Are Apricots Safe for Dogs?

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We absolutely love apricots. This delicious fruit is not only tasty, but it is also very nutritious. Is there anything better than eating an apricot on a hot summer day? It would be pretty awesome if you could share your apricot with your dog. Before you actually do something like that, you need to know the answer to the question, “Can dogs eat apricots?” The correct answer is - yes. However, you should follow a few rules and guidelines if you want to share some apricots with your dog. Here’s what you should know.

Are apricots safe for dogs?

The first thing dog owners usually want to know is, “Are apricots safe for dogs?” As we already mentioned, apricots are considered safe, but not all parts of this delicious fruit are safe for our furry friends. As you can probably imagine, only the “fleshy” part of the fruit is safe for dogs to eat. Here are other parts you should never allow your dog to consume.

Pit

The pit, or the stone, as it is sometimes called, of the apricot is not safe for dogs. Apricot’s pit is relatively large, so unsuspecting dogs can choke on it. Other than presenting a choking hazard, the pit contains toxic cyanide compounds.

Leaves

Leaves are another inedible part of the apricot you shouldn’t allow your dog to eat. Naturally, you will not feed your dog apricot leaves, but some dogs can grab an apricot that still has leaves. They are a choking hazard and contain the same cyanide compound as the pit.

Stem

Naturally, the stem is not something you or your dog should consume. The stem can quickly get stuck in your dog’s throat and cause all sorts of blockages. Plus, the cyanide compound is in the stem, as well.

Can dogs benefit from eating apricots?

Most dog owners assume everything that’s safe for them is safe for their dogs. That is not always the case. Chocolate, grapes, and raisins are just some examples of foods that are safe for us but very toxic for our dogs. Luckily, dogs can benefit from eating apricots. This fruit contains all sorts of different healthy nutrients your dog needs. Here are some of the best things apricots can offer our dogs;

• Vitamin C - Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the dog’s body from harmful free radicals. It will also boost the dog’s immune system.
• Beta carotene - Beta carotene will convert into vitamin A. It is a potent antioxidant and boosts the dog’s immune system, vision, skin, and mucous membranes.
• Iron - Apricots contain iron, which is crucial for the production of hemoglobin. Iron is necessary for red blood cell production.
• Potassium - Potassium plays a vital role in different body functions. It is necessary for nerve functions, muscle contraction, healthy heartbeat, bone, and teeth health.
• Magnesium - Similarly to potassium, calcium plays a role in nerve functions and muscle contractions. It will also help energy production.
• Fiber - Dietary fiber is beneficial for dogs with digestive issues. It is great for constipation and diarrhea.

Can apricots be bad for dogs?

Unfortunately, all dog-safe foods can become harmful if we overdo it with them. A little bit of ice cream is safe for us, but you will probably get a stomach ache if you eat a whole family package. The same goes for dogs and apricots. If your dog eats too many apricots, they might develop digestive issues. Some of the things you can expect to happen are;

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Gassiness
• Stomach pain

Another potential issue in apricots is sugar. Apricots contain a lot of sugar, so you should be careful how many apricots or how often you give them to your dog. If your dog constantly eats apricots, it can lead to weight gain and obesity.

How to safely give apricots to your dog?

There are safe ways you can give apricots to your dog. However, the safe amount will depend on your dog’s size. Larger dogs can eat one apricot, but small dogs, like the Maltese, can eat ¼ of an apricot. It would be best to treat apricots like rare treats your dog can’t get any time it wants. The golden rule says treats should never make more than 10% of your dog’s total food consumption.

Serving ideas

There are different ways you can include apricots in your dog’s diet. The easiest way would be to give your dog fresh apricot. Make sure you remove the stem, leaves, and pit. Wash the apricot thoroughly and slice it into small chunks. Simply give your dog small apricot bites.

The second way we prefer, especially during summer, is to prepare apricots as a frozen treat. The starting process is the same - wash the fruit and remove the unsafe parts. Slice the apricots and throw them into the blender. Add Greek yogurt and a drop of honey. You can even take your dog’s usual crunchy treats, crush them, and add them to the mix. Blend everything until you get a nice, even consistency.

Pour the blended mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze for 8 hours. You will end up with a refreshing treat your dog will absolutely love. Make sure to make treats the size your dog can safely eat.

World Dog Finder team