An apple a day keeps the doctor away for most humans as the saying goes. Apples are chock full of beneficial vitamins and minerals such as phosphorous, calcium, and vitamin C and K. But can dogs eat apples?

Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Dogs can eat apples with some precautions as we’ll discuss below. Most dogs will love apples. The natural sugar in apples is a great way to appease your dog’s taste for something sweet too. The good things about dogs eating apples include:

• Improved coat and skin from the omega fatty acids
• Stronger teeth and bones due to the phosphorous and calcium
• Relief from constipation due to pectin, a soluble fiber (also see Bananas)

Keep in mind that eating large quantities of a good thing can also be bad for your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Apple Seeds?

The seeds in apples are believed to contain cyanide, which is poisonous for dogs. Don’t panic if your dog happens to eat a few apple seeds as the cyanide is dangerous only as it builds up over time. But small dogs and puppies could also choke on apple seeds. If you choose to feed your dogs apples, it’s best to remove the seeds.

If you suspect your dog has eaten a large quantity of apples, seeds and all, your best course of action is to seek advice from your vet.

Can Dogs Eat Apple Cores?

The main issue with whether or not dogs can eat apple cores is choking. Of course, small dogs and puppies are more at risk. But since the seeds of the apple are also found in the apple core, it’s probably best not to let your dogs eat apple cores regardless of their size or age. Simply slice the apple into pieces and throw the core, seeds, and stem away or add them to your compost bin.

Can Dogs Eat Apple Skin?

There’s nothing inherently harmful about apple skin or apple peels for your dog. But when it comes to whether dogs can eat apple skin, you need to use your best judgment and pay attention to how your dogs react. For some dogs, apple skin will be a tasty treat that they will gobble up quickly with no ill effects.

But other dogs can have problems eating apple skin and even apples. If you choose to feed your dog apple skin, monitor them closely for any sign of distress including an upset stomach or diarrhea. If your dog shows any of these symptoms after eating apple skin, just remove it before feeding them apples.

How Much Apples Can Dogs Eat?

Most dogs can tolerate one or two apples a day if you work up to this amount gradually. When new foods, such as apples are introduced, it takes time for your dog’s digestive system to adjust itself. For apples, like with other fruits, feed several slices the first time and then watch for any signs of distress.

If your dog doesn’t show signs of distress, you can gradually increase the number of apples, up to two apples daily for large dogs. For any dog that shows signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, or other severe symptoms after eating apples, seek immediate assistance from a professional veterinarian.

To see how dog’s react to similar fruits, see our articles on Can Dogs Eat Watermelon, Oranges and Blueberries.