Yes, You Can Feed Your Dog Apples (But Remember To Do This First)

When you're plating that half pound of chicken for lunch or chopping up fruit and veggies for a morning smoothie, where is your dog most likely to be? Probably at your feet, staring up at you, hoping for a piece to fall, right? Many dogs like to eat the same foods that humans enjoy, and you'll be happy to know that even healthy snacks like apples are on that list. 

Apples provide a wide range of health and even hygiene benefits for dogs, which is one of the reasons they're veterinarian-approved. Just as they do for humans, this fruit provides your dog with vitamin C as well as antioxidants, potassium, and fiber. The crunchy texture can also help clean your dog's teeth.Plus, your pup will appreciate the sweet flavor.

But don't think this means you can simply hand your dog the extra apple in your lunch bag that you didn't eat. Apple chunks can present a choking hazard for pets, especially if your dog is a voracious eater. Before handing your pup the fruit, be sure to cut it into small pieces and remove any pieces with seeds or core bits. These parts of the apple contain cyanide, and although it would take a large amount to harm your pet, it's best to discard them to be on the safe side. Plus, your dog likely wouldn't be a fan of the taste or texture anyway.

There are other ways to work apples into your dog's diet that go beyond handing them raw pieces. For instance, you can blend pieces of apple into dog-friendly yogurt and freeze it for a tasty summer snack. You can also blend them into a puree with water and top their kibble with it. The sweet flavor may entice them to eat more.

However, be careful of overdoing it. If you left it up to your pup, they would probably scarf down an entire diced apple with every meal. However, eating too many apple bits can make them sick, leaving you to care for a dog with an upset stomach. It's best to give them no more than one serving a day. This equates to about two bite-sized pieces for an extra-small breed, two to three for a small breed, five to six for a medium breed, and a small handful for a large or extra-large breed.