Can Dogs Eat Green Apples? Yes, Sliced and Cored

Are green apples different from red apples for dogs?

Nutritionally, green and red apples are very close. Both offer fiber, vitamin C and water, and both are low in fat. Green varieties such as Granny Smith tend to be more sour and slightly lower in sugar, which some dogs love and others spit straight out.

The tartness is from natural fruit acids, which are harmless in the small amounts a dog eats. A dog that gobbles a lot of sour apple may get a mildly upset stomach, but there is nothing in a green apple that makes it less safe than a red one.

The core, stem and seeds

The AKC explains that apple seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, which can harm a dog in large doses, although a few swallowed seeds are unlikely to cause problems. The bigger everyday hazard is the core and stem, which are tough and can choke a dog or lodge in the gut.

Never toss a whole apple or an apple core to your dog. Dogs that grab windfall apples in the yard are at risk of chewing on cores and seeds and of eating fruit that has started to ferment. Pick up fallen apples during the season.

How to serve green apples

Wash the apple, cut it into quarters, and slice away the core, stem and every seed. Cut the flesh into thin slices or small cubes sized for your dog: a blueberry-sized dice for a 10 lb dog, bite-sized pieces for a larger one.

The peel is safe and adds fiber, but the AKC notes peeling can make apple easier to digest, which helps dogs with sensitive stomachs. Frozen apple cubes make a crunchy summer treat. Skip caramel apples, apple pie, apple crisp and sweetened applesauce.

For dogs that gulp anything new, a slow feeder bowl or a lick mat keeps portions small and eating slow.

How much green apple by dog weight

The AKC says a slice or two is usually enough. As a rough guide: under 20 lb, one or two thin slices; 20 to 50 lb, two or three slices; over 50 lb, up to a quarter of a medium apple, a few times a week.

A whole apple is too much sugar for most dogs in one go. Count apple as part of your dog's treats for the day and reduce other snacks to match. For dogs with diabetes or on a weight-loss plan, ask your vet before adding fruit.

Puppies and green apples

The AKC says puppies can eat apples too, starting with a small slice or cube. Cut it smaller than you would for an adult and make sure there is no core or seed in the pieces, as puppies swallow quickly and choke more easily.

A cold apple cube can be soothing for a teething puppy, but supervise while they chew. Introduce apple on its own so you can tell whether it agrees with your puppy before trying other new foods.

Signs it disagreed with your dog and when to call a vet

Eating too much apple can cause loose stools, gas or vomiting within a few hours. Tart green apples may make some dogs drool or lick their lips. These signs usually pass within a day.

Call your vet if your dog ate whole apples or cores and is gagging, retching without producing anything, has a swollen or painful belly, or stops eating, all of which can point to a blockage. Call the same day for vomiting or diarrhea lasting beyond 24 hours, or if your dog seems lethargic.

Other fruits dogs can enjoy

The ASPCA lists apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, cantaloupe and pineapple among fruits that are okay to share, with seeds, cores and peels removed from harder fruits. Rotating a few keeps treats interesting.

Never share grapes, raisins or anything containing them, since they can cause kidney damage in dogs. Apple-flavored snacks and candy for people may contain xylitol or chocolate, so stick to fresh fruit you prepared yourself.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.