Can dogs eat apples – sparkling cyanide

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Can dogs eat apples

Apples are one of the most popular fruits with over 7,000 varieties available, and they are incredibly versatile. They come in a variety of colors, are good for eating, and cooking and on top of that are good for our health.

But can dogs eat apples, or should we be careful of sharing this sweet treat with our dogs? The good news is that apples are safe for dogs to eat in small quantities.

Are apples good for dogs?

Apples, along with other fruits such as bananas and peaches, can be a tasty treat for your dog. They are nutritious and an easy-to-digest source of vitamins and minerals. High in fiber, apples are also a good source of vitamin C and K, contain phytochemicals that contribute to overall health and support the immune system.

Not only that, but apples also provide small amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that can go a long way in keeping your dog’s coat and skin in good condition.

What’s more, apples are low in calories, and although the sugar content is relatively high, eating a slice of apple can actually help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen up that doggy breath.

Always feed your dog fresh apples, rather than canned or dehydrated apples. Slice them or feed them to your dog in small pieces. 

Can dogs eat apple peel?

Like most fruits and vegetables, the skin or peel is just, if not more, nutritious than the flesh. In fact, an unpeeled apple contains over 100 percent more Vitamin C than a peeled one.

Dogs can eat the skin and reap the benefits of increased fiber and antioxidants, boosting this popular fruit’s health advantages.

How much apple can I feed my dog?

Although apples are not toxic to dogs, as with any food, if you’ve never given your dog apples before, moderation is key. It’s a good idea to introduce a small piece first and then monitor your dog to ensure no adverse effects.

Because apples are high in fiber and sugar, feeding your dog too much at once could cause digestive issues. Not only that, but regularly feeding your dog sugary treats is not good for your dog’s teeth.

So while apples can be good for dogs and add interest to your dog’s diet, some other fruits and vegetables contain less sugar and might offer a healthier alternative.

Can dogs eat apple seeds?

Although a slice of apple may be a healthy low-fat treat substitute for your dog, you should never feed your dog the seeds as they could adversely affect your dog’s health.

The seeds contain cyanide and sugar within a molecule called amygdalin. If the seeds are chewed or broken, the sugar part of the molecule is effectively cut off when it comes into contact with human or animal enzymes. This leaves the remainder of the molecule to decompose and produce hydrogen cyanide, a poisonous gas.

While it’s very unlikely that your dog would eat enough seeds for the low-level cyanide to be a problem, it’s best to stay safe and remove them before giving your dog apples.

Can dogs eat the apple core?

Remove the core along with the seeds as it presents a choking hazard. Some dogs love fruit and will try to eat the whole thing without chewing. While the flesh of the apple is relatively soft, the core is much harder.

There is a risk, although small, that the apple core could get stuck and cause an obstruction either in your dog’s throat or further in their digestive system.

Health risks of apples for dogs

An apple a day might not be the best option if your dog has any existing health problems. Although vitamins, minerals, and fiber are all considered beneficial, fruit like apples, bananas, and strawberries are a high-sugar snack.

Dogs with kidney disease shouldn’t eat apples as they may react badly to the additional levels of fatty acids and calcium in apples, and dogs with diabetes should steer clear of all sugary fruit.

So can dogs eat apples?

Yes, dogs can eat apples. Apples are a low-fat, healthy snack packed full of vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber that can all contribute to a dog’s good health.

While not an essential part of your dog’s diet, apples can be given in moderation and make a safe sweet treat. The best way to feed your dog apples is in slices, but if you’re feeling adventurous, then why not check out the following recipes and make your dog a very special fruit treat;

Cinnamon Apple Bones

Ingredients

  • 1 large apple (or apple sauce)
  • 1/4-cup honey
  • ½-cup of water
  • ½ -teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1-cup oatmeal
  • 1-1/2 cups whole-wheat flour (or substitute coconut flour)
  • Peanut butter to taste (optional)

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees
  2. Chop up the apple into fine pieces (or use apple sauce)
  3. Combine all of the ingredients except flour. Gradually fold in the flour until your dough is stiff enough to roll out.
  4. The recipe author uses a bone cookie cutter, but you can also drop the dough in circles and flatten it. Bake for 30 minutes, then lightly spread peanut butter over them, if desired.
  5. Cook an additional 30 minutes and let cool. The peanut butter will harden, making a nice, tasty frosting.
  6. Once your concoction is cool, store your dog treats on the counter if you plan to use them in a couple of days or in the fridge/freezer to help them last longer.

Peanut Butter & Apple Sauce Cookies

Ingredients

  • 3 cups whole wheat flour
  • 2 cups quick-cook oats
  • 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky, your choice!)
  • 1 cup unsweetened organic applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4-1/2 cup olive oil or coconut oil, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and cover 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients well.
  3. Knead dough on a lightly floured surface. If the dough is too loose and crumbly, you can add 1/4-1/2 cup olive oil or coconut oil at this point.
  4. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and then cut into shapes with cookie cutters. If you don’t want to use cookie cutters, make small dough balls.
  5. Place cookies on a baking sheet, approximately 1/2 inch apart.
  6. Bake in preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
  7. Let cool, and then serve.

Notes: Store uneaten cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Apple & Bacon Dog Treats

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shredded apple
  • ⅓ cup bacon grease (preferably cold from the fridge)
  • 1 tsp molasses
  • ¼ ground flaxseed (optional)
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour (add ¼ cup if omitting flax)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350º F (or 180º C).
  2. Shred apples until you have a cup of loosely packed apple.
  3. In a food processor with the dough hook attached, add bacon grease, shredded apple, and molasses and pulse to combine.
  4. Add flour (and flaxseed if using) gradually, about a quarter cup at a time. Pulse until combined. It’ll look chunky, but it’ll come together when kneading by hand.
  5. If you want to avoid bacon grease on your hands, put on some latex gloves. Knead the dough to bring it together.
  6. Flatten dough onto a piece of parchment or wax paper (less clean-up!) and put another piece of parchment or wax paper between the dough and the roller, then roll out dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
  7. Cut into shapes and place on a non-stick baking sheet, or if using parchment paper, re-use the top layer on the sheet. Even less clean-up!
  8. Bake at 350º F for 22 minutes, flipping halfway through. Turn oven off, and leave treats in a warm oven for an additional 5–10 minutes to ensure they are dried out and have a better shelf life.