Can a Goldendoodle Eat Apples?

We all want to make sure our Goldendoodles stay healthy and happy. There is a lot of information (often misinformation) on what we should and should not be feeding our furry friends.

I’ve been doing some research on healthy eating for Goldendoodles, especially the introduction of human food into their diets. One topic that keeps coming up is apples. Are they good? Are they bad? Will they make my dog sick?

If apples are good, how much should we be giving them? Are some apples better than others? I would like to share what I’ve come up with.

Ideally, this will help all of us get and keep our Goldendoodles on a healthy path by being a little better informed.

Can a Goldendoodle Eat Apples?

Can a Goldendoodle eat apples? Yes! According to the American Kennel Club, apples are, in fact very good for your dog. Apples provide vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, calcium, healthy carbohydrates, and phosphorus.

While the fleshy part of the apple is good for your dog (even the skin), it is recommended to stay away from the core and the stem.

Especially work to keep your dog from eating the seeds as they contain a form of cyanide, which is toxic to both humans and our furry friends. In addition, apples provide a sweet treat for your dog that they are likely to love!

Apples: The Good and the Bad

The Good

During my research, I’ve found the following benefits to providing your Goldendoodle with apples as a regular part of their diet:

• Apples provide a low-calorie supplement to a dog’s diet.
  • This is especially good if your dog loves food and must be on a calorie-restricted diet.
  • It is also beneficial if you would like to give your dog a treat, but want something that is healthy.
• Most dogs love apples and they make for a fun treat.
  • Green apples tend to be more sour than red and may not be as well-liked by most of our furry friends.
• As mentioned above, they provide multiple vitamins such as vitamin C, fiber, calcium and phosphorus.
  • It’s like giving your dog a natural vitamin they love!
• The fiber provided by apples can help some dogs that may have issues with consistency in bowel movements.
• Some research has shown it is a natural way to help clean your dog’s teeth and freshen their breath as it can be used as a natural dog chew.
  • This isn’t to say you should do away with your regular brushing routine, just use apples as a supplement to whatever routine you already have for your dog’s dental health.
• Some aging dogs have limited diets (such as protein restrictions) and giving them apples can serve as a healthy, low-fat, non-protein substitute with added health benefits of vitamins good for your dog.

The Bad

While there are lots of benefits to giving your dog apples, you should also consider some of the cons as you move forward with deciding whether apples are right for your furry friend.

• The core and the seeds can be very bad for your dog. They contain a form of cyanide which can make pets and humans very sick and even cause death in high doses.
• Too much of a good thing is just that. You don’t want to give your dog too many apples as it could result in painful gas or diarrhea. Just like humans, too many fruits and fibers can wreak havoc on digestive systems.
• Some dogs have problems digesting apples. If you choose apples to be part of your Goldendoodle’s diet, you should introduce them slowly to ensure your dog can tolerate them.
• If you have other concerns about introducing apples to your dog’s diet, please discuss with your veterinarian.
• Apples may not be great for dogs with diabetes or cancer. While apples have less sugar than other fruits, sugar is still present. Before making the decision to give a dog with diabetes this treat you should discuss any risks with your vet.

Should I Give My Goldendoodle Apples?

Should you give your Goldendoodle apples? Bottom line, you know your dog and if no stomach issues or other health concerns exist all signs are pointing toward a big YES!

Apples are a great source of vitamins, help with digestion and most importantly they are a sweet treat for your furry loved one!

Experts recommend introducing them slowly and not letting your pet overindulge, but for most of our Goldendoodles, apples are just one more great thing we can give them to let them know we care.

What are Some Creative Ways to Give My Goldendoodle Apples?

There are several ways I’ve found you can serve your furry friend apples. Following are some of the most common as well as some creative ideas to get you thinking:

• Apple slices
  • It’s okay just to slice them up (peels are fine) and give them to your dog as a treat.
  • Some people even suggest freezing the slices for those hot summer days.
• Apple sauce
  • This would be especially good for older dogs that may not be able to chew as well as they used to.
  • You can even freeze the apple sauce and give it to your dog as a sweet, cool treat.
• Apples with peanut butter
  • Dogs LOVE peanut butter so why not combine two of their favorite things.
    • One item of note is to ensure the peanut butter you pick is free of Xylitol. Xylitol is found in some peanut butter and can be very dangerous to your dog.
• Mix apples up with their favorite food
  • It has been suggested that you can even mix apples into your dog’s favorite foods. For example:
    • Chicken and apples
    • Dog food and apples
    • Carrots and apples
    • As mentioned above, peanut butter and apples

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Related Questions

In order to answer some additional commonly asked questions about apples for dogs I’ve come up with a Q&A below:

Do I need to give my Goldendoodle organic apples?

Most research shows apples are at the top of the list for foods containing pesticides. The use of pesticides is a highly debated issue and for apples the suggestion would be apply the same standards for your dog as you would for yourself.

How much apple is considered safe for my Goldendoodle?

How much apple can depend on how your dog’s stomach tolerates it. The general rule of thumb is one to two slices per serving. Again, your dog may be able to tolerate a little more or a little less depending on their system.

What kind of apples should I give my dog?

You can give your dog any kind of apple: red, green, granny smith. My research has shown a kind of apple does not matter. Your Goldendoodle may feel otherwise a prefer one taste over another. For example, green apples tend to be sourer than other types and may not be as well-liked by most dogs.

Can apples upset my Goldendoodle’s stomach?

As mentioned above, experts recommend introducing any new food to your dog slowly. You should know quickly if your dog’s system is sensitive to apples and should stop providing them if this is the case. Also, too much of a good thing is just that. Even if your dog can tolerate apples, too many can cause diarrhea and other digestive issues. If there are other health concerns you have, consult your vet before giving any new food to your Goldendoodle.

Can I give my Goldendoodle and apple with skin?

Most experts say giving your dog the skin of the apple will not cause any harm. Some dogs may not like or can’t chew the skin. In these cases, you may consider peeling apples for them. You do, however, want to avoid giving them the core and stem as apple seeds can make your furry loved one sick.

Will my dog like apples?

Just like humans, not all dogs like the same foods. That said, most dogs do like apples and can tolerate them well. That said, green apples tend to be sourer than other types and may not be as well liked.

Can my Goldendoodle puppy eat apples?

Your puppy can eat apples, but you may want to watch them closer than you would their adult counterparts to ensure they can chew the apple appropriately. As with adults, you will want to watch for any digestive issues with the introduction of new food.

Is it ok to give my Goldendoodle apple flavored treats from the store?

While apples can be good for your Goldendoodle, beware of apple flavoring and other store-bought apple products as they can be high in sugar or contain other ingredients that may not be healthy for your pet. Should you have questions on whether you should give your dog a store-bought apple treat, contact your vet to ensure there’s nothing to be concerned about.