Can Dogs Eat Apples?

They may keep the doctor away for humans (or at least that’s what they say), but can dogs eat apples too? Yes! Dogs can eat sweet, juicy, and nutritious apples in moderation when served properly.

However, due to apples’ natural sugar, some dogs, such as those with diabetes, rapidly growing puppies, or overweight canines, may have a sensitivity, so slow introduction is key.

Here’s how to serve your dog apples and answers to your most frequently asked questions.

Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.

Sure, dogs can eat apples, but are apples good for dogs? Yes, in fact, apples come with several health benefits, including:

• They’re low-calorie and an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K; calcium; and phosphorus.
• They’re high in fiber that acts as a prebiotic to help support a dog’s gastrointestinal health.
• They’re a great source of hydration; they’re about 86 percent water, after all. However, keep in mind that apples shouldn’t be your dog’s main source of hydration—just a treat!
• They can help freshen your pup’s breath by keeping your dog’s teeth free of odor-causing plaque and tartar (though this is no substitution for daily brushing!).
• Apple skin, specifically, is rich in antioxidant polyphenols, which support the immune system and may help ward off cancer and reduce the symptoms of joint disease.

Apples aren’t inherently bad for dogs, but there are some things you’ll want to watch out for. The risks of apples for dogs include:

• The core can be a choking hazard. Make sure you remove the core before giving an apple to your dog to limit choking risks.
• Seeds contain a small amount of cyanide. While it would take many seeds to reach a toxic amount, it’s best to avoid them altogether.
• Too much sugar and fiber can cause digestive upset. Apples are high in fiber and sugar, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating if you overdo it. That’s partly why moderation is key.

Consider apples a treat, which should make up no more than 10% of the total calories of your dog’s daily diet, with the rest coming from a complete and well-balanced dog food.

So, don’t go overboard; limit your dog’s consumption to one or several pieces depending on their size. For reference, a piece should be about a 1/4-inch cube.

While every dog’s tolerance level will be slightly different, here are some general serving size guidelines you can go by:

When feeding apples to your dog as a treat, start by offering one piece and watch for signs of any negative side effects, like vomiting or diarrhea.

If your dog tolerates apples well, you can give them more, but do not exceed the recommended total daily serving amount.

To ensure your dog’s safety, you also want to properly prep the apples.

• Always wash apples well before serving. If available, organic apples grown without synthetic chemicals are a better choice.
• Remove stems, seeds, and cores; and cut apples into small, bite-size pieces. Remember, the core is a choking hazard and the seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide, so it’s best to keep away from our pups.

As for how to actually serve apples your dog? Here are some ideas:

• Chop and seed the apple, then add to your dog’s regular food.
• Feed one-by-one as a special treat.
• Use as a training treat for dogs who love them.
• Make a homemade applesauce by simmering peeled and chopped apples in a saucepan with a little water until tender. Cool before serving. (Serving size is about 1 tablespoon per day.)
• Mix apples with xylitol-free peanut butter and stuff into a KONG toy as a tasty puzzle-solver.
• Freeze apple pieces and give your dog an apple-cicle as a treat!

If you want to get a little more creative, you can make homemade dog treats. Here are some of our favorite recipes that feature apples or no-sugar-added applesauce:

• Back-to-School Apple-Shaped Dog Treats
• KONG Classic Dog Treat Recipes

Or treat your pup to apple-flavored, store-bought dog treats! Here are some of our favorites:

Apples aren’t toxic to dogs, but eating too much can cause stomach upset and make them really uncomfortable. Some signs of a dog overdoing it on an apple are:

• Upset stomach
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Loose stool
• Bloating
• Straining to defecate

If you see any of these signs after your dog eats apple, contact your veterinarian for steps on what to do next.

Many dogs love fruit and, fortunately for them, there are several other fruits that are safe (and beneficial!). Some of these are:

• Bananas
• Blackberries
• Blueberries
• Mangoes
• Watermelon

Can dogs eat green apples?

Yes, dogs can eat green apples, and they’re actually a slightly healthier choice than the red varietals.

“Compared to red apples, green apples are a little lower in carbohydrates and sugar and contain a little more vitamin A—an important nutrient for your dog,” says Jerry Klein, DVM, chief veterinary officer of the American Kennel Club.

Can dogs eat apple cores?

No, dogs should not eat apple cores. They have a harder texture than the flesh and can be a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs. Remove the core and seeds before giving your dog apples.

Can dogs eat apple skin?

Yes, dog can eat apple skin in moderation. Apple skin is high in fiber, which can be good for your dog’s digestive tract, but too much can cause stomach upset.

Can dogs eat applesauce?

Before you consider feeding your dog an apple-based product like applesauce, check the label for added sugar. Many “sugar-free” apple sauces contain xylitol, a sugar alcohol that’s toxic to dogs.

This content was medically reviewed by Sandra Mitchell, DVM, a Chewy veterinarian.