Quicklinks:
- Are Apples Good For Dogs?
- How Many Apples Can My Border Collie Eat?
- How To Safely Prepare Apples For Your Dog
- Can Your Dog Eat Applesauce?
- How To Feed Apples To Your Dog
Can Border Collies Eat Apples
We’re all familiar with the phrase, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But, what about your border collie? Well, the good news, your collie can enjoy some apple treats as much as you do. Most dogs love this treat!
Are Apples Good For Dogs?
Yes, apples are good and healthy for dogs. Apples are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants and potassium. They’re full of fiber, especially in the peels, which are known to help a dog to maintain a healthy weight while assisting with their digestion.
If you think your border collie needs to lose some weight, then apples could be a good option as a treat, as apples are low in calories. As the average apple has around 19 grams of sugar in it, a whole apple will probably be too much for your dog. Nevertheless, apples are a great way to satisfy your dog’s sweet tooth and a far better alternative to human foods like chocolate that can really harm a dog.
Apples provide an extra benefit, as the act of chewing an apple can help clean your dog’s teeth, however, apple peels can get stuck between your dog’s teeth. Although apples can help to clean your dog’s teeth, you shouldn’t substitute them for regular dental care like daily brushings or regular veterinary dental cleanings.
How Many Apples Can My Border Collie Eat?
If your border collie loves to munch on apples, don’t let them have too much. Eating too many apples could lead to your dog experiencing a bellyache or diarrhea, so always give with moderation. Just an apple slice or two a day would be enough to satisfy your dog’s cravings.
You can also give apples to puppies. If you haven’t given them apples before, then you can start with a small amount, i.e. a slice or small cube is enough. Make sure to keep an eye on them for a while to make sure they don’t have an allergic reaction. Also, check to see if they experience any digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhea. If your collie does have a problem, refrain from feeding them apples and contact a veterinarian as needed.
How To Safely Prepare Apples For Your Dog
Note: Don’t feed give your dog the seeds or the core of an apple, as they contain a small amount of cyanide, and could potentially act as a choking hazard.
- Begin by washing and scrubbing your apples to remove any germs and bacteria. Apples, like other supermarket fruit and vegetables, are treated with pesticides, which makes rinsing them off very important.
- Make sure to keep the apple seeds far, far away from your dog: the seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, a toxin, which could be harmful if digested in large doses. The tough apple core, and the stem, may also choke your collie. If your dog does eat apple seeds or apple core, then you need to watch them for any signs of digestive trouble or blockage, like choking.
- Cut apples into slices or small cubes so that your collie can easily eat them. Peeling the apple will make a lot easier for your dog to digest and will reduce the amount of fiber they get.
- Remember, that just because your dog loves apples doesn’t necessarily mean that they can eat apple pie. The added sugar and golden crust that us humans enjoy are too much for your collie, although they’d survive sneaking a bite, or slice. However, if your collie eats an apple pie that includes nutmeg, which includes a toxin called myristicin, then they could experience problems, according to the Pet Poison Helpline. In small doses, nutmeg could potentially cause mild gastrointestinal distress. And in very large doses, it could cause hallucinations, high blood pressure, and seizures.
Can Your Dog Eat Applesauce?
Yes, your dog can safely eat some plain applesauce! However, applesauce generally includes added sugars, so only choose unsweetened applesauce and give in moderation.
You can also freeze the applesauce in ice cube trays and share it with your collie after a long walk or on a hot summer day.
How To Feed Apples To Your Dog
Many dogs love the satisfying crunch of this healthy treat as well as the taste. Of course, a lot of dogs love eating apples raw. You can also prepare apple treats with dog-friendly recipes.
The simplest way to prepare roasted apple chips for your dog is to bake thinly sliced (and cored) apple slices at around 200 degrees Fahrenheit for around two hours until completely crispy.
Apple peanut butter cookies is another idea, destined to hit your dog’s sweet spot. Combine four cups of ground oat flour, 2/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce, half cup of peanut butter, and two eggs. Cut out cookies and bake for around 20 to 25 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
