Can dogs eat apples? is a question so many pet owners ask and am sure it is yet to be answered. Search no more, here we will be frank with you.
Apples are a great source of vitamin C, which is essential for a dog’s health because it regulates the body’s immune system and prevents inflammation from occurring. Apples also contain other important nutrients such as potassium, riboflavin, and niacin.
If your dog suffers from an intestinal disorder such as loose stools or diarrhea, then apple juice can be mixed with its regular food to help with the absorption of water into the intestines. However, you should never give your dog an unripe apple because they contain high levels of cyanide, which is poisonous to humans and animals alike.
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Our answer to the question: Can dogs eat apples?
No, dogs should not be fed with apples. Apples are not good for dog intake. According to Dr. Kent Brantner, DVM at the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association Boxer show, the answer is no. Apples are not on their list of preferred foods. They don’t have the right amount of sugar for a dog’s taste buds. And they are too hard for them to digest.
Generally, apples are not good for dogs to eat, but that doesn’t mean that your pup won’t still beg for an apple slice if you’re eating one. The fruit is sweet and its natural sugars give off a sweet smell that will tempt any dog near it.
Regardless of the apple is an old standby or not on their list of preferred foods, you can tell your pup “no” because there are plenty of other sweet treats available without the risk of an upset stomach or intestinal issues from eating apples.
Here are some common questions about apple toxicity.
What is the connection between apples and toxicity to dogs?
Are there nutrients in apples that can be toxic to dogs?
Are apple seeds poisonous to dogs?
What dog foods contain apple juice?
Are watermelons toxic for dogs?
Is there anything else that can be toxic to dogs that are not on the list of “safe” fruits or vegetables for them to eat?
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The answer to these questions:
The problem with apples comes from the fact that they are acidic. They have a pH of 4.6, which means they’re higher than the pH of human stomachs. The human stomach normally has a pH of 2.0 so anything higher than that is corrosive. When dogs eat acidic foods, they can get stomach problems, which can lead to death.
The toxins found in apples are alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides. Some researchers say that the seeds contain more of these toxins than any other part of the apple, but this isn’t always true. The seeds don’t always carry this toxin; however, you should still avoid them altogether because they’re hard for dogs to digest and that could cause an obstruction in their intestines or gastrointestinal tract.
Alkaloids are chemicals that inhibit the movement of nerve impulses across cell membranes. They are also found in chocolate, which is deadly for dogs.
Both of these toxins are similar to the chemicals that are found in nightshade plants, which include potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant. All parts of apples can be toxic to your dog except for the pulp because the seeds are hard for them to digest.
FOR YOUR KNOWLEDGE:
Apples can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or even intestinal blockages. If your pup is eating apples off the tree or if you’re feeding them baked apples or apple sauce, this can cause gastrointestinal problems that could result in death. If your dog is vomiting, he could inhale the vomit into his lungs and develop a severe case of pneumonia.
Apple seeds contain amygdalin, which is like cyanide. The cyanogenic glycosides convert into hydrogen cyanide in the dog’s body. This compound slows down the flow of oxygen to the tissues and organs, which can be lethal.
Other foods that are bad for dogs include watermelons because they’re a source of salmonella bacteria. Cassava also contains amygdalin from its high sugar content. Kiwi fruit, cherry pits, and grapes have been listed as toxic for dogs as well.
The only humanized food that is toxic to dogs is an apple with a brown or bruised spot on it.
Good fruits and vegetables that are great for your dog to eat include sweet potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, green beans, and citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. Apples are also fine if they’re fresh or cooked with certain spices such as cardamom or cinnamon.
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