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

When plating that half a 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 come with a wide range of health and even hygiene benefits for canines, which is one of the reasons they're veterinarian-approved. Just as they do for humans, the fruit provides your dog with vitamin C, antioxidants, potassium, and fiber. The crunchy texture can also help clean their teeth.Plus, your pup will appreciate the sweet flavor.

But don't think you can simply hand your dog the extra apple in your lunch bag. Apples, even those cut into slices, can present a choking hazard for pets, especially if your canine is a voracious eater. Before feeding your pup the fruit, be sure to cut it into small pieces and remove any 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 deseeded and de-cored apples 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 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.