Joanna Wilson
Many fruits are nutritious treats for our canine companions. However, particular elements of the fruit might be poisonous to our dogs when they enjoy these delectable treats. There appears to be some confusion about apples and which parts are acceptable for dogs to consume. Is it true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away for our dogs as well?
Absolutely. Apples, including the peels, are safe for dogs to consume. You’re not fully out of the woods, though. Let’s talk about the advantages and disadvantages of eating the whole apple.
Table of Contents
Dogs Love Apples
Apples may prove to be a hit with your canine companion. Apple munching is popular among dogs because of its sweet flavor and pleasant crunch. It’s also a fantastic thing. Apples are high in nutrients and have numerous health benefits for your four-legged buddy.
Read Also: Can Cats Eat Honey? All You Need To Know
Apples of Various Types
Apples come in a variety of flavors, and your dog may favor one over the other. Dogs do not love bitter flavors as much as humans do, therefore sweeter kinds are more likely to appeal to them.
Apples that are sweet and delicious include:
- Honeycrisp
- Gala
- Golden Delicious
- Jonagold
- Red Delicious
- Sweetie
- Ambrosia
- Fuji
Apples’ Health Benefits
Apples come in a variety of flavors, textures, and health advantages. Because sharing is caring, you can also enjoy this snack with your dog! Apples have numerous health benefits for both dogs and people.
Apples are:
- Loaded with Natural Prebiotics: prebiotics help your dog with gut health, aiding in smooth digestion.
- Excellent for Dental Health: apples clean teeth and freshen breath, allowing your dog to give you kisses that don’t smell like death.
- High in Dietary Fiber: fiber is another digestive property. With regular apple snacks, your dog can stay regular when it comes to potty time.
- Packed with Antioxidants: antioxidants are free radicals that help the body, preventing cell damage. They have what are called phytonutrients, which have anti-inflammatory properties and boost the immune system.
- Low in Sodium: even though sodium is a necessary ingredient for your dog to thrive, too much is no good. Apples don’t have much, so you won’t have to worry about risks.
- High in Vitamins and Minerals: apples contain riboflavin, thiamin, vitamin B6, vitamin K, vitamin C, potassium, phosphorus, and calcium.
Read Also: Can Cats Eat Peanuts? All You Need to Know
Risks of Dog’s Eating Apples with Skin
Even though apple peels are fine for your dog to eat, there are some safeguards you’re allowed to take.
Pesticides
Pesticides are frequently applied on the outside of apples to prevent bugs from eating the skin. Apples are high on the pesticide list, ranking fourth among fruits and vegetables with the most pesticide residue.
Although washing your apple can help eliminate some of these chemicals, it may not be enough for some people. Because of the potential for harm, many dog owners prefer to peel the apple before giving it to their pet dog.
Seeds
Whether you choose to feed your dog the apple peel or the core, you must always remove the core. Apple cores are a choking hazard on their own, but the seeds are equally dangerous if your dog eats too many.
When apple seeds are chewed, they release a little amount of cyanide. If your dog chews on a seed, the cyanide in the seed will be released into their system. Even if a handful won’t cause any problems, it’s always a good idea to remove them just in case.
Organic Fruit: Its Importance
When it comes to dogs eating apples, choosing organic fruit reduces a lot of possible concerns. The main reason for this is because organic fruit does not contain the same potentially dangerous chemical sprays that regular peels do. If you’re worried about the peel, go for organic!
Apples and Canine Allergies
Quercetin, a component in apples, has a lesser-known benefit. This chemical in apples, also known as nature’s Benadryl, can help with allergies.
Quercetin has the ability to “turn off” histamine and reduce inflammation. It’s something you can try if your dog is prone to scratching and itching. What harm can it possibly cause?
Conclusion Dogs and Apple Peels
So now you know that apple peels are safe for your canine companion to consume. Before you give your dog an apple, make sure it’s washed and cored. If you’re still concerned about pesticides in the peels, you may always peel them or buy organic.
In any case, apples are a great, natural food that every dog should enjoy from time to time.
Read Also: Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Ham?
