Can dogs eat apples
can dogs eat apples - Many pet owners like to occasionally treat their
dog to a few slices of an apple. However, some are apprehensive because
they have heard that apples are actually bad for dogs. The truth is that
it is safe for dogs to eat apples in moderation, but it is not a good
idea to let them eat too many of them, especially if the dog has certain
health issues.
They say that an apple a day keeps the doctor away and this can actually
be true for dogs as well in many cases. Apples are a good source of
dietary fiber as well as Vitamin C, which can protect against dysplasia,
a condition that affects large, purebred dogs. They are also rich with
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids which can help a dog keep a thick,
glossy coat.
Although there are health benefits to eating apples for dogs, there are
also parts of the apple that are not safe for a dog to ingest. Apple
seeds can be dangerous because they contain amygdlin, which is a form of
cyanide and prevents blood from carrying oxygen throughout the body. If
the dog only swallows a few seeds, the body will detoxify itself. In
fact, a dog would have to ingest a large number of apple seeds in order
to experience serious side effects.
If a particularly conscientious pet owner wants to take extra
precautions, they can prepare the apple for the dog prior to serving it
so that it is safer. The best way to do this is to core the apple and
cut it into bite sized pieces and give it to the dog that way. This may
take a little bit of extra time and perhaps seem extreme but, for many
dog owners, it is better to be safe than sorry.
There are also a few health conditions a dog may have that would make it
unsafe for the animal to eat apples. For example, a dog with kidney
problems should not eat apples because they contain high levels of
calcium and phosphorus. The Omega-6 fatty acids in apples also cause
inflammation, so it would be unwise to feed them to a dog who suffers
from arthritis.
Pet owners should not be afraid to feed apples to their dogs, they
should just be aware of the circumstances under which they may not be
safe. If a dog has a particular health issue, it may be wise to consult
with a veterinarian before feeding them apples. In most cases, for a
healthy dog, apples served in moderation can be a tasty treat.