Can dogs eat apples?

Updated 22/04/2024

It's only natural to wonder - are apples okay for dogs and can dogs eat apples in the way that we humans can. Afterall, apples are one of the most popular fruits in the human world, not to mention their pride of place in the desserts, cakes and pastries we all know and love. So, can dogs eat apples? Well fortunately for your canine companions, yes, generally dogs can eat apples safely. There are - as always - a few things to consider when feeding your pooch a so-called 'human' food, and we'll get into all of those below.  

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Are apples poisonous to dogs?

If you're here because you're wondering - can dogs eat apples, you'll be pleased to find out that it's a yes, which of course means they're not poisonous to dogs. In fact, apples can (on occasion) make for not only a refreshing, but also nutritious treat for your canine pals.

Can dogs eat apple cores?

So, we know that dogs can eat apples now, but are apples safe for dogs with their core left in? In short, no - you shouldn't be giving your pooch your apple core after you've enjoyed the best part of the fruit. Not only because that feels slightly second rate, but also because the core of course contains apple seeds, which are poisonous to dogs if consumed in high amounts. Plus, as the core itself is a different texture to the rest of the fruit, it can be hard to digest and poses choking risks and the chance of gastrointestinal blockages.  

Are apples good for dogs?

 Apples are considered a healthy snack for us humans - they're packed with vitamins and an apple a day keeps the doctor away (or so the old saying goes). But is it the same for dogs? Debatable. While our furry friends certainly can benefit from the micronutrients present in apples, they're high in sugar which means you should never go overboard. Plus, if your pup is overweight or suffers from dog diabetes, you should avoid altogether. And if you're unsure, contact your vet before your pup gets involved during snack time.   

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Health benefits of eating apples for dogs

So, now we've settled the question - can dogs eat apples - let's take a look at some of the health benefits the odd chomp on an apple could have for your pooch.  Apples are packed with fiber, vitamins C and E, iron, and zinc, along with many other antioxidants. With that said though, if your furry pal enjoys a decent, nutritionally rich diet through their dog food, they shouldn't need the additional goodness that apples provide for us humans.  However, apples can provide a useful healthier treat or reward option.

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Feeding your dog apples

When feeding your dog apples, they should be cut into pieces to avoid them becoming a choking hazard or blockage. As we’ve mentioned, while apples are clearly rich in a range of valuable nutrients, they simply aren't the best choice for every dog. Why? Well if your pup is struggling with their weight or has dog diabetes, apples should be completely avoided due to their high sugar levels. Aside from that, apples should be a safe snack for your pooch pal in moderation as part of a balanced diet. So, to make sure you're feeding your dog apples in the best way possible for them, let's explore some common questions around the topic. 

Are apple seeds poisonous for dogs?

If you're sat here thinking - my dog ate an apple core - what should I do - you should monitor your pup's behavior, making sure they're not experiencing any abdominal pain and can go to the toilet comfortably. We'd also advise contacting your vet for advice - more information on your pup and how much was consumed will help your furry pal get the care they need. And when it comes to the seeds, yes, apple seeds are poisonous for both dogs and humans because they contain cyanide, but your pup (in most cases) will only experience symptoms of toxicity if huge amounts of apple seeds were consumed.   

Can dogs eat apple skin?

Can dogs have apples if they're not peeled? Certainly - in fact, apple skin provides extra fiber which is always good news. Do however tread cautiously if you know your pup has a sensitive stomach - the skin could cause an upset as it's slightly tougher to digest than the flesh.  

Can dogs eat green apples?

Green apples are perfectly safe for your pup, provided when preparing apples for dogs it's served with the core and seed removed.

Can dogs have red apples?

Red apples are certainly safe for dogs, and might even be more popular with your furry friend due to their sweeter taste. 

Can dogs have Granny Smith apples? 

Granny Smith apples are perfectly safe for dogs, although your pup might wince slightly at their sharp taste, so consider having red apples on hand just in case!  

Can puppies eat apples? 

Always tread carefully when trying your pup on new foods, so start with a small slice and make sure they don't experience diarrhea or any other reactions. While most of the time feeding your dog apples is perfectly safe, it's always worth having your vet's contact number to hand, just in case your pup's stomach says no to the apple snacks.

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Other apple products

Can dogs eat cinnamon applesauce?

While small amounts of cinnamon shouldn't do any harm, dogs shouldn't be eating any applesauce due to the sheer amount of added sugar. 

Can dogs eat apple pie?

While your pup might pine for a chomp on the apple pie that's laying so delectably on the kitchen side, it's a no go for dogs. Apple pie is packed with fat and sugar that dogs simply don't need.

Is unsweetened applesauce good for dogs?

If we're talking home-stewed apples served with nothing but the apples themselves, then go for it - your pup might enjoy the softer texture. Just make sure your apple sauce is homemade and doesn't contain any additional ingredients. 

Related article: Can dogs eat cantaloupe?

Meet our veterinary expert, Greg

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Greg Steele MA VETMB MRCVS. A mixed vet working in the UK since qualifying from Cambridge University in 2015. Greg enjoys working with all species of animals in all settings, but equally takes pride in communication and education of clients too. He lives with his wife and their cat, and enjoys a variety of sports, gardening, and the great outdoors.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

So, we've settled the question - can dogs eat apples - in fact, dogs and apples make quite a good match if it's a seedless, cored apple slice we're talking about. That might leave you wondering - what other foods can dogs eat? Take a look below. 

• Bananas
• Corn off the cob
• Mushrooms