Yes, dogs can eat an apple whether it is green or red. Apples can be used as healthy, affordable, and low-calorie treats to dogs compared to treats bought in stores. They are filled with nutrients such as vitamins A and C, minerals like calcium and phosphorous, as well as dietary fiber that helps with an upset stomach.
Green apples might taste sourer than red apples, so your pet might not be too keen on eating them. When you introduce a fruit in their diet, only add a couple of chunks or slices and gauge their reactions to see if the food agrees with their stomach. Moderation is also important as you are introducing them to something new.
Before giving your beloved furry friend an apple slice, be sure to remove the seeds as they are found to contain little amounts of amygdalin. MedicalNewsToday state that amygdalin is part of the seed’s chemical defense, and when the seeds are crushed or the covering of the seed is damaged, the amygdalin turns into cyanide which is highly poisonous to the body.
Cyanide interferes with the supply of oxygen in cells which could lead to heart failure, coma, and even death.
Can dogs eat crab apples?
Crab apples are like miniature versions of the ordinary apple that we know. Although they differ in size, they are still part of the apple genus family called Malus. A horticulture specialist and professor at Colorado State University by the name of J. Klett says that if the fruit from the Malus genus family is larger than 2 inches in diameter, it is in an apple. On the other hand, if it’s 2 or less, it is a crab apple.
Like apples, crab apples also contain the same nutrients found in ordinary apples. It has a tart flavor and can be a healthy treat for dogs, especially for pups due to its small size. Still, you need to properly prepare the apple treats and make sure that the size you feed them with won’t choke them, particularly the pups.
As crab apples contain the same nutrients, they also contain the same chemical property as amygdalin. Although a few eaten seeds won’t hurt, cyanide might accumulate in their bodies and pose a problem. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, cardiovascular and respiratory issues, digestive problems, coma, and worst, death.
Can dogs eat granny smith apples?
Yes, dogs can eat apples of any variety including granny smith apples. These crisp and tart-flavored apples are usually used for baking treats such as apple pie. Regardless of variety, the benefits received are the same as that of ordinary apples.
Apples, like oranges, are a good source of vitamin C. Christine Keyserling, DVM at The Animal Medical Center in NYC, stated in an interview that the liver of some dogs cannot produce enough vitamin C due to huge stress and workouts.
Apples are considered healthy treats to give to your dogs as they contain vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. They also contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. Also, they help with dogs’ dental hygiene and keep their breath fresh.
Can dogs eat apple skin?
Pet owners usually feed their dear companions the flesh of the apple and often wonder if the apple skin is safe for their dogs to eat. The answer is yes. The apple flesh and skin are the only healthy parts of the apple that can be safely consumed.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, both the flesh of the apple and its skin contain fiber, potassium, and other nutrients; however, the latter has a higher percentage. If you try to feed them with the skin of the apple, watch out for any adverse effects like diarrhea or they might choke on the skin.
Different dog breeds have different responses like that of the consumption of grapes. Although grapes are toxic to dogs, some can bear to eat it without showing any symptoms. That said, certain dogs can eat apple slices with the skin on while there are those whose stomachs won’t agree to them, so it’s important to be mindful of your furry friend’s preference.
Can dogs eat dried apples?
There are many ways to prepare apples, and one of them is through dried or dehydrated apples. However, feeding your pet dried apples is a major concern for pet owners. Regarding the question, dogs can eat dried apples but in moderation and little amounts to avoid upsetting the stomach or digestive problems.
To keep dogs feeling cool and hydrated, some feed their dogs with watermelon since 90% of it is water. Apples also have water content, but in the case of dried or dehydrated apples, its water content is leached. Dried apples still have the nutrients like that of the hydrated ones but without the hydration.
In conclusion, the flesh and skin of an apple are healthy and safe to consume regardless of the apple variety. They’re a good source of nutrients that are essential for dogs regardless of their age.
A few things to remember to get dogs to eat fruits of any kind of apples, in this case, is by adding small amounts into their diet and doing it in moderation. Monitor your dogs and check if they start vomiting or have diarrhea.
Lastly, remove the apple core, the seeds, and the stem before feeding the dogs apple slices to prevent any trips to the veterinarian for poisoning or severe cases.