Can puppies eat apples?

Written by Napo HQ
Reviewed by Dr Tamir Spiegel
8th Jan 2024
4 mins read
Summary
Apples are a safe and healthy treat that your pup can eat. They have nutrients and fibre which are all good for your puppy’s health. Always wash the apple and remove the core and seeds before your pup eats any. And cut it into small bite-sized chunks to prevent choking.
Apples are a healthy, crunchy snack and no doubt your pup’s come to investigate whenever you’ve eaten one. So you’ve probably wondered if puppies can eat apples. So we’ll explain if pus can have a taste, and talk about the ways this fruit can be good for your pup when prepped safely.
Some foods that are safe for humans can be unsafe to puppies and dogs. For example, chocolate and grapes. You should always check with a vet before feeding your pup anything new. Even if you can eat them, your pup won’t always be able to.

Can puppies eat apples?

Yes, generally puppies can eat apples. These seasonal fruits aren’t toxic to puppies or dogs and are safe for them to eat in moderation. 
You can feed apples to your pup on their own or as an ingredient in a treat. Cut the apple into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. And always wash any fruit you serve your pup, including apples. Some apples may be treated with pesticides, so washing them is important. 
It’s also important to remove the core. It can be a choking hazard or cause a blockage in your pup's digestive system. Plus the seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide. Even though this is only in small amounts, it can still be toxic to dogs if they eat too much.
Always introduce new treats slowly to ensure your puppy doesn't have any bad reactions. And although apples are typically healthy, eating too many of them can cause an upset stomach. So make sure they’re kept as a treat.
If you’re worried because your pup has a pre-existing health condition or allergies, talk to your vet before adding any new foods to their diet.

Can puppies have apples with skin?

Yes, puppies can have apples with the skin. Apple skin has additional fibre and nutrients that can be good for your pup. But the apple skin can also increase the choking hazard because it can be harder to chew. Always cut up any fruit into small pieces so it’s easier to eat and chew. If you think your pup might struggle to chew through it, peel the apple skin off before giving it to your pup.

Can puppies drink apple juice?

Puppies shouldn’t drink apple juice, or any other fruit juice. Juices are acidic and have high levels of sugar. These two things can cause stomach problems, weight gain, and other health issues for puppies, even in small amounts. Stick to water if your pup is thirsty. If you want to introduce your puppy to the flavour of apples, you can offer small amounts of fresh apples instead.

Can puppies have applesauce?

Plain applesauce is safe for puppies to have if it doesn’t have added sugar, additives, or artificial sweeteners. Some sweeteners are toxic to puppies and dogs, and added sugar can increase the risk of diabetes, dental disease, and obesity. And apple sauce is a treat, so only give a little bit to your pup. Or maybe use it to sweeten homemade dog treats.

 Can puppies have apple crumble or pie?

No, puppies shouldn't eat apple crumble or apple pie. Crumbles, pies, and other desserts contain a lot of sugar and fat. If your pup has too much sugar, it could lead to gastrointestinal upset, obesity, and dental disease. Too much fat can also be linked to a condition called pancreatitis, which is potentially fatal. Puddings also have other ingredients you may not know about that could be toxic to your pup, like nutmeg. As a general rule, human desserts aren’t healthy (or safe!) for your pup and they shouldn’t have them. 
If you want to feed your pup a fruity snack or sweet treat, stick to giving them plain apples.

Are apples good for puppies?

Yes, apples can be a healthy and tasty treat for puppies. Apples are a good source of essential nutrients like vitamin C, which is important for a puppy's immune system. There’s Vitamin A which helps with vision and a healthy coat. They also have dietary fibre and the crunchy texture can be a satisfying chewing experience for puppies.
Apples and other fruits and vegetables, like blackberries or carrots, should be a treat. While they have nutritional benefits, your puppy should only have a little bit, which of course will limit how much of the nutritional benefits they get.
If you find your pup isn’t into apples, don’t worry. They don’t need to be eating it to have a healthy diet. They should be getting all the vitamins and nutrients they need from a complete dog food tat's made for their age.

What age can puppies eat apples?

Puppies can usually start eating apples when they’re about 3 months old, when they'll be fully weaned and eating solid food. If you want to give your pup some apple, do it slowly and carefully. Start with small, bite-sized pieces of apple to see if your puppy can tolerate the new food, and seems to enjoy it. 
You should also talk to your vet before introducing your pup to new foods. It's a good habit to get into. Vets can give you specific advice for your puppy's needs, considering things like breed, size, and any existing health conditions or medications, before saying if a food is safe for them to eat or not.

Recap: Can puppies eat apples?

Puppies can eat apples if they're plain, just remember to keep them as a treat. If you feed your dog apples, keep it as a treat. Feed them as plain fruit, or use it as an ingredient in homemade dog treats.
Although apples are typically safe and nutritious for your pup to eat, don’t feed them any foods with apples as a flavour or ingredient, like apple juice or apple crumble. These foods are too full of sugar and fat to be a safe or healthy treat for your furry friend.

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