Can Dogs Eat Apples? Seeds, Core and Portions

Apples are low in calories and offer fiber and some vitamins, which makes them a lighter treat than many store-bought biscuits. They are also crunchy, which many dogs enjoy. They are still sugary, so they are a treat rather than a meal, and dogs with diabetes or weight problems need advice from a vet.

Wash the apple, cut it into slices or small cubes that suit your dog's size, and remove the core, stem and seeds. Apple seeds contain small amounts of compounds that can release cyanide, and a core is easy to choke on. A dog would need to chew a large number of seeds for a serious problem, but there is no reason to take the chance.

• Wash and slice the apple.
• Remove the core, stem and seeds.
• Cut into pieces that suit your dog's size, smaller for toy breeds.
• Offer a few pieces and watch for stomach upset.

Skip apple pie, baked goods, caramel apples and flavoured sauces. They contain sugar, spices and sometimes xylitol. Plain unsweetened applesauce in a small spoonful is an option, and dried apples are concentrated in sugar, so give only tiny amounts. Extras like this should stay a small part of the day's food. A common vet guideline is that treats and extras make up no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.

Frozen apple slices can be a cooling treat in warm weather. Cut them small, and supervise, since hard frozen pieces can be a problem for dogs that gulp food.

Note: This article is general information, not veterinary advice. Dogs differ by size, age and health, so ask your veterinarian if your dog has a medical condition, is a puppy, or is on a special diet.

Some owners believe crunchy apples clean teeth. The chewing may help a little, but apples are not a substitute for tooth brushing and veterinary dental care. They also contain sugar, which sticks to teeth, so keep portions small and do not rely on them for dental health.

If your dog has bad breath, red gums or trouble eating, see your vet rather than adding more crunchy treats.

Apple seeds contain amygdalin, a compound that releases small amounts of cyanide when crushed or chewed. A dog would need to eat a large quantity of crushed seeds for a serious problem, so one or two seeds are not an emergency. Still, there is no reason to feed them, and cores are a choking and blockage risk, particularly for small dogs.

If your dog eats a whole core or a lot of cores, watch for vomiting, belly pain, or unusual drooling, and call your vet if you are worried.

Thin slices work well for small dogs, and larger wedges for big dogs, always with the core removed. Frozen slices make a cool treat. You can also mash a spoonful of plain, unsweetened applesauce into a food toy.

• Fresh slices, seeds removed.
• Frozen slices in hot weather, supervised.
• A spoonful of plain unsweetened applesauce.
• Small pieces of baked apple with no spices or sugar.

Not every apple product is a fruit. Apple juice is sugary, apple pie and crumble contain sugar and fat, and dried apple chips can be concentrated in sugar and sulfites. Plain unsweetened applesauce is the best processed option, and even that should be a spoonful.

If you make homemade dog biscuits with apple, check the other ingredients too. Avoid xylitol, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts, onion and garlic in any recipe.

Puppies can have a small, seedless piece of apple, but too much fruit can upset a young stomach. Older dogs with weaker teeth may find raw apple hard, so grate it or cook it lightly.

Dogs with diabetes or weight problems should have fruit only with veterinary guidance, since apples contain natural sugar. If your dog has a history of choking or gulps food, cut apple into very small pieces.

The most common mistake is giving the core, which is a choking and blockage risk. The second is giving too much: a whole apple is a lot of sugar and fiber for a small dog, and can cause diarrhea. Another mistake is assuming that organic or home-grown apples need no washing. Dirt and residues are worth rinsing off.

Fallen apples that have started to rot, or fermented, can contain alcohol, and mouldy fruit can make dogs ill. If you have an apple tree, pick up windfalls. Signs of trouble include vomiting, a wobbly walk and unusual sleepiness, and they need a vet.

Finally, remember that apples are a treat and not a substitute for balanced food. If your dog is on a special diet, ask your vet before adding fruit.