For your dog to be healthy, you must include healthy snacks in his diet.
Dog lovers like feeding their dogs apples as a treat.
However, most dog owners are not certain whether apples are good for their furry friends.
So, can dogs eat red apples?
Yes, dogs can eat red or any other type of apples.
Apples are rich in Potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and oxidants which have various health benefits for dogs.
This article will look at the benefits of apples to dogs, the nutritional components, and fun recipes.
Understanding all these factors will enable you to make healthy snacks for your dog.
Advantages of feeding your dog apples
Dental health: Eating red apples can help to promote your dog’s dental hygiene.
As the dog chews on the apples, pieces of food that had stuck in the teeth are pulled out.
The chewing process also cleans the surface of the teeth.
Rehydration: Apples are over 80% water.
Feeding your dog red apples helps to keep him well hydrated.
Low-calorie snack: Apples do not have a lot of calories which makes them a healthy snack.
Dog treats that have a lot of calories will expose your dog to the risk of obesity or diabetes.
Nutritional value in apples and their benefits
Calcium
Red apples are rich in calcium.
Calcium promotes the development of strong bones and teeth in dogs.
Dogs engage in a lot of physical activity, so they need to have strong bones.
They also chew on meat and bones, so having strong teeth is essential.
Calcium is essential for the proper development of muscles.
Puppies and pregnant dogs also need calcium to facilitate excellent body development.
Fiber
Plant-based fiber is the best kind to have as part of your dog’s diet.
Fiber helps maintain a healthy gut by stopping the growth of harmful bacteria.
Gastrointestinal issues like constipation and diarrhea can be resolved by a diet rich in fiber.
A fiber-rich diet keeps obesity away as your dog will get full faster and, therefore, eat fewer calories.
Obesity in dogs is the cause of many ailments.
Keep your dog healthy by introducing red apples into the daily diet.
Polyphenols
Red apples contain polyphenols that destroy radical cells in the body.
They have antioxidant properties that detoxify the body and clean it of disease-causing free radical cells.
Red apples reduce the chances of your dog getting heart disease, cancer, or bone diseases.
Potassium
Potassium ensures proper functioning and growth of muscles.
This nutrient is found in high quantities in red apples, and it facilitates good blood flow, regular heartbeats, and increased motor skills.
Eating red apples regularly will help your dog increase metabolism, cognitive functions, and bone density.
Vitamin A
If you want to improve the health of your dog’s eyes, include apples in the diet.
As dogs age, there is a likelihood of their vision failing.
Increasing Vitamin A in the diet will help your dog to have a sharper vision for longer.
Vitamin A will also increase your dog’s immune system.
Sickly dogs need to feed on a Vitamin A-rich diet.
Red apples will help improve cell growth and the general development of your dog.
Vitamin C
Red apples are rich in Vitamin C, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Vitamin C improves the immune system and fights free radical cells in the body.
To increase the ability to fight disease, increase the amount of Vitamin C.
Fun apple recipes for dogs
1. Apple Pretzels
Ingredients
1 cup plain and unsweetened apple sauce
3 cups of almond flour
1 egg
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Beat the eggs in a bowl.
In a large bowl, mix the almond flour with the apple sauce.
Put aside 1 tablespoon of the beaten eggs and pour the rest into the almond flour and apple sauce mixture.
Mix until it forms a dough
Take a tablespoon of dough and roll it into the shape of a pretzel.
Put the pretzels on the baking tray and coat with the remaining egg.
Put in the oven and bake for 30 minutes until they turn brown and firm.
Allow them to cool before serving your dog.
2. Apple Pie Bites
Ingredients
2 apples, cored and diced
1 egg
1 tablespoon cinnamon
¼ cup of milk
1 tablespoon of honey
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups oat flour
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
Add coconut oil, cinnamon, honey, and vanilla to the diced apple.
Add flour and baking powder to form crumble dough
Add the eggs and milk and stir.
Put spoonfuls of the door on the cooking tray
Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until brown
Give it time to cool and give your dog to enjoy!
When can apples be risky for your dog?
1. Overindulgence
Red apples are rich in sugar and starch.
If your dog eats too many apples in one sitting, it will consume unnecessary calories.
Eating too many apples can also cause stomach problems like diarrhea or an upset stomach.
2. Allergies
Some dogs are allergic to apples.
Observe your dog the first time you feed him apples.
Watch out for symptoms like sneezing, breathing difficulty, coughing, or itching that may indicate an allergic reaction.
If your dog shows these symptoms, rush him to a veterinarian.
3. Eating seeds and the core
Always take out the core of red apples before feeding your dog.
The core presents a choking danger for dogs.
You also need to get rid of the seeds before feeding your dog.
Apple seeds contain small quantities of a poisonous chemical called cyanide.
Cyanide is harmless in small portions, but it can have adverse health effects on dogs when consumed in large amounts.
Can puppies eat red apples?
Yes, puppies can eat red apples.
Red apples have nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and calcium to promote proper development in puppies.
How many apples should a dog eat?
How many apples a dog eats depends on its size.
However, half an apple to a whole one is sufficient for one day.
Are some varieties of apples bad for dogs?
All apples are good for dogs.
Unless your dog is allergic to apples, they will be fine eating any variety.
Last thoughts
A balanced diet for your dog must contain a healthy snack.
Apples are your best bet for healthy snacks because dogs love them.
An apple a day might just keep the vet away!
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