneficial properties.
- First, they are abundant everywhere.
- Second, apples are evidently healthy and delicious.
- Third, apples are easy to prepare – serve them fresh or cooked, it depends on your dog’s choice.
- Fourth, you can make hundreds of delicious recipes with it.
- Fifth, apples can improve your dog’s breath and dental condition.
When feeding your dogs apples, ensure that they don’t have allergic reactions or related health conditions. If unsure, it is always better to seek the help of a medical professional for your dog’s health.