The short answer to the question, can German shepherds eat apples? Yes, you can feed an apple to your dog, but this is not the complete information you need before treating your pet with an apple.
Apple is a very healthy fruit to eat, but treating your pet with way too many apples may also jeopardize your German shepherd’s health. Jeopardizing the dog’s well-being unknowingly reflects poorly on ourselves.
We have heard that numerous fruits are not suitable for the German shepherds, but we cannot resist it when we see our furry friend sitting down with his big, round eyes wagging his tail while we munch on our fruits.
The thought that some fruits are not suitable for the dogs comes knocking to our conscious, and the thing we ask ourselves ‘if he can eat this fruit?’ This question led us to vets and many different websites, and now with all the research at our disposal, we would like to inform you why and how it is beneficial for your furry friend.
Can German shepherds eat apples?
As stated above, ‘yes, German shepherds can eat apples.’ As Apples are rich in nutrition, they make some of the best snacks for your beloved animal. However, there are particular ways to feed your dog apples. So, in this article, we have provided the benefits of apple and the way to feed apples to your German shepherd.
Benefits of apple
The apples are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and copper. Still, most of the benefits come from eating apples come from vitamins A and C. These vitamins are not only good for our health, but they are also good for the health of the dog. Some of the benefits that the dog can get from these benefits are:
Benefits of vitamin A and C
Protection against illness
Vitamin C decreases the chance of illness by increasing the growth of antibodies in the German shepherd.
Promotion in growth
Vitamin A is especially suitable for puppies as it promotes growth.
Strong bones
Vitamin C boosts the amount of collagen in the German shepherd, responsible for making the bones of the dog strong and healthy. It also decreases the chance of bone issues like hip dysplasia in the German shepherd.
Better night vision
Vitamin A is also found in an egg, and people who eat eggs have better vision during the night. Vitamin A is also referred to as all-trans-retinol. Apple is also a source of vitamin A, and it also has a good effect on the dog’s night vision.
Treatment for allergies
The vitamin C enclosed in apples is a good source of histamine alternative that can help treat allergies. It also contains anti-inflammatory effects that help to calm the German shepherd.
Extra benefits
- Vitamin A can make the coat of a German shepherd shiny.
- Vitamin C enclosed in the apple is also suitable for reducing the chance of cancer in German shepherds.
- The apples are also a great source of antioxidants that can help dogs’ dietary needs who cannot eat meat.
- Antioxidants are also responsible for making the dogs’ immune system healthy and decrease free radicals that can make your companion look old.
What to look out for when giving apples?
Although there are many benefits of the apples that German Shepherds can take advantage of, too many apples can deteriorate your furry friend’s well-being. So here are some of the things to look out for before giving apples to your beloved animal.
- Cutting the apple in pieces
There are some cases where the dog has choked on an apple, so cutting the apple in pieces is good.
- Cyanide in seeds
Many people suggest removing the core of the apple and the seeds as they contain small cyanide traces. Although a small amount of seed or cyanide is not dangerous, your little friend can still get sick by consuming a large amount of cyanide.
- Too much sugar
The apples also contain a large amount of natural sugar, which is not suitable for the dog. Some dogs have diabetes or cancer. If your dog is among them, please consult your vet before giving your dog an apple.
- Proper washing
Apples have pesticides and chemicals on them, so be sure to wash the apple thoroughly.
- Frozen apple
The frozen apples are especially useful for the adorable puppies that are teething as it can help in soothing your puppy’s teeth.
Extra tips:
- Although it is not common, some dogs have allergies to apples. When you see your adorable pet show symptoms like coughing, swelling, difficulty in breathing anaphylactic shock, be sure to take your furry friend to a vet.
- Apple’s skin sometimes causes the dog to have difficulty digestion, so peeling the apple is also one thing to look out for.
Other fruits your pet can eat
Dogs are carnivores, and they can eat fruits occasionally; however, there are some fruits that you must never give to your adorable companion.
Can German shepherds eat bananas?
Yes, dogs can eat bananas. Bananas are rich in vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and fiber, which are suitable for the dogs.
Can German shepherds eat oranges?
Although many people suggest not giving citric fruits to the dogs, oranges are rich in vitamin C, and they can eat it. But bear in mind that not all German shepherds are the same and may not react the same to oranges.
Can German shepherds eat blueberries?
Yes, dogs love blueberries. Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and much more.
Can German shepherds eat cherries?
Giving cherries to your companion is something that you should not do. The cherries contain cyanide in its leaves, stem, and pit. While a small number of cherries should be safe, it is better not to take risks.
Can German shepherds eat grapes/raisins?
Giving grapes or raisins to dogs should be avoided as they are extremely dangerous for our furry friends. The exact dosage or reason for toxicity is unknown, but giving even a small number of them can cause severe sickness or even kidney failure.
Final Verdict
In this guide – can German shepherd eat apples, we have explained that apples are suitable for the German shepherds but when given in moderate amounts. The apples boost many benefits for the dogs, but at the same time, they can also harm the German shepherd. The dogs are carnivores, and while they can eat fruits, not all fruits are suitable for your furry friend. Some fruits, such as cherries, contain cyanide in them, which is not ideal for your dog’s health. And some fruit’s reason for toxicity is unknown.
What do you think of this article?
Have you given your dog apples? If so, what was the effect of it on your furry friend?
