Can Pugs Eat Apples And A Look At The Benefits For Dogs

Maybe you’re like me and live by the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away?” We all know apples have a lot of benefits for humans but are they good for your four-legged friend? In this article, we’re going to answer the question “can Pugs eat apples,” as well as the benefits of it.

Can Pugs Eat Apples?

Yes, dogs can eat apples, as long as they are only fed in moderation. In fact, there are several fruits Pugs can and cannot eat.

The two main benefits your dog will receive will come from the dietary fiber, and vitamin C.

can pugs eat apples

However, you can’t just give your dog a whole apple. There are certain parts of the apple that could be extremely toxic for your pet. We’ll cover the best way to add it to your dog’s diet below, so make sure you keep reading!

Related: What Foods Will Pugs Eat?

Related: Fresh Cooked Food For Pugs

Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Apples To Pugs?

While there are many benefits for humans to eat an apple a day. Your dog will be fine if you NEVER add it to their diet. That being said, your dog may experience some health benefits from eating small pieces as an occasional treat.

Apples are an excellent source of phosphorous, fiber, vitamin C, and calcium. This can be a great way to satisfy your dog’s sweet tooth without letting them consume too many calories.

Fun Apple Facts

The apple fruit is part of the rose family like pears and plums. The very first apple tree originated in Central Asia and today, there are more than 8,000 varieties of apples. In fact, they are one of the largest fruits to exist.

According to USA Today, Americans prefer eating the Gala apple as opposed to the Red Delicious. (source)

Apple trees are deciduous and can take up to 4-5 years to produce their first fruit. Washington state is the leading producer of apples in the United States.

Nutritional Facts

Serving Size of 1 large apple (242 grams or 8 ounces)

  • Calories: 130
  • Potassium: 7% DV (Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet)
  • Dietary Fiber: 20% DV
  • Carbohydrates: 11% DV
  • Vitamin A: 2% DV
  • Calcium: 2% DV
  • Vitamin C: 8% DV
  • Iron: 2% DV

Are Apples Safe For Pugs?

As long as you feed your dog this fruit in moderation and avoid feeding them the core, seeds, stems, and leaves, it is completely safe.

Regardless of the benefits of feeding Pugs apples, if they eat too much, your dog can experience some possible side effects.

Feeding Your Dog Apples: Possible Side Effects

can dogs eat apples
Dogs can eat apples in moderation only.

Even if you take all the necessary precautions, your Pug may still experience some possible side effects from eating apples or other types of fruits and veggies.

This is why it’s so important to feed them in small amounts and monitor them for 24-48 hours after eating new foods.

One of the most common adverse digestive issues from dogs consuming apples is an upset tummy, especially, if they eat too much. This can cause your dog to suffer from a bout of diarrhea, or even vomiting.

If fed too much, over a long period of time, it can also lead to diabetes and weight gain. Some possible warning signs of diabetes are excessive thirst and urination.

What Types Of Apples Can Pugs Eat?

As I mentioned above, there are over 800 varieties of apples. Not to mention, apple can also be found in several types of products such as candy, desserts, vinegar, jelly’s, jams, and etc.

If you’re feeding your dog raw apples, try to find one that doesn’t contain a lot of sugar. According to a 2005 Canadian study, the Northern Spy and Ida Red apples have high amounts of antioxidants, which can be beneficial to your pooch.

You may want to avoid feeding your dog a Granny apple, because of their high acidity level. These can be used when baking some apple treats for your dog.

Always stick to feeding your dog cooked or raw apples only. Never feed them any type of apple desserts or sugary foods that contain apples.

Can Pugs Eat Apple Leaves?

No, there are no benefits of feeding your dog the leaves on an apple. The leaves can contain pesticides and can make both you and your dog sick.

Although they have been used as herbal remedies in the past, they should never be fed to your dog.

What About The Skin And Seeds?

The skin is NOT toxic for your dog and is actually quite fibrous. The downside is that it can be difficult for your dog to chew and swallow.

Some people believe that the peel can help keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean. Although, it shouldn’t be a substitute for your dog’s dental care. If you don’t want to give your dog the skin, then you may want to consider these doggie dental treats.

NEVER feed your dog apple seeds! Apple seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, which is a toxic substance. You also want to keep your dog from eating the core and stem, as it poses a choking hazard.

Can Dogs Drink Apple Juice?

Your dog should NEVER drink apple juice or any other type of fruit drinks. The only thing your dog needs to stay hydrated is fresh, clean filtered water.

Most brands of apple juice you’ll find at your supermarket contain added sugars, which are extremely unhealthy for dogs and can cause diarrhea. Before you give your Pug apple juice, make sure you know the best kind to give them.

Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?

Applesauce is such a popular treat among adults, children, and even infants. Some people even use it as a fat substitute in baking.

I’ve personally, started making my own applesauce with my Vitamix because I love eating it. But is it actually safe for your dog?

Yes, as long as it is fed to your pooch in moderation. In fact, some people believe applesauce is safer for your dog because they can swallow it easily.

The downside is that some applesauce brands like Mott’s have a lot of added calories. One container (113 grams) contains 22 grams of sugars, which is extremely high.

If you are going to feed your dog applesauce, you may want to make your own. That’s what I do because this way I know how much sugar and what ingredients are in it.

Feeding Apples To Pugs: Use Common Sense

Whenever feeding your dog fruits and vegetables, it’s important to know which parts they can consume without choking or being exposed to toxicity.

Use this table as a quick glance to find out which parts of an apple your dog should or should not eat.

Parts of an AppleSafe for Your Pug to Eat
PeelYes, just make sure you feed them very small amounts.
FleshYes, this is the only part they should eat.
LeavesNo, they are NOT safe for your pooch.
SeedsNo, they contain trace amounts of cyanide.
StemsNo, the stems may contain pesticides and should never be fed to your dog.

*Always consult with your veterinarian before adding new food to your dog’s diet.

What Parts Of An Apple Should You Feed A Pug?

If you’re a visual person, this image breaks down the anatomy of an apple. This makes it easier to see which parts are safe for Fido to eat.

anatomy of an apple
The different parts of an apple, which includes the seeds, core, flesh, skin, and stem.

How Can I Feed My Pug Apple?

Okay, now that you understand which parts of the apple are safe for your Pug and the benefits. Let’s take a look at how to add it to your dog’s diet.

Every dog is different and some may eat it right from your hand. If your dog is a picky eater, you may need to search for some recipes you can use to make some doggie apple treats.

Follow these steps to ensure they eat this fruit safely.

Wash The Apple

Before you or your dog eat apples, you should wash them thoroughly. If you’re NOT eating organic apples, you should soak your fruit in a baking soda solution for 12-15 minutes to remove any pesticides.

Remove The Peels And The Seeds?

Remove the skin or at least most of it as it can be difficult for your dog to swallow. Always remove the seeds and the core before feeding your dog.

The white flesh is the safest part for your dog to eat!

Recipes for Dogs

There are literally dog apple recipes online. Spend a few minutes online to find apple recipes for your dog. There is no shortage of recipes you can try out that I am sure your four-legged friend will love.

Some dogs prefer eating cooked apples as opposed to raw apples. Dogs tend to find cooked apples yummy, especially, when you combine other fruits and veggies that are safe for dogs like peanut butter and eggs to make them special treats.

How Much Apple Should You Feed Your Pug?

So how much is too much? Your dog should NOT experience any tummy issues or side effects if you only feed them

Alternatives To Apples For Pugs

If your Pug isn’t a picky eater and doesn’t suffer from food allergies, here are some other fruits and veggies you can try adding to their diet.

  1. Oranges
  2. Broccoli
  3. Cucumbers
  4. Blueberries

Final Word On Feeding Pugs Apple

Yes, it’s totally fine to feed your Pug a slice of apple as an occasional treat. Make sure you consult with your veterinarian before adding fruits and vegetables to your dog’s diet, especially, if they have any health issues.

Always monitor your dog when feeding them new food. Never feed them the core and apple seeds whenever feeding them apples!

References and Further Reading

US Apples – Apple Health Benefits

Best Apples – Apple Nutrition

Black Pug Site