July 13, 2024, 10:03 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Apples contain a balanced proportion of high-quality vitamins, making them very healthy. But is this fruit also suitable for dogs?
Dogs are allowed to eat apples – and other types of fruit, apart from exceptions such as grapes or avocados. However, the rule is: everything in moderation! This means that a maximum of ten grams (around 0.35 ounces) of fruit per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight is the daily limit for consumption. Many types of fruit can be a healthy snack for dogs.
Why apples are healthy for dogs
Apples not only taste good to most dogs, but they also have other positives. Among other things, apples …
- are rich in vitamins, they contain vitamin C and K for the immune system and blood clotting, respectively
- are low in calories and protein
- contain flavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory antioxidants
- contain biotin, which is good for their fur and claws
- can stimulate appetite.
Preparation
Apples can be served raw or steamed. “It depends on the owner’s personal preference and the dog’s sensitivity,” explains Uta Wilmer, who offers veterinary nutritional advice. Stomach-sensitive dogs, for example, tolerate apples better steamed. It is also important to remove apple cores, as these contain poisonous hydrocyanic acid.
Uta Wilmer recommends mashing or grating the apple, as this is more nutritious. When dogs gobble up their food, the apple is not broken down into smaller pieces from chewing. This means that the intestinal bacteria cannot absorb the pectin in the apple – the fibers are their most important source of nutrition.
However, the recommendation for apples does not apply to all varieties: “Sour apples are less suitable due to their acidity, as sensitive dogs can react with heartburn and vomiting”, continues Uta Wilmer.
When dogs eat too many apples
But what if a dog eats too many apples? “Too much apple can change the consistency of the feces and even cause diarrhea. Dogs can also develop abdominal pain,” explains Uta Wilmer.
However, apples are actually good for the dog’s digestive tract: the pectin they contain binds water in the intestines and can reduce diarrhea. Raw, grated apples should be given.
Another positive: “In dogs suffering from kidney and liver diseases, feeding them a sufficient amount of apple can acidify their feces, thus reducing the burden on the diseased organs,” says Uta Wilmer.
Can all dogs eat apples?
In principle, pretty much all dogs can eat apples, although it is important to slowly get them used to them. Especially in puppies and young dogs, too many can lead to stomach aches and diarrhea.
However, overweight dogs and those suffering from diabetes should not be given apples. For them, green vegetables are healthier as a snack because they contain less fructose.
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Snack ideas using apples: apple potato chips and apple chew toys
Apple chips – preferably homemade without added sugar or fat – are suitable as a vegan snack for dogs. In this context, Uta Wilmer points out that it is important to keep an eye on daily nutritional limits. When feeding dried apples, it is important to remember that they are more concentrated than fresh apples, which contain about 85 percent water.
An easy way to turn an apple into an even more delicious snack is to remove the core and stuff the apple with peanut butter or liverwurst. Your dog will really enjoy these treats.