Can dogs eat Apples?
Yes - in moderation
Yes - apples are safe for dogs in moderation, as long as you remove the core and pips. The flesh is a crunchy, low-fat treat with useful fibre and vitamins. Just lose the seeds and the woody core first.
What happens
Apple flesh is a great treat. It is low in fat, high in fibre, and carries vitamins A and C, which is why you see it in plenty of dog foods and treats. The crunch is good for a dog that likes to gnaw. The two things to remove are the core, which is a choking and blockage risk, and the pips.
How much is safe?
A few slices is a sensible treat for any size of dog, a few times a week. Apples are sweet, so treat them like a snack rather than a meal filler. As with any treat, keep the total under a tenth of your dog's daily calories.
How to prepare it
Wash it, cut it into slices or bite-sized chunks, and cut out the core and every pip. Leave the skin on, since that is where a lot of the fibre lives. Serve plain - no caramel, no apple pie, no dried apple crisps with added sugar.
Symptoms to watch for
Apple pips contain a tiny amount of a cyanide-releasing compound. A stray pip or two will not hurt a dog, but there is no reason to feed them, so core the apple. Too much apple in one go can loosen the stools for a day.
When to call the vet
Coring the apple removes almost all the risk. If your dog swallows a large piece of core and then struggles to swallow, retches repeatedly, or seems bloated, contact your vet in case of a blockage.
Can dogs eat these?
Common questions
Can dogs eat apple skin?
Yes. The skin is safe and holds a good share of the fibre. Just wash it first to remove any surface residue, and cut the apple into manageable pieces.
Are apple seeds poisonous to dogs?
Apple pips contain a trace of a cyanide-releasing compound, so they are best removed. A single stray pip is not an emergency, but you should never deliberately feed the core or seeds.
Can dogs eat applesauce?
Only plain, unsweetened applesauce, and only a little. Most shop-bought applesauce has added sugar, and some sugar-free versions contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs - so read the label.
Looking for a food to feed instead? browse the directory or read the guides.
This is label analysis, not veterinary advice - if your dog has a health condition, talk to your vet before switching foods.