Canines are loyal and endearing comrades that depend on us for their health and welfare. Take charge of your pup’s protection by investigating the edibles you supply them.
Many people like to eat apples, and because of that, it’s a totally “normal” and common action for us to assume that our dogs would also like to eat them. However, what we tend to forget is that dogs have also been “conditioned” over thousands of years to live alongside us and eat a different diet than we do, even if we name the same food “apples.”
Is it safe for dogs to consume apples?
Absolutely! But as a responsible pet owner, there are a few things you should think about before handing out an apple slice.
Why An Apple a Day Keeps the Veterinarian Away
Apples are a very nutritious snack for dogs. They have a great mix of vitamins and minerals that can provide several health benefits. They’re low in calories, which makes them great for dogs that need to lose weight, and they’re high in dietary fiber, which helps to fill them up so they don’t feel hungry.
Because of their high level of antioxidant activity, apples can help to neutralize free radicals in the body, which reduces the risk of oxidative damage to the cells. Apples also contain the immune-boosting vitamins A and C.
Suitable Portion Sizes for Dogs
When we serve our dogs apples, we must do so with moderation. Remember that even an excess of a good thing is not good. While it is true that apples are delicious, a sensitive dog that gobbles them up too quickly may suffer an abdominal ache and a case of the runs. To be on the safe side, we can offer our dogs one to two slices per day. For the biggest of dogs, half an apple should be plenty. And honestly, what is left after we have eaten our half of the apple?
Varieties of Apples
It is crucial to choose apples wisely for our furry friends. This is because not all apples are created equal when it comes to nutrition and safety. In general, organic apples are best. These are the apples that have been grown without synthetic pesticides. Compared to the nutrition of other apples, these can be counted on to have the most vitamins and minerals and the fewest health risks associated with moderate or long-term apple consumption. Just to be clear, there is a Hazard Ratio of 1 for eating apples that contain synthetic pesticides or natural ones that have not been thoroughly washed. If your dog is like most, he will eat the whole apple or, at most, leave a trace of it behind with the core.
How to Slice and Serve Apples to Your Dog
Washing is a must-do when it comes to making dog treats from apples. Apples are part of today’s “dirty dozen” list, a litany of 12 fruits and vegetables the Environmental Working Group says are most likely to harbor pesticide residue. Indeed, 98 percent of apple samples tested positive for at least one pesticide, it claims. Domestic apples are also treated with chemicals like fungicides and surflan.
To sum up, apples can offer up tasty nutrients to your dog, just as any food can. But moderation, the right preparation, and elimination of core and seeds are all key to ensuring the treat isn’t harmful. Of course, always consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your dog’s diet. After all, not every vet may have a taste for the delicious power of apples. But for now, on to the really important part: giving your dog a will-appreciate-it treat.