Dogs have eaten apples for centuries, the apple being one of the most commonly grown fruits throughout the non-tropical world. Unlike onions which are not safe for dogs to eat, apples are completely safe for dogs.
Apples Contain Lots of Water
Like many fruits, apples contain a large amount of readily absorbable water. Estimates vary, but average at around 75% water for a fresh apple, the amount reducing as the apple ages, the skin wrinkles and the texture of the apple becomes soft and pulpy.
Dogs have historically, always eaten apples
Comprising largely carbohydrates, apples are a source of easily digestible energy. This converts to alcohol as the apple decays and the sugars ferment. So if your dogs choose to eat a lot of fermenting fallen apples, they may become a bit tipsy and unsteady on their feet!
Apples Have High Fibre Content
Having a high fibre content and therefore a low GI index, often quoted as between 28 and 44, the sugars of fresh apples are not rapidly absorbed into the blood. This makes it easier for the dog’s system to deal with. Apples are great sources of calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and potassium, numerous vitamins, especially vitamin C, K and choline and thousands of antioxidants, like most fruits.
Apples Are Good For Dogs
Apples are excellent fruit for dogs and people. An apple a day keeps the doctor away may have some truth in it.
Sliced apples, including the peel, make an excellent snack for your furry friend. They are fresh and crunchy with a firm, fibrous enough texture to contribute to cleaning those pearly white teeth.
The fibre is also a prebiotic, excellent for the support of the probiotics in the gut, so promoting a healthy gut and digestive system.
Watch Out For Apples Pips
As with most fruits, the seeds (pips) contain a little cyanide, so the generally accepted advice is “don’t give the core to your favourite friend”. Having said that, dogs rarely chew their food enough to crush the seeds and actually release any cyanide from them.
They usually pass right through the digestive tract unchanged. That’s how seed dispersal works, so new apple trees grow where the apple seed eaters defecate.