We should never assume that our pet dogs know what is best for them when it comes to their diet because dogs will eat anything! some fruits are highly toxic for dogs, and so it is essential to be aware of which fruits are safe for dogs to eat and which should be avoided at all costs.
For example, have you ever wondered – can dogs eat apricots?
This article will consider apricots in detail and reveal whether this fruit is safe for dogs to consume and their risks and health benefits for your dog.
In this article, we will discuss the following:
- Can dogs eat apricots?
- Are apricots safe for dogs?
- What are the risks of feeding apricots to dogs?
- What are the health benefits of apricots for dogs?
- Signs of apricot poisoning in dogs
- How to feed apricots to dogs safely
- Should you feed apricots to your dog?
- Is it safe for dogs to eat dried apricots?
- What happens if my dog eats an apricot?
- Are apricots toxic to dogs?
Can Dogs eat apricots?
Yes, dogs can eat apricots as long as you remove the pit prior. Apricots can be an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber for your dog as they are natural antioxidants.
Apricots can make your dog’s coat healthier because they can help eliminate any fleas on the skin that might have been living there.
Do apricot seeds cause harm to my pet? No, it is only the pit of the apricot that can cause problems because it contains a substance called amygdalin which can be very toxic to dogs.
Related Topic: Are dried strawberries safe for dogs?
Are Apricots Safe For Dogs?
When it comes to choosing safe and healthy treats for our dogs, we often turn to fruits. After all, fruits are full of nutrients, and we love to eat them and feed them to our kids instead of opting for less healthy treats and snacks. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that our dogs can enjoy eating all of the fruits that we can.
Some fruits, such as grapes, are utterly toxic to dogs and should be avoided altogether. Other fruits like watermelon may be safe for dogs to eat, but certain parts of the fruit pose high risks to dogs if ingested.
The same is true for apricots. The flesh of the fruit itself is non-toxic and perfectly safe for your dog to eat in small amounts, but can you throw a whole apricot to your dog and expect them to be able to eat it off the flesh of the fruit safely? Probably not.
Keep reading to find out more about the risks of feeding apricots to dogs.
What Are The Risks Of Feeding Apricots To Dogs?
The main risk of feeding apricots to dogs is the seed of the fruit. Apricot seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide, which can be fatal for your dog if eaten in large portions!
Unfortunately, other parts of the plants contain traces of cyanide too.
This is why it is essential to exercise caution with dogs when it comes to apricots, significantly if you grow apricots in your garden and your dog has access to them. To be clear, the apricot plant’s seed, pip, stem, and leaves should not be eaten.
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If your dog eats small amounts of any of these, they should be okay, but to be on the safe side, your dog should not be given free access to the whole fruit. Care should also be taken when serving the flesh of the apricot to your dog to avoid any risk of choking.
Plus, too much of the fruit can also cause problems, including apricot poisoning, which we will discuss further in the article.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Apricots For Dogs?
Despite the risks mentioned above, small amounts of apricot are generally harmless, and they do contain nutrients that your dog can benefit from.
Is it safe for dogs to eat dried apricots?
Yes, it is safe for dogs to eat dried apricots. As long as there are no seeds in the dried apricots, they can be a good source of antioxidants for your dog.
Should you feed apricot to your dog?
If your dog can handle the fruit and can’t access the seeds, then small amounts of this healthy snack are acceptable in moderation; however, they can’t resist chewing on the pit.
What happens if my dog eats an apricot?
If you notice that your dog has eaten an apricot, it is essential to know if this can cause any medical problems or not. In general, apricots can be a healthy snack for dogs to eat in moderation.
The main problem with apricot comes from the pits. They can contain trace amounts of cyanide which can cause some mild stomach upset if ingested by your dog or not chewed properly, but will not do any significant harm.
The other issue can come from the skin and hard bits of apricots, so it can be dangerous to feed your dog a whole one.
Dogs should not eat any part of the apricot plant other than the flesh itself, as this includes seeds, leaves, stem, or pip that can all cause digestive problems in dogs if ingested.
Are apricots toxic to dogs?
Apricots are not toxic to dogs but can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Apricot seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide that can cause mild stomach upset when ingested or your dog chews on the skin.
Related Topic:Are grapes toxic to dogs?
The other issue with apricots is that too much will make them sick and lead to apricot poisoning.In moderation, apricots can be a healthy snack for dogs, but the main risk is from eating the seeds or too much of any other part of the fruit besides its flesh.
Here are some of the health benefits of this fruit for your dog:
- Fiber
- Potassium
- Beta carotene
- Helps fight cancer
Signs Of Apricot Poisoning In Dogs
Dogs are sneaky and unpredictable, and we cannot keep our eyes on them all of the time. If your dog has ingested a large amount of the fruit or the toxic elements of the fruit or plant, you should look out for the following signs of apricot poisoning in your dog.
Be aware that these signs can arise within 15 minutes of your dog eating the toxic food and will require a quick reaction from you.
- Difficulty breathing
- Raspy panting
- Choking
- Dilated pupils
- Whale eye
- Lack of focus
- Bright red gums
- Lips pushed upwards
- Sweaty paws
- Signs of fatigue
- Weakness and lethargy
- Symptoms of shock
You should contact your veterinarian immediately for advice and take your dog to the clinic for emergency treatment.
How To Feed Apricots To Dogs Safely
If you want to try your dog with apricots, you should only offer them a small amount. Just a few small pieces of the fruity flesh will do as too much may cause gastrointestinal upset.
You can feed the apricot fresh and raw or as dried fruit pieces, but always avoid any canned fruit, as canned fruit has a high amount of sugar and sodium.
Always make sure that you supervise your dog in a garden where you have apricots growing, or even better, section off the area so that your dog has no access to graze on fallen fruit, stems, or leaves.
Dogs will get their noses into anything that smells and tastes good, including foods that are not good for them.
If you keep apricots in the house, ensure that your dog cannot get to them. This may mean keeping your fruit in a cupboard rather than in a fruit bowl on the kitchen counter. However, never underestimate the capabilities of your dog. If they want something, they will get it.
Some pets have even been shown to assist each other in accessing food from the top of counters, so beware if you have cats that seem to enjoy pushing items off high surfaces onto the floor.
Should You Feed Apricots To your Dog?
A small amount of any food that is not outright unsuitable or toxic for your dog is okay to offer them. Variety is the spice of life, after all.
Just be careful to observe everything you have learned about apricots so that you can feed them to your dog safely.
On the other hand, if you are concerned about apricots, why not go for a different fruit that poses less risk?
There are plenty of delicious fruits that can offer more health benefits to your dog, especially fruits that are very high in water. These help keep your dog hydrated, and the extra moisture and fiber can benefit your dog’s digestive system.
Why not try offering your dog some watermelon or cantaloupe? These both have very high water content and are safe for your dog to eat, providing the right size pieces so that they don’t choke, and avoid the rind, skin, and any seeds, as these can all result in blockages and choking.
Apple is also a popular fruit for dogs. You can feed the apple sliced up with the skin kept on, carefully removing all the seeds and the stems.
When leaving skins on, be sure to wash the fruit thoroughly to remove any artificial coating that makes the apple look shiny, as this won’t be particularly healthy for your dog.
Summary
In summary, can dogs eat apricots? Absolutely! As long as they are given a small amount, your dog can offer fresh and raw or dried fruit pieces.
Just make sure that the apricots you feed them come from a reputable source so that you can avoid any risk of contamination or toxic effects on their digestive system. You can also try other fruits for your dog that offer more health benefits, such as watermelon or cantaloupe.
Just be careful about the size of pieces you give them to avoid choking, and always ensure they are supervised in areas where apricots grow so that they don’t get access to fallen fruit, stems, leaves, or even rinds.
Dogs can eat apricots, but you should not give them any more than a minimal amount.Dogs can have fresh and raw or dried fruit pieces but avoid canned fruit because it is high in sugar and sodium. If your dog gets access to apricots at home, place them out of reach or in a cupboard.
If you are concerned about your dog eating apricots, there are plenty of other fruits they can eat that offer more health benefits, such as watermelon and cantaloupe.
Choosing healthy treats for your dog is essential. Healthy treats make them feel good and look good, and they are so much better for your dog than settling for commercial dog treats bought from pet stores.
Why not create a list of fruits and veggies that are safe for your dog to eat? Then you can stick it to your fridge door as a reminder of all of the safe and tasty options for your dog!