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For humans, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." But, what about dogs? Thankfully, your canine companion can enjoy these sweet crispy treats as much as you do. Most canines love this treat!

Are Apples Good for Dogs?

Yes, apples are good for dogs. Apples are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants. They're chock full of fiber, especially in the peels, which helps dogs maintain a healthy weight while assisting with their digestion.

Apples are a low-calorie treat that's perfect for any dog needing to lose or maintain their weight. But since each apple has about 19 grams of sugar, a whole apple will likely be too much for your dog. Even so, apples are a great way to satisfy your dog's sweet tooth (unlike sweet treats like chocolate or other human foods that can harm your furry friend).

The act of chewing an apple can help clean your dog's teeth, but apple peels can get stuck between their teeth. Eating apples shouldn't substitute for regular dental care like daily brushings and regular veterinary dental cleanings.

How Many Apples Can Dogs Eat?

Your canine companion may love crunching on apples, but don't let them have too much. Eating an excess of apples can lead to your dog experiencing a bellyache or diarrhea, so always serve them in moderation. Just an apple slice or two is enough to satisfy your dog's cravings.

Puppies can also eat apples. If you haven't given them apples before, start with a small amount, like a slice or small cube. Watch them to make sure they don't have an allergic reaction. See if they experience any digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog has problems, refrain from feeding them apples and contact a veterinarian as needed.

Scottish Terriers playing in the grass.

How to Safely Prepare Apples for Dogs

Note: Do not feed the seeds or the core of an apple to a dog as they contain a small amount of cyanide and may act as a choking hazard.

Begin by washing and scrubbing your apples to remove any bacteria and germs. Supermarket apples, like many other fruits and vegetables, are treated with pesticides, which makes rinsing them off especially important.

Keep the seeds far, far away from your precious pooch: the seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, a toxin, which can harm your dog in large doses. The tough apple core, and the stem, could also choke your dog. If your dog eats an apple core or seeds, you need to watch them for any signs of digestive trouble or blockage, like choking.

Cut apples into slices or small cubes so that your dog can easily eat them. Peeling the apple will make it easier for your dog to digest and reduce the amount of fiber they get.

And remember, just because dogs love apples doesn't mean that they can eat apple pie. The added sugar and golden crust that humans enjoy are too much for dogs, though they will survive sneaking a bite (or a slice). However, if your dog eats an apple pie that includes nutmeg, which includes a toxin called myristicin, they may experience problems, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. In small doses, nutmeg might cause mild gastrointestinal distress. In very large doses, it can cause hallucinations, high blood pressure, and seizures.

Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?

Yes, dogs can safely eat plain applesauce! But applesauce generally includes added sugars, so always choose unsweetened applesauce and give it to them in moderation.

You can freeze applesauce in ice cube trays and share with your dog after a long walk or on a hot summer day.

How to Feed Apples to Dogs

Many dogs love the satisfying crunch of this cool treat as well as the taste. Of course, dogs love eating apples raw, but you can also prepare apple treats with dog-friendly recipes.

The simplest way to prepare roasted apple chips for dogs is to bake thinly sliced (and cored) apple slices at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours until completely crispy.

Apple peanut butter cookies are destined to hit your dog's sweet spot. Combine four cups of ground oat flour, 2/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce, a half cup of peanut butter, and two eggs. Cut out cookies and bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

One of our favorite recipes is for apple pretzels for dogs, an easy-to-make treat that includes only three ingredients: almond flour, eggs, and unsweetened applesauce.

Related article: Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Cant Eat

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