Apple flesh offers fiber and natural sweetness with very little fat. Treats and toppers should be a small part of the diet—aim for about the 10% rule of daily calories
Parts to skip
- Seeds & core: Seeds contain cyanogenic compounds; cores/stems can be a choking risk.
- Leaves/stems: Avoid.
- Desserts: Apple pie, caramel apples, or spiced fillings have sugar/spices—skip.
How much to serve
Start small and see how your dog does with the extra fiber. A few thin slices for small dogs; a small handful of bite-size pieces for larger dogs is plenty.
If your dog has diabetes, pancreatitis, or is on a prescription diet, ask your veterinarian first.
Peel on or off?
Either is fine. Wash fruit well. Peel if your dog prefers a softer texture.
Easy ways to serve apple
- Thin slices as quick training treats
- Frozen bites: Blend apple + water or yogurt; freeze in a silicone mold
- Lick-mat topper: A little unsweetened apple purée or applesauce with no additional ingredients - spread thin
If your dog ate seeds or a core
A few seeds accidentally are unlikely to cause problems, but it’s best to avoid them. If a core or many seeds were eaten, monitor and contact your vet or a pet poison hotline.
FAQs
Can puppies or seniors eat apples?
Yes—use very small, soft pieces and always supervise.
Green vs. red apples?
Both are fine plain with core/seeds removed. Start with a tiny amount to test tolerance.
Can dogs eat apple skins?
Yes if washed and cut small; peel if your dog prefers gentler texture
By Crystal · Updated [09/08/2025] · Educational only ·
