Can Poodles Eat Apples? Here’s What You Need To Know
Apples are among the most popular fruits on the market today. They are tasty, nutritious, and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. And while their nutritional value to us is apparent, at times it’s possible to wonder whether or not apples are safe to give to our dogs, particularly the adorable Poodles.
Poodles can eat apples, but they should account for at most 10% of their diet to prevent diarrhea. Also, Apple seeds contain hydrogen cyanide that could be harmful to a poodle in large quantities so they need to be avoided as well.
Are Apples Worth Giving To Your Dog?
Before you give your canine any human food, it’s good to first find out whether it’s safe. After all, you want to avoid anything that will put the life of your four-legged companion on the line.
With that said, are apples safe for your Poodle to eat?
Apples are low in fat and high in fiber, which makes them a good addition to the diet of any dog.
In addition, they contain healthy antioxidants such as vitamin C, quercetin, and other polyphenols. These antioxidants have been shown to reduce inflammation by preventing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol.
Since Poodles are prone to weight gain, apples can be a useful addition to their diet because they are high in water and low in calories. They also contain pectin, which has been shown to help control blood sugar levels of diabetic dogs by delaying the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
However, one thing to shun when giving your Poodle apples is their seeds. Apple seeds contain cyanide, which can be harmful to both dogs and humans. Cyanide is a poisonous compound that can be fatal in high doses. Thus, if your dog is going to eat apples, leave the seeds out.
Signs of Cyanide Poisoning
Just in case you are doubting that your dog might be experiencing cyanide poisoning, you can easily check out for these symptoms to know whether that’s the case. They include;
- Paralysis
- Convulsions
- Difficulty in breathing
- Shock
- Bright red gums
- Headache
- Dilated pupils
Cyanide poisoning can be very dangerous for dogs. Therefore, if you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s best to take them to a vet immediately.
Your vet will likely induce vomiting to rid your dog of the apple seeds, followed by administering sodium thiosulfate.
Sodium thiosulfate is an antidote for cyanide poisoning that works by releasing sulfur dioxide, which prevents further formation of cyanide from cyano-compounds and thiosulfate.
It should be noted that sodium thiosulfate shouldn’t be used in animals with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency as it could lead to hemolysis as a result of the interaction between cyanide and NADPH.
Are Apple Cores Good For Dogs?
The next thing you may want to know is whether apple cores are good for dogs.
Well, just as Apple seeds, avoid giving your Poodle Apple stock. This part of the fruit is hard and may not be able to easily pass through the dog’s digestive system.
With that said, before you give your pup that tasty treat of an apple, ensure that you get rid of the stem and the seeds.
Is Apple Peel Good For Your Poodle?
You already know that Apple seeds and stalks aren’t good for your pup. But how about apple peel? Is it also a must-shun when it comes to your dog?
Well, for starters, Apple peel is not only safe but also beneficial. The peel contains a lot of fiber which helps with digestion. In fact, it’s recommended you include apple peels in your Poodle’s diet.
However, keep the amounts in check as an excess of them can cause more harm to digestion than good. But if you are going to stick to small amounts, then there’s no need to worry.
How Many Apples Should Your Poodle Eat?
One of the most important things to remember is that apples should not form the basis of your dog’s diet. Instead, they should only be given occasionally as a treat or on special occasions.
Since they are low-calorie fruits, there isn’t much potential harm in giving your Poodle apples occasionally. However, if you find yourself having to give them more than one apple every day, you should consider cutting it down to smaller portions.
And as always, it’s best to check with your vet before giving your Poodle any new food. Doing so will help you ensure that the health condition remains optimal despite the changes in diet.
If you are giving your dog an apple for the first time, it’s always wise to start with just a few slices, watch for any reactions, and increase the number of treats slowly.
Apples are generally deemed safe for most dogs to eat. However, they can cause gastric problems when fed in large quantities so large amounts should be avoided.
If you have to feed your Poodle apples every day, then consider giving at most one. This way, you can keep your dog away from any potential risk while still providing them with some of the benefits of apples.
Organic Apples Vs. Non-Organic Apples- What Works Best For Your Poodle?
One thing to keep in mind is that organic produce offers the same benefit to dogs as to humans. This means that you should opt for organic apples if the option is available. After all, no one is willing to settle for nothing short of the best, as much as their pets are concerned.
Among other benefits of organic apples include improved nutrition and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals such as pesticides or fungicides.
However, if you can’t get organic apples, whether, for budgetary or other reasons, there’s still no need to worry. Just like humans, your Poodle can still benefit from non-organic produce provided it is washed properly.
Are Poodles The Only Dog Breed at Risk?
No, all dogs are at risk for cyanide poisoning, with poodles being more likely to experience it. On average, a 65-pound Labrador retriever has to eat an estimated 70 or so apple seeds in order to develop cyanide poisoning.
However, Poodles have been known to have Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, which makes them more likely to be poisoned by cyanide because their bodies can’t regulate glucose metabolism.
Are Apples Good For Poodle Puppies?
Now that we already know that Apples work well for adult Poodles, what about puppies? Is it also safe for them to eat an apple now and then?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine. Just like adult dogs, your puppy can still benefit from the healthy ingredients of Apple. However, since they are just beginning their lives, you should ensure that all the nutrients required for growing pups are provided.
A good example of such is the calcium required for your pup’s bones and joints to develop properly. You can get this from either fresh or dry milk, which also aids in digestion.
There are complementary sources of proteins and carbohydrates as well so feed your puppy an apple once in a while and ensure it lives a healthy life!
What Other Fruits Are Safe for Poodles?
There are many other fruits that are safe for poodles to eat. Here is a list of the best ones:
- Bananas
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Mangoes
- Pineapples
- Cucumbers
- Cranberries
- Plums
- Pears (in small quantities)
- Kiwi
- Oranges
- Peaches
What Fruits Should You Never Give To Poodles?
While we have many fruits that are absolutely fine for Poodles, there are some that should never be given to them. Here is a list of such fruits:
- Avocados
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Tomatoes
As seen, not every fruit that’s good for you will work for your Poodle and vice versa. The rule of thumb when it comes to feeding dogs is that if you aren’t sure about whether or not a fruit, vegetable, or any other type of food is safe for them to eat, take the advice of a professional dog vet.
Final Verdict:
Apples are a healthy treat for your Poodle, so long as you don’t feed them seeds, stalks, and excess apple peels, as they may attract some trouble. And that doesn’t apply to Poodles only.
You should keep your dog away from anything that’s potentially dangerous to prevent it from ingesting something toxic or poisonous. When proper measures are taken when feeding your apples, they make for a great snack. With that said, the next time you are eating apples and find your Poodle staring at you with pleading eyes, you will know what to do.
