Can dogs eat Apricots?
In small amounts, with care
In moderation - fresh apricot flesh is safe in small amounts, but the stone contains cyanide compounds and dried apricots are a concentrated hit of sugar.
Last reviewed
What happens
Apricot flesh is not toxic. It is a decent source of beta-carotene and fibre, and a small piece is a fine occasional treat. As with every stone fruit, the kernel inside the stone is the danger: it contains amygdalin, which releases cyanide when crushed or chewed. Apricot kernels are notorious for this and are sold as a health food for humans, which means they sometimes turn up loose in kitchen cupboards where a dog can reach them - that is a more concentrated exposure than a stone in a fruit. The stone itself is also a choking and obstruction hazard. Dried apricots are the other common problem: drying concentrates the sugar dramatically, and many are treated with sulphite preservatives.
How much is safe?
One or two small pieces of fresh de-stoned flesh for a medium or large dog, occasionally. Dried apricots are best avoided entirely.
How to prepare it
Fresh ripe apricot, washed, stone removed entirely, flesh chopped small. Never the kernel, never dried apricots, never tinned in syrup, and keep any bag of apricot kernels well out of reach.
Symptoms to watch for
Sugar and fibre cause loose stools. Cyanide poisoning presents as bright red gums, dilated pupils, laboured breathing, wobbliness or collapse and is an emergency. A swallowed stone may cause vomiting, straining and abdominal pain.
When to call the vet
Immediately if your dog has eaten apricot kernels or crushed a stone, or shows red gums or breathing difficulty. Also call if a stone was swallowed and vomiting or straining follows.
Can dogs eat these?
Common questions
Are apricot kernels dangerous for dogs?
Yes, and more so than the stone in a fruit, because kernels sold as a health food are shelled and concentrated. They contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide. Keep any packet well out of reach and ring your vet if your dog has eaten some.
Can dogs eat dried apricots?
Better not. Drying concentrates the sugar substantially, and many dried apricots are treated with sulphite preservatives. They are not toxic like raisins, but there is nothing in them your dog needs.
How much fresh apricot can a dog have?
One or two small pieces of de-stoned flesh for a medium or large dog, occasionally. It is sweet and fibrous, so more than that tends to mean loose stools.
Sources
Veterinary and animal-welfare references behind this verdict. We are not vets - these are the published sources we read.
- Food Hazards in Animals MSD Veterinary Manual
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets ASPCA Animal Poison Control
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.