Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Yes, dogs can eat apples. Apple slices are a crunchy, low-fat treat for most dogs, as long as you remove the core, seeds and stem.^1,2 Apple seeds contain a compound that releases cyanide, but a few swallowed seeds are very unlikely to harm a dog. The bigger risk from a whole core is choking or a blockage.^2,3 Plain, unsweetened applesauce is fine too, but skip apple pie and sweetened products.¹

Apple Nutrition for Dogs

Apples are mostly water and fiber, with some vitamin C and potassium. They contain very little vitamin A, despite what you may read.⁴

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central values for raw apples with skin and dried apples. Drying concentrates the sugar, so give smaller portions of dried apple.^4,5,2

How Much Apple Can a Dog Eat?

A healthy adult dog's treats, including fruit, should be no more than about 10 percent of daily calories.^6,7 Using the Merck Veterinary Manual's energy formula for a neutered adult, that works out to roughly 35 calories of treats a day for a 10-pound dog, 59 for a 20-pound dog, 98 for a 40-pound dog, 150 for a 70-pound dog and 196 for a 100-pound dog.⁸ Your dog's real needs depend on age, activity and body condition. The American Kennel Club says a slice or two is enough.¹ PetMD's suggested daily amounts, using pieces about 1 inch wide and a quarter inch thick, are below.²

Piece calories are our estimates, based on a 1 by 1 by 1/4 inch piece weighing about 4 grams.

How to Serve Apples to Your Dog

• Wash the apple, then remove the core, seeds and stem.²
• Cut it into thin slices or small cubes. The peel is safe for most dogs, but peel it for dogs with sensitive stomachs.²
• Freeze apple pieces or plain applesauce in an ice cube tray for a summer treat.¹
• Red and green apples are both fine. Green apples are just tarter.²
• Apples don't replace tooth brushing, even though chewing them can help scrape the teeth a little.¹

Are Apple Seeds Poisonous to Dogs?

Apple seeds, stems and leaves contain amygdalin, a compound that releases cyanide when the seeds are crushed and digested. Wilting leaves are the most toxic.^9,3 A dog would need to eat a large number of seeds for this to matter, so a dog that swallows the seeds from one apple is very unlikely to be poisoned.^2,1 It's still best to remove them. Signs of cyanide poisoning include bright red gums, dilated pupils, trouble breathing, panting and shock, and need emergency care.⁹

My Dog Ate an Apple Core. What Should I Do?

For most dogs, one apple core passes without trouble, and the seeds in it aren't enough to cause poisoning. The main risks are choking and, for small dogs, a core getting stuck in the gut.^2,1 Watch your dog for the next day or two. Call your vet if he vomits, stops eating, has belly pain or strains to poop, which can be signs of a bowel obstruction. Call right away if a small dog ate several cores or if you see any signs of poisoning.

Other Risks

• Too much apple: can cause diarrhea, gas or a sore stomach, and adds sugar.^1,2
• Diabetes and weight: ask your vet before giving fruit to a diabetic dog or a dog on a strict diet.²
• Apple pie and baked goods: high in sugar and fat, and often spiced with nutmeg, which can be toxic in larger amounts.^1,10 Avoid any product sweetened with xylitol.¹¹
• Fallen apples and trees: keep dogs away from wilted leaves, stems and rotting fallen fruit.⁹

Can Puppies Eat Apples?

Yes. Start with a single small slice or cube once your puppy is eating solid food and having treats, usually from about 8 weeks, and watch for stomach upset.^1,7

When to Call the Vet

Call your vet if your dog has a poor appetite, seems tired or uncomfortable, or keeps licking his lips or gulping after eating it. Get care right away for repeated vomiting, severe diarrhea, blood in vomit or stool, weakness or collapse.^12,2 See dog poisoning if you think your dog ate something toxic.

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