Can German Shepherds Eat Apples?

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When you’re sitting there munching on a crisp apple, one thought might come to mind: can German Shepherds eat apples? Many pet owners are moving away from conventional kibble or adding raw human foods to their favorite German Shepherd dog food. So knowing if the food is safe or not for GSD consumption is imperative.

So, can German Shepherds eat apples? Yes, German Shepherds can eat apples. In fact, apples are loaded with minerals and nutrients that can seriously benefit your GSD. German Shepherds can have up to one apple daily, but the seeds and core must be removed as they contain toxins that can harm your pet.

Ready to start sharing your apple with your furry friend? Before you do, you should know why apples are such a great choice for a snack or treat, and how you can properly give your German Shepherd an apple in the best way possible.

Why are Apples Good for My German Shepherd?

We all know that apples are frankly delicious, and we know that our German Shepherds are likely to find this crisp, tasty fruit just as scrumptious.

But aside from it being a fresh and tasty snack, apples are also jam-packed with some major nutritional benefits for your pet.

In every apple, you will find a hefty dose of:

  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin K
  • Calcium
  • Pectin
  • Tannins
  • Other anti-inflammatory and astringent properties

Did you know that the pectin of the apple actually helps to reduce the chance of cancer and fight cancer in dogs?

Studies have recently shown that pectin inhibits the growth of cancer cells inside the body, meaning you will be giving your dog a big dose of cancer-fighting nutrients with every apple he munches on.

Apples Will Also Help With Constipation and Diarrhea

It seems as though the apple is a ‘do it all’ fruit that just keeps on giving.

While it is packed with some beneficial nutrients for your German Shepherd, the apple is also great at curing constipation and diarrhea.

So how can you use the apple to treat these horrible gastrointestinal issues?

  • To treat constipation with an apple, you will want to give your dog a cut-up apple with the skin still intact. Feed your dog an apple at least twice to three times a day to get the fiber he needs to expel his intestinal tract. If that doesn’t work after two days, you will need to consider using another remedy for treating constipation in dogs. 
  • To treat diarrhea using an apple, you will want to finely grate the apple and allow it to oxidize. You can do this by simply leaving the grated apple on the counter for around 20 minutes until it turns brownish. This will activate the tannins inside of the apple, which are the ingredients that will help to slow down diarrhea.

How to Give Your German Shepherd an Apple

First and foremost, you need to make sure you’re starting with a small piece when it’s your dog’s first time.

You need to check to see if he is allergic to apples before consuming more. While it’s probably unlikely that he will have a reaction, it’s still important to wait it out as it is possible.

If your dog does not have an allergic reaction to apples, then you’re in luck! The best way to feed your German Shepherd a juicy apple is to do the following:

  1. Wash the apple thoroughly. Unless you’re going organic, there’s no telling what kind of pesticides and residues have been stuck onto the skin of the apple. That being said, a good thorough wash before devouring is important for your dog’s health.
  2. Cut the apple and remove the core and seeds. Removing the core is crucial as this can cause damage to your dog’s teeth if it’s not removed. Seeds, on the other hand, are potentially toxic to your dog. Always make sure you are removing every seed before giving it to your German Shepherd.
  3. Serve to your dog (and enjoy)! Now, there are a few different ways to do this. If you have a bigger dog, you can get away with simply cutting the apple in half, removing the seeds, and serving. But if you’re dealing with a smaller German Shepherd, like a 1-year-old, then you will want to cut into smaller sizes for easy munching.

It’s pretty simple, as it’s the same process you might use for yourself when making a healthy snack out of apples.

In fact, feel free to toss a few to your pal the next time you’re enjoying an apple.

You can also try boiling and mashing up the apple to make a healthy homemade apple sauce that can be served alone or tossed into his bowl with his favorite dog food.

This is the best solution for a German Shepherd that doesn’t initially like the taste of apples. A small scoop of applesauce may make all of the difference.

Still having trouble getting your dog to like apples?

Consider adding apples into a homemade doggie treat. This will get him used to the flavor, so you can try with applesauce and cut up apples at another time.

How Many Apples Should Your German Shepherd Consume?

Now that you know the why and the how you’re probably wondering just how much is a good amount of apples to give your German Shepherd. And the key here, much like every other food you serve your dog, is to keep it in moderation.

It’s true that apples are loaded up with plenty of vitamins and minerals that benefit your dog. However, another ingredient in apples that can eventually end up harming your pet is fructose. Fructose is a carbohydrate that is derived from sugars, and too much sugar in your German Shepherd’s diet is never a good thing.

So how much is enough? For a smaller German Shepherd, having half of an apple a day is enough. For larger, mature German Shepherds, they can get by with having an entire apple in one day.

The best way to remember how many apples are safe for your German Shepherd’s consumption is to think an apple a day keeps the Veterinarian away.

It’s a classic saying, but it holds true for not only humans but dogs too.

Related Questions

What fruits can German Shepherds eat?

If you’re planning to add apples to your German Shepherds diet, you’re likely thinking about adding other fruits as well. Some of the other fruits your German Shepherd cans safely consume include apple, peach, pineapple, papaya, mango, strawberries, coconut, watermelon, blueberries, raspberries.

Why are apple seeds for German Shepherds?

The main reason why apple seeds are bad for your dog is that they contain amygdalin. Amygdalin is actually a form of cyanide, and it’s a well-known fact that cyanide is dangerous and poisonous to living things, humans and dogs alike. Cyanide works to prevent oxygen flow, ultimately leading to death.

The good news is that a few seeds won’t be lethal, and your dog should be able to detoxify itself of the seeds. However, large quantities of seeds being ingested can cause major damage to your dog, if not lethal harm. He should be seen by a veterinarian right away.

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