Can dogs eat Apples?

September 22, 2022
by Dr. Evelyn Kass, DVM
animal veterinarian with over 30 years experience in all aspects of veterinary medicine

Dogs can eat apples but there is an important thing to know before feeding them to your dog. Apples are an excellent source of vitamins A and C and fiber for your dog. Apples are a great snack for senior dogs because they are low in protein and fat. However, before feeding to your dog, make sure to remove the core and seeds! As with any new treat, moderation is the key because too many apples may cause gastrointestinal upset.

Are Apples Good for Dogs?

Next time your four-legged friend gives you puppy eyes for a slice of your apple, don't worry about sharing. Apples are a great low-calorie snack for dogs and are packed with health benefits. To know how many apples you can feed your dog, see our feeding chart below.

Health Benefits of Apples for Dogs

  • High in vitamin C for immune system support
  • High fiber content to support digestion
  • Vitamin A promotes eye health and quality of skin, coat, muscles, and nerves
  • Calcium and Phosphorus help dogs maintain strong teeth and bones
Owner feeding apple to dog

How to Feed Apples to your dog

Apples are a nutritious treat that you can feed to your dog regularly as a treat. However, the number of apples you feed your four-legged friends can have an impact on their health. Continue reading to see how much you can feed your dog.

How Many Apples Can I feed My Dog?

If you're feeding Apples to your dog as a treat, remember that treats should only account for 10% of your dog's caloric intake. Dogs can eat apples as a daily treat, but make sure you're not overfeeding your pup. See the feeding guide below:

Dog Size
Feeding Guide (Max Allowed)
Small Dogs
.2 Apples per Day
Medium Dogs
.45 Apples per Day
Large Dogs
.70 Apples per Day
Extra Large Dogs
1 Apples per Day

There Are Several Ways to Feed Your Dog Apples Safely

After removing the core and seeds, you can feed your dog bananas in many different ways:

  • Feed directly to your dog
  • Frozen slices
  • Chopped up as a topper for dry dog food

What to do if Your Dog Ate Apples:

If your dog ate an apple, there is no need to panic. While apple seeds should not be consumed by your dog, it would require a large amount of consumption to be dangerous. If your dog ate one apple whole, there is no need for concern.

If for some reason your dog is having an adverse reaction to eating an apple, consult your veterinarian immediately.

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Symptoms of an allergic reaction:

Most dogs are not allergic to apples, but in the rare event that your dog is having an allergic reaction after eating apples, they might experience the following symptoms:

  • Itchiness
  • Hives
  • Swelling of the face, ears, lips, eyelids, or earflaps
  • Red, inflamed skin
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy ears
  • Chronic ear infections
  • Itchy, runny eyes
  • Constant licking

Symptoms of poisoning:

Apples are not poisonous for dogs, but if your dog experiences any of the following symptoms, consult your veterinarian immediately:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea can occur within hours of consuming a poisonous substance. Vomit and feces may contain pieces of the substance.
  • Lethargy and weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dehydration
  • Limited urination or no urination
  • Bad breath
  • Tremors and seizures
  • Coma
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