For humans, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But what about our canine companions? Can dogs have apples, too?

Thankfully, your pup can enjoy these sweet, crisp treats in moderation. In fact, most dogs love them! Apples are one of our favorite healthy, dog-friendly fruits — which is why we’ve included them in all of our Jinx kibble recipes, as well as our biscuits.

But before you feed your dog apples, there are a few things you should know. Read on to learn more about the health benefits of apples for dogs, serving suggestions, and what to avoid.

Are Apples Good for Dogs?

Apples are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. They're also chock-full of fiber — especially in the peels — which helps your pup maintain a healthy weight while aiding in digestion.

Apples make a delicious, low-calorie treat for your dog — just keep in mind that each apple contains about 19 grams of sugar, so a whole apple will be too much for your pup. Be sure to stick to small portions — too much apple can cause your pal to have an upset stomach or diarrhea.

Crunching on an apple can even help clean your dog's teeth. Eating apples shouldn't substitute for regular dental care like teeth brushings and vet dental cleanings, but it’s an easy (and tasty) way to supplement your dog’s dental routine.

How Much Apple Can A Dog Eat?

When it comes to feeding your pup apples (or any fruit), moderation is key. A few slices of apple per day is safe for your dog — but any more than that may cause tummy troubles. 

It’s also important to note that, although healthy, apples are considered a treat. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s overall diet — so keep portion sizes small when it comes to feeding your pup this delicious fruit.

Do Apples Pose Any Risks For Dogs?

Although apples are healthy for dogs, you'll still want to keep in mind a few safety considerations before treating your pup to a slice or two.

First of all (and very importantly) — apple seeds and apple tree leaves contain a toxin called amygdalin, which can cause cyanide poisoning, so you’ll want to remove them before feeding your dog any apple.

Can dogs eat apple cores? Just like the seeds, you’ll want to avoid feeding your dog apple cores, too. They’re choking hazards, and can cause bowel obstructions if swallowed. 

In general, it’s always a good idea to monitor your dog after introducing any new food into their diet. Start off with a very small portion, then watch for any signs of digestive troubles or allergies. While it’s unlikely that your dog is allergic to apples, pups can develop sensitivities to any food, so it’s best to keep an eye on them whenever trying something new.

How to Safely Prepare Apples for Dogs

Just like with any fruit, you’ll want to start off by washing the apple. Then, cut it into small slices or bite-sized cubes so that your pup can easily eat it.

As mentioned in the previous section, it’s very important to not feed your dog the apple seeds, core, or stem. The seeds contain a small amount of cyanide — which can be harmful in large doses — and the core and stem are choking hazards.

If your dog does consume any of these things, watch them for signs of illness — like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy — and contact your vet right away if they show any symptoms.

It’s also a good idea to avoid any sweetened apples, like those in apple pie. Not only is the high sugar content bad for dogs, but apple pie may also contain nutmeg. Nutmeg contains a toxin called myristicin — which in small doses can cause gastrointestinal distress, and in large doses can cause hallucinations, high blood pressure, and seizures. It’s best to skip feeding your dog this sugary dessert.

Serving Suggestions

The simplest way to serve your pup apple is to cut a fresh, cored apple into bite-sized cubes or slices. But here are a few other dog-friendly apple treats we love:

• Roasted apple chips — bake thinly sliced and cored apple slices at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours until completely crispy. 

• Dog-friendly apple peanut butter cookies — Combine 4 cups of ground oat flour, 2/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/2 cup peanut butter, and 2 eggs. Shape into cookies and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Buy dog  food or treats that contain apple — Try our irresistible kibble, or our savory-with-a-touch-of-sweet Bone Broth Biscuits.

FAQs

Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?

Dogs can safely eat plain applesauce — but keep in mind that many packaged applesauces contain added sugar, which you’ll want to avoid. Be sure to buy unsweetened applesauce or make your own if possible.

Pro tip: During the summer, try freezing unsweetened applesauce in ice cube trays for a refreshing, post-walk or dog park treat for your pup!

Can Puppies Eat Apples?

Yes, puppies can eat apples — but as with adult dogs, moderation is key. A small piece of apple or two won't hurt your puppy, but keep in mind that their gut is more sensitive than that of an older dog. It’s best to limit treats, and to start small when introducing them to apples.

Can Dogs Eat Green Apples?

Yes, dogs can eat green apples — in fact, they’re a particularly good option for pups, due to the lower sugar content than other apples. That being said, your dog can enjoy any variety of apple in moderation.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Or Freeze Dried Apples?

Dogs can eat dried or freeze dried apples in moderation — they love the crunchy texture! However, always check labels, and avoid feeding your dog dried or freeze dried apples that are sweetened or that contain preservatives.

Can Dogs Eat Apple Peels?

Organic apple peels are fine for dogs to eat (they contain a lot of fiber to support your pup’s digestion!), but be sure to wash non-organic apple peels thoroughly because they may contain pesticides.

What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat?

Many fruits make healthy, nutritious snacks for dogs. They can help support your pup’s immunity and metabolic function, as well as help them maintain a healthy weight. Fruit makes a great replacement for high-calorie pet treats — but some fruits are toxic for dogs (like grapes, raisins, and currants, among others), so be sure to do some research first.

Here are some of our favorite, tasty fruits that are both safe and beneficial to feed your dog:

• Fresh, peeled banana slices
• Watermelon (remove the seeds and rind)
• Strawberries (remove the leaves)
• Blueberries
• Cantaloupe (remove the seeds and rind)
• Mango (peeled and with the pit removed)

As a general rule, It's always best to cut the fruit into small, bite-size pieces, and remove any seeds, pits, cores, stems, leaves, or rinds before feeding it to your dog. Not only are the skins or cores of some fruits toxic for dogs, they can also be choking hazards.

At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love. Treat your dog to our Bone Broth Biscuits (made with vitamin-rich apple!) today.