Have you heard such a saying – an apple a day keeps the doctor away? But is that saying also true for dogs? as you know, apple is rich in valuable vitamins, trace elements and pectin, which play an important role in maintaining digestion. In this article we will talk whether Australian Shepherd dogs can eat apples or there are some exceptions.
Can Australian Shepherd Dogs Eat Apples? Yes, dogs can eat apples. Apples are not only tasty, but also contain lots of important vitamins and minerals. However, the dog must not eat the apple core. The seeds or cores of the apple contain hydrocyanic acid, which is poisonous and therefore dangerous for dogs.
Make sure that you give your dog only ripe apples. Fruits that fall from the tree beforehand are considered incompatible and can lead to abdominal pain, diarrhea and other unpleasant consequences.
Apple Benefits For Dogs
Apples are full of valuable nutrients. They are rich in:
- Vitamin A: good for your dog‘s skin and immune system
- C: vitamin good for your dog‘s coat and skin, supports puppies bones and muscles
- Vitamin K
- Phosphorus
- Calcium
- Iron
- Zinc
In addition, apples have a high fiber content. These have a positive effect on digestion. The contained antioxidants protect the cells and can thus protect the organism from heart disease and other health problems.
Apples also have positive effects on dental hygiene in dogs. A piece of apple after eating can help to keep your Australian Shepherd dog‘s teeth clean and healthy.
Another good thing about apples is that they are high in fiber. Fiber is good for digestive health. Although dogs cannot get energy from fiber, supplementation supports colon health and can help with weight management, diarrhea, and constipation.
Dangers Of Apples for Dogs
The most important thing to look for when feeding dogs apples are the seeds and core. The core of the apple contains cyanide, which is toxic to dogs. The core of the apple is difficult for most dogs to chew. It can pose a choking hazard. It is believed that the stalk can also be dangerous, so you should remove the stalk as well.
Another problem may be overeating. As with all fruits or berries, moderation should be observed. It should not replace the dog‘s daily balanced diet. Apples have sugar, so give your dog them in moderation. Sugar levels can cause problems in dogs with cancer or diabetes.
In addition, too many apples can cause stomach upset or diarrhea even in healthy dogs. as with most foods, there is a certain risk that your dog will have an allergic reaction. If you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as sneezing, difficulty breathing or any other behavioral change, stop giving these fruits to your dog and contact your veterinarian immediately.
Apples And Dogs
An apple has a core, seeds, skin – what is available for dogs?
Can Australian Shepherd Dogs Eat Whole Apples
You should not give your dog a full apple, for several reasons. First – it‘s size. It would be difficult for the dog to shred apple itself, and in addition, most dogs try to swallow everything quickly. In which case there is a high risk of choking hazard.
So cut the apple, into slices, of a size that is easy to chew. The second reason are seeds and core, but read about it below.
Can Dogs Eat Apple Seeds
Dogs should not eat apple seeds, as they contain hydrocyanic acid, which can cause poisoning in dogs. But if it has already happened that the dog has grabbed part of the apple with the seeds, do not worry too much.
Adult dogs should eat lots of apples and swallow a few pounds of seeds until hydrogen cyanide becomes dangerous. Just keep in mind that it is best to remove the seeds and give them to eat only the part we eat ourselves.
Can Dogs Eat Apple Cores
The core, like the seeds, has the same hydrocyanic acid, which may poison the dog. Therefore, the core should be cut out. Also, there is a risk for your dog to choke if he suddenly try to swallow the whole core without chewing.
Can Dogs Eat Apple Skin
While the apple seeds, the stalk and the core can be dangerous in large quantities due to the hydrocyanic acid they contain, the skin (or peel) is completely harmless. However, if you want to feed your Australian Shepherd apples with their skins on, you should use unsprayed organic apples.
Can Dogs Drink Apple Juice
Most of the juices we buy from the store have a variety of added sweeteners and sugars. For this reason, dogs should not be given juice. The dog‘s main drink must be water. But of course, if you make the juice yourself and want to share a little with your pet – a small amount of natural apple juice is allowed.
Can You Give Dog Apple Cider Vinegar
You can use apple cider vinegar for skin and fur care. It can reduce itching from insect bites or flea infestation and also has a disinfectant effect. To do this, mix some vinegar with some water. You can pour this mixture into a spray bottle and spray your Aussie daily. This procedure can help fight parasites and make the coat shiny.
How To Give Apples For Australian Shepherd
It is best to choose organic apples because many of the apples found in the supermarket are coated with materials that give them shine. Wash all purchased fruit as it may contain herbicides or pesticides.
The next step is to remove the stem and seeds and cut into bite-sized pieces. And there are many ways to give it to a dog. You can freeze them and serve them up as a refreshing summer snack. You can mix them into your Aussie‘s food or just give it as a sweet treat during trainings.
How much apples your Australian Shepherd can eat depends on its size and weight. If you have an adult Aussie, you can give him half an apple divided into several slices. This rule should be followed so that fruit or other delicacies should not exceed 10 percent of the daily ration.
Final Thoughts
Apples are not only delicious snack, but also high in valuable nutrients. Dogs are allowed to eat apples, but you must remove the stem, core and the seeds. Cut the apple into smaller pieces, and you can definitely give at least a few slices daily.
Of course, when thinking about dog‘s diet, it is best to consult veterinarian, as each dog is individual and not always the same food is suitable for the others.
People Also Ask
Can Puppies Eat Apples? Yes, puppies are also allowed to eat apples. But puppies need supervision and smaller pieces. Watch them carefully when they are eating, then see if it causes any digestive problems or allergies. If not, apples can be a good treat if your dog likes it.