If you give your dog an apple every day, it might not keep the vet away, but it can be a healthy snack.
A lot of people buy apples at the grocery store, like Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith. These apples are safe for dogs to eat.
However, there are a few things to watch out for when feeding apples to your dog. Here are the benefits and risks.
As a dog owner, you’ve likely experienced your curious canine getting into things they shouldn’t. Dogs explore the world with their mouths, so it’s not uncommon for them to eat strange or concerning things One such scenario is when your dog manages to eat an apple seed or two.
Apple seeds contain a compound called amygdalin that breaks down into hydrogen cyanide when ingested Cyanide is highly toxic, so it’s understandable to worry if your dog ate apple seeds However, there’s no need to panic. Here’s what you should know if your dog ate an apple seed and what steps to take.
Are Apple Seeds Toxic to Dogs?
Apple seeds do contain trace amounts of cyanide. However, the amount is very small and isn’t toxic at low levels. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the cyanide in apple seeds generally only becomes a risk if they are eaten in extremely large quantities.
For example, they estimate a medium-sized dog would have to eat over 200 apple cores to ingest enough seeds to cause cyanide poisoning. That’s about 40-50 apples worth of seeds!
So while apple seeds can be dangerous if consumed in huge amounts, a few seeds here and there are not considered high risk. If your dog swallowed one or two loose seeds, it likely won’t cause any problems. Still, it’s smart to observe them afterward in case complications develop.
Signs of Cyanide Poisoning in Dogs
In the very unlikely event your dog managed to eat a large number of apple seeds, watch for these signs of cyanide poisoning:
- Excessive drooling
- Difficulty breathing
- Red gums
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Uncoordinated movements
- Collapse or seizures
If you notice any of these symptoms, especially in combination, contact your vet or pet poison control right away as cyanide poisoning requires rapid treatment.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Apple Seeds
If your dog ate just a couple of apple seeds, you can simply monitor them for any abnormalities. Make sure they are acting normally, eating and drinking fine, and having regular bowel movements with no vomiting or diarrhea. Contact your vet if anything seems off.
For more significant seed consumption, consult your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline immediately. They may recommend making your dog vomit to expel the seeds if it just occurred. Treatment for cyanide toxicity includes oxygen, fluids, and other supportive therapies.
Do not induce vomiting at home using hydrogen peroxide or other methods without consulting a professional first, as this can be dangerous.
Preventing Your Dog From Eating Apple Seeds
The easiest way to stop your dog from eating apple seeds is simply avoiding giving them apple cores. When sharing apple slices or chunks as an occasional treat, be sure to thoroughly core and seed them first. Never let your dog eat straight from the apple.
It’s also smart to keep trash cans out of reach, as dogs have a knack for nosing through compost bins for apple cores and other tasty morsels. Make sure apple cores are discarded safely in lidded bins.
Training your dog to “leave it” and “drop it” using positive reinforcement methods can also help prevent seed-eating in the future. With time and consistency, they will learn to ignore or give up items you don’t want them ingesting.
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
Apples themselves can be a nutritious snack for dogs if prepared properly. Simply core the apple thoroughly, chop it into bite-sized chunks, and monitor your dog while they enjoy the tasty treat.
Apples provide fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Limit apple treats to a few chunks at a time and avoid feeding apples every day, as the natural sugars can cause tummy upset. Always supervise your dog with new foods and treats.
When to See the Vet
As long as your dog shows no concerning symptoms, a small amount of apple seeds should pass through their digestive system without issue. Still, contact your veterinarian if:
- Your dog ate several apple cores or large quantities of seeds
- You notice any signs of distress or poisoning
- Your dog seems lethargic, has vomiting/diarrhea, or other worrying symptoms
It’s better to be safe and have your vet examine your dog after significant apple seed consumption. They can check for cyanide toxicity and decide if any treatment is recommended.
The Takeaway
If your dog accidentally ate a few apple seeds, there’s likely no need to panic. Just monitor them closely for any symptoms of upset. Consult your vet if seeds were eaten in bulk. With supervision and care, your pup will be back to their happy, healthy self in no time. Be extra diligent about removing apple seeds from now on to prevent any repeats of the incident.
Can Dog Eat Apple Seeds?
If your dog eats some apple seeds, they should be fine.
It’s true that apple seeds contain cyanide, which is poisonous to dogs and people alike. However, your dog would have to eat an awful lot of apple seeds to cause cyanide poisoning.
A medium-sized dog would have to swallow and chew up about 85 grams of seeds, which is equal to 200 apple seeds. For a small dog, it would take about 100 apples, and for a large dog, about 300.
For reference, cyanide is a chemical that can cause hypoxia, lack of oxygen delivery to the body. Some symptoms of cyanide poisoning include:
- Brick-red mucus membranes
- Dilated pupils
- Difficulty breathing
- Panting
- Shock
Are Apples Good for Dogs?
Yes, apples are good for dogs in moderation, but not as a full meal. You can feed your dog fresh apple slices, including the skin. Do not feed your dog apple cores, as they can become a choking hazard.
Apples provide an excellent source of vitamin C, which is necessary for proper immune function. Also, they are full of carbs, which are the best source of energy, and fiber, which helps digestion and keeps blood sugar levels steady.
Can Dogs Eat Apples (7 Benefits and How Much?)
FAQ
Will one apple seed hurt my dog?
What should I do if my dog ate an entire apple?
What happens if a dog eats a small apple core?
Is one apple seed harmful?
What happens if a dog eats apple seeds?
When a dog ingests apple seeds, their body breaks down the amygdalin and releases cyanide. This toxic substance can interfere with the dog’s ability to produce energy at a cellular level, affecting the nervous system, causing respiratory distress, and potentially leading to death. Apple seeds are not the only fruit seeds that contain amygdalin.
Do apple seeds contain poison?
Apple seeds contain cyanide but in small amounts. So if you occasionally accidentally eat a few seeds it’s not something to be scared of. To get cyanide poisoning, you would have to eat a very large amount of apple seeds.
Can my Dog eat apple seeds?
Although moderate amounts of the apple flesh are safe for your dog, you must use caution when giving this treat as the covering of the seeds contains minute amounts of amygdalin, a compound that contains cyanide. There’s some evidence that suggests the stems may also contain harmful substances.
Can a 22 lb dog eat apple seeds?
A single apple usually contains around 8-10 seeds, so in reality, this 22lb dog would need to eat roughly 100 apple cores to be poisoned. An even bigger dog would need to eat even more apple cores before feeling any toxic effects from the cyanide in apple seeds.
What happens if a dog eats an apple?
The fibrous material in an apple core makes it difficult to chew into smaller pieces. If your dog wolfs down a large chunk, it can be large enough to lodge in the throat and block the airway. As a result, your pooch may gag, paw at his face, or become very restless.
Can dogs eat apples?
Apples are actually a delicious treat and many dogs like to eat apples. If you do feed your dog apples, chop it up so that the segments are bite-sized pieces. Be careful that your dog does not choke on the core if you do feed them apples; hence chopping it into bite-size portions is ideal to avoid them inhaling the whole thing accidentally.