No doubt, apples are good for you, but can dogs eat apples too? If you want to serve apples to your dogs as a treat but not exactly sure if you can, then read on for some guidance on apples for dogs.
Are apple good for dogs to eat?
Yes, dogs and puppies can eat apples. And all varieties of apple at that. They can be included in your dog's diet. However, experts recommend that you rotate them with other fruits like bananas and carrots so they don't get tired of the taste and texture.
Is it beneficial to feed them with apples? Certainly. Apples are good for dogs because they are a good source of nutrients that are great for your fur baby. Notably, it is packed with vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and carbohydrates.
You will also love the fact that it is low in calories despite its irresistibly sweet taste. And because it's crunchy too, it can help clean the dog's teeth for good oral health. It is also low in protein and high in fiber, which can help promote their digestive health.
When is an apple bad for your dog?
Experts warn that you keep your dog from eating the apple seeds, stem, and core. Stems and core can be choking hazards, while the seeds contain small amounts of toxic cyanide. Swallowing a few seeds won't likely to cause harm; still, it is advisable to remove seeds before feeding your dog with apple. Some signs that you need to watch out for possible cyanide poisoning include dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, shock, and bright red gums.
As with everything else, serve apples only in moderation as apples contain sugar as well. Too much sugar in your dog's diet is bad, especially if they already have diabetes or other conditions. And it can also cause diarrhea or upset stomach if fed excessively with apples.
Lastly, you need first to check if your pooch is allergic to apples. Check for signs such as sneezing, coughing, breathing difficulty, and swelling. If any of these or other signs are observed, then stop feeding your dog with apples and contact your vet as soon as possible.
What is the best way to serve apples to your dog?
Ensure that you have rinsed the apple well before serving it to your dog. Cut it into slices, remove the stem, seeds, and core. Some would serve it chilled or mixed with other treats. Others turn it into applesauce or mixed it with other fruits.
Here are two delicious apple recipes for dogs you could try at home:
Apple, Peanut Butter & Oat Dog Treat by Puppy Leaks. You will need rolled oats (1 cup), flour (1/2 cup), peanut butter (¼ cup), an egg, and two apples. Preheat your oven to about 300°F. Peel the apples and remove core, then dice into smaller pieces.
Mix it with the rest of the ingredients. Roll out the dough until it is about ½ inch in thickness then cut it into pieces using a cookie cutter. You may then place the cut pieces onto the baking sheet and bake it for about 15 minutes or until the bottom turns brown.
Apple Crunch Pupcakes by Candiquick. What you need? Water (2 cups), apple sauce (¼ cup), vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon), egg (1), honey (4 tablespoons), whole wheat flour (4 cups), baking powder (1 tablespoon), chopped apples (1 cup), vanilla CANDIQUICK Coating (6 ounces).
Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix the apple sauce, vanilla, egg, honey, and water. Mix the whole wheat flour and baking powder and stir it into the rest of the wet ingredients. Then, fold in the chopped apples.
Spoon the mixture into the greased muffin tins before baking for about 35 minutes. Once cooled, melt the vanilla coating following the package directions. Then pour it into the piping bag and create your designs.
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