Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Fruits are good in a pet’s diet, but some are better than others when it comes to providing health benefits for a dog. In general, these are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and are excellent for strengthening the immune system of both humans and dogs. So, can dogs eat apples?

There are fruits that improve the intestinal transit of the canine and, as a consequence, can fight constipation. They’re also a refreshing food and, in particular, apples contain a large amount of nutrients, water and vitamins with minimal caloric content.

Why is apple a good fruit for dogs?

Before finding out why dogs can eat apples, let’s talk a little about the properties of this fruit. Apples are a food composed of nutrients and phytochemicals and, in turn, are rich in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that facilitates the elimination of toxins with the feces.

The vitamin that stands out the most in these fruits is vitamin C and a little vitamin E. Apple consumption helps reduce the risk of circulatory, heart, lung and diabetes diseases. For this reason, it’s considered to be an excellent fruit that contributes to the good health of those who consume it, including dogs.

Apples early on

It’s advisable to teach the dog from a young age how to eat apples. If the dog is exposed to the fruit from early on, it will learn to accept it as a daily food, and at the same time, it will enjoy eating this fruit, without having to mix it with other foods.

When dogs are already adults, it can be a bit difficult for them to accept apples in their diet. However, it won’t be a food that they’ll reject completely, so you’ll just have to teach them little by little, and they’ll acquire a taste for this delicious fruit.

You can, for example, combine apple pieces with sardines, meat, or chicken in your meal. In this way, the dog gets used to the taste of the apple mixed with other foods that they do like.

Benefits of apples in dogs

So, it’s now clear that dogs can eat apples. Now, we’re going to talk about the benefits that this sweet fruit offers for the dietary well-being of canine pets:

• It’s a cleansing fruit that helps to control excess weight in dogs. It’s also very good for dogs that have kidney problems.
• Thanks to its vitamins A and C, dogs can acquire a beautiful and healthy coat.
• The apple serves as a means of hydration, thanks to its water content.
• It’s rich in potassium, a mineral that brings health to the dog’s neuromuscular activity.
• The minerals calcium, magnesium and phosphorus contained in the apple help the dog’s body to function properly.

Finally, apples have antioxidant properties that help prevent cancer and other diseases that come with a dog aging. Even so, we recommend that you consult with the veterinarian regarding the properties of this fruit before including it in your dog’s diet.

Apple precautions

Dogs can eat apples, but you mustn’t overdo it. In the first place, because it’s composed of sugars, fructose, glucose and minerals and carbohydrates, its excessive consumption can cause diabetes in the dog. This can lead to a metabolic change and even sterilization of the canine.

It’s advisable that apples are used as a food supplement when pampering the dog after a good meal. The idea isn’t to give them apples every day – twice a week is enough. Finally, try to remove the seeds from the fruit, because these can be toxic to the dog in very large quantities.

Apples as a remedy

Dogs can eat apples to combat diarrhea. When you find yourself in this situation, take a few apples and boil them or cook them in the oven. It will help to relieve your dog’s intestinal discomfort. Thanks to this home remedy, the dog will be calm as you take them to the vet.

Rewarding the dog with fruit is a good option

What better way to reward the pet than with healthy food. While you teach the dog to eat it, you’re strengthening its health at the same time. However, you must remember that the consumption of fruit for the dog shouldn’t exceed 20% of its daily food.

So, you now know that dogs can eat apples, and these fruits must be chopped into small pieces, without their seeds and well washed. If you follow these tips, your dog will enjoy this delicious food, will feel good and will thank you with affection.