Can Dogs Eat Apples and Carrots?

Dog digest differently than humans, and that’s the reason why some of the human-safe ingredients can be toxic to them. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with the foods that are dangerous for canines and can cause health hazards. For instance, dogs can safely consume a moderate quantity of some vegetables and fruits while others are harmful in any amount.

Fruits and vegetables can be healthy for a dog (in small quantities) because they contain vitamins and minerals. These essential nutrients are necessary for many vital operations of the body. For example, Vitamin C provides a boost to immunity, and iron is needed for healthy blood. Although dogs don’t require fruits and vegetables in their diet, you can feed an occasional fruit or veggie as treat.

Can Dogs Eat Apples?

YES, they can. Although apples don’t offer substantial nutritional value, they can be a healthy addition to your dog’s treating menu. However, it is important to keep rotating different foods so that their textures and flavors remain special. From tart to sweet varieties, all forms of apple (including applesauce) are safe for your companion to eat.   

It is important to give your dog only a slice or two because they are rich in sugar. Veterinarians believe that apples shouldn’t contribute more than 10% of your pet’s daily calories. Therefore, you must follow this rule of thumb to avoid unwanted results.   

Are Apples Good for Dogs?

Most dogs are quite fond of apples because of their sweet taste and crunchy texture. They have some beneficial nutrients (Vitamin C, Calcium, Phosphorus, etc.) that can be useful for your pup. For this reason, they offer a safe way to satisfy your dog’s craving for sweets. Having said that, you mustn’t include apples in the regular diet of your canine.

Another benefit of chewing an apple is that it can help in cleaning the teeth of your dog. However, you shouldn’t consider it a substitute for dental care and keep visiting your vet regularly.  

How to Safely Prepare Apples for Your Dog?

Before feeding it to your dog, you must wash an apple properly to remove any harmful bacteria. After that, you should remove the core and stem of the fruit because they can cause choking. Likewise, you will need to get rid of the seeds as they contain cyanide, a toxic substance. You may also have to peel the apple (eliminates extra fiber) if your pup has a sensitive digestive system.

The best possible way of giving it to your pet is to cut slices or small pieces of the apple. This will reduce the chances of choking even further by making it easier for your companion to chew. Lastly, make sure that you don’t feed too much apple to your dog because it can cause bellyache and diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Carrots?

Carrots are not only safe, but they can also be used as healthy, low-calorie snacks for dogs. Similarly, this versatile vegetable can also be paired with chicken stock to enhance its flavor. Most dogs love the taste and texture of carrots and enjoy this natural treat. However, there are some precautions that you must ensure while feeding carrots to your canine.

Carrots are high in natural sugar and must be fed in moderation to avoid obesity and other health problems. Just like apples, carrots should not contribute more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Consuming too many carrots (natural sugar) can also lead to dental decay because they don’t clean your dog’s teeth. Therefore, always keep a close check on the number of carrots your pup is eating.

Are Carrots Good for Dogs?

Carrots are quite rich in Beta Carotene that can be converted to Vitamin A inside the body. Likewise, this tasty vegetable also provides an ample amount of Potassium, fiber, and other vitamins. In addition to these nutritional benefits, carrots are also an affordable snack for dogs.

Similarly, they can be used for rewarding good behavior because carrots have low calories. Last but not least, frozen carrots can serve as an effective chew toy for teething puppies.  

How to Safely Prepare Carrots for Your Dog?

The very first thing that you need to do is to get the ideal serving size. It’s highly advisable to discuss with your veterinarian before introducing any new ingredient. Once the right quantity is determined, wash and peel the carrots to remove the dirt and pesticides.

NEVER feed your dog whole carrots because they can lead to choking. Instead, cut them into rounds, sticks, or smaller pieces, according to the size of your canine. If your dog isn’t a fan of raw carrots, you can cook the vegetable and see how he/she responds. In case you are wondering, cooking (not boiling) doesn’t remove many nutrients from carrots.

Homemade Apple Carrot Biscuits for Dogs

Do you want to make some vegetarian dog biscuits? The following apple and carrot recipe offers a perfect solution to make some healthy dog treats. The mentioned quantities of ingredients make 20-24 biscuits (12 servings).

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cup whole wheat flour
• ½ cup oats
• 1 apple, cored and grated(leave the peel on if the dog’s stomach is not sensitive)
• ½ cup carrots, peeled and grated
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• ¼ – ½ cup water (the apples add moisture, so only add extra water if necessary)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 and grease a cookie sheet.
2. Core and grate apples. Peel and grate carrots.
3. In one bowl, mix the flour and oats. In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the oil, water, and grated apples and carrots. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients bowl and mix completely.
4. Carefully roll ‘dough’ out and cut out the desired shape with a small cookie cutter.
5. Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, or until apple juices are soaked and biscuits are firm.
6. After biscuits cool, feel free to share with the pups in your life! Store in an air-tight container.

Thank you to Reluctant Entertainer for this recipe.