We already know that apples are a great source of fiber and vitamins A & C for us humans, but Can Dog Eat Apple? or did you ever wonder if they could have similar advantages for your dog?
The answer is YES! Apples are actually an amazing addition to your dogs diet – take a closer look at their many benefits below.
Check Out Those Pearly Whites!
Apples can help keep your dogs teeth clean, resulting in fresher breath and fewer complaints when your pup gives you some up close and personal love. Maintaining dental health means you’ll end up with less hefty vet bills for teeth cleaning or gum related diseases.
Nutritional Properties
As in humans, the antioxidants and vitamin C found in apples can help our pups with degenerative diseases and joint pain.
Apples also contain calcium & phosphorous which have numerous beneficial effects. These minerals help maintain bone health and integrity, improve digestion, and regulate excretion. They also promote protein formation, hormonal balance, cellular repair and proper nutrient utilization.
This wonder fruit is a fantastic low calorie, low fat, and low protein snack – great for dogs on restricted diets as well as senior dogs.
FYI
There a few things you should know before you start tossing apples Fido’s way:
- Cores – The core is a choking hazard, so serve slices or small chunks rather than the whole apple.
- Seeds – Apple seeds also contain cyanide – crazy, right?! One or two won’t kill your pup but over time, the poison can build up in their system and have serious adverse effects.
- Skin – The skins are such a great source of fibre, which boosts gastrointestinal health. However, if your dog has an issue with fibre, a peeled apple slice may be a better snack.
- Don’t Overdo It – As with anything, you can have too much of a good thing. Overeating apples can give your dog diarrhea and/or an upset stomach, so make sure to give them out in moderation.
- Each Dog Is Different – The omega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids found in apples are amazing for most dogs and can help in the prevention of degenerative diseases such as arthritis. However, just as some dogs are sensitive to sugar or fibre, certain dogs may have trouble with omega fatty acids. If your dog has existing arthritis, apples in large (or in some cases, any) quantities may not recommended.
- Pro Tip! – Frozen apples slices are a yummy and affordable ‘beat the heat’ summer treat for your pup. They can also be an awesome teething ring for puppies!
OUR PROCESS
We’re such a fan of apples that we use them in all of our patty recipes. Apples are always cored and all seeds removed before ending up in patties. To accommodate dogs who have kidney issues or diseases, each patty contains roughly 2.7 grams of apples – enough to deliver benefits while limiting sugar intake.
