Wondering if apples are good for dogs? If it can hurt you? The truth is that it is one of the most recommended fruits for dogs, due to the multiple benefits it offers and the different uses that we can give it. However, we must take into account some tips when offering this fruit, which we will mention in the post.
Keep reading this article on our site and find out if dogs can eat apple, the benefits it provides and the recommended dose. Do not miss it!
Can you give an apple to a dog?
The apple is a good and recommended fruit for dogs due to the enormous amount of benefits it offers. Even so, it is a food that dogs consume in moderation, due to its sugar content.
We can offer the apple directly raw, as if it were a treat, although it can also be used to include it in different homemade recipes or to make treats for the home, such as delicious dog biscuits apple and carrot.
That's right, the seeds of apples are very harmful to dogs, due to their amygdalin content (composed of sugar, acid hydrocyanic and benzaldehyde). This compound was believed to be beneficial to he alth, but several studies [1] [2] [3] have shown that it is a potentially toxic glycoside.
Benefits of apples for dogs
The apple is one of the most popular fruits, both for humans and dogs, mainly due to the many benefits and uses it offers. Next, on our site, we will explain 10 benefits and uses of apples for dogs:
- Helps hydrate your dog, as it is mainly made up of water.
- This is a purifying fruit, indicated for overweight dogs or those with kidney problems. In this case it is convenient to consult with the veterinarian.
- It is rich in vitamin C, carotenoids, vitamin A and folic acid, so you will see a much he althier coat and skin.
- Its antioxidant properties are known, which help prevent and slow down he alth problems such as cancer or canine brain aging.
- It is high in potassium, essential for neuromuscular activity, hydroelectrocytic balance and for the transmission of nerve impulses.
- It also contains other minerals, such as phosphorus, magnesium and calcium, essential for the proper functioning of the body.
- Unlike other foods, apples do not usually cause allergies or hypersensitivity, so it is indicated for dogs that suffer from this type of he alth problem.
- You can substitute apples for dental snacks, as they strengthen and clean teeth, as well as keep your dog entertained.
- Contains tannins, compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which act directly on the irritated gastric mucosa.
- By offering this food at night, you help your dog rest better.
These are some of the properties of the apple, reasons why we can include this food in your diet or as an occasional complement to a diet based on feed. Below we will give you some tips so that you know how and how often to offer it to your dog, as well as its use to treat diarrhea or constipation.
Recommended dose and frequency
Although the apple is a good and beneficial fruit for dogs, the truth is that it is a food that we should not abuse. If we check the composition of an apple we can see that it is made up mainly of water, minerals and carbohydrates, highlighting: fructose, glucose and sucrose, sugars
A high sugar intake can favor the onset of diabetes in your dog, which would require insulin injections, a change in diet, and the vet might even suggest neutering.
Ideally, the apple should be a specific prize or food supplement, which can be offered two to three times a weekA small apple, with skin but without seeds, is enough for your best friend to enjoy and have a good time.
But don't worry, if your dog seems to love fruits and vegetables, you have other options, such as potatoes, broccoli, zucchini, coconut or melon. Remember that dogs are not strict carnivores, they can also consume all kinds of beneficial fruits and vegetables.
Is apple good for dogs with diarrhea?
The apple is one of the most widely used home remedies for diarrhea in dogs. It is an excellent intestinal regulator due to pectin, a type of fiber it contains. But the most surprising thing is that it is also a food indicated for constipation, in which case it should be offered raw.
Pectin is present in many fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, beans and even spirulina, an algae that is very popular today. This type of fiber, present in the skin, is capable of absorbing gastric juices, in turn eliminating toxins and harmful cholesterol.
For all these reasons, the apple is indicated in different intestinal problems, such as gastritis, intestinal inflammation or colitis, for example.
How to give an apple to a dog with diarrhea?
To treat diarrhoea, it is best to cook the apple, steamed, boiled or baked, since this way dogs will be able to digest and assimilate it more easily. We also recommend including the skin (since vitamins are found there), but removing the seeds, which are toxic. After cooking the apple, we recommend crushing it until you achieve a texture similar to that of compote.
Finally, if your dog doesn't seem to like the applesauce, you can try mixing it with boiled chicken bits (without s alt or spices) to increase platability and make the food more appetizing.
