Most dogs love snacking on sweet fruits. However, not all fruits are good for dogs. What about apricots? Can dogs eat apricots?
Yes! Apricots are good for a dog’s metabolism, immune system, heart, and bones since they contain fiber, vitamin A, beta-carotene, and potassium.
However, before sharing these fruits with him, you must know how to prepare them safely. Find out what parts of apricots can harm your canine friend and which apricot varieties should be excluded from your dog’s treat list.
Are Apricots Healthy Snacks for Dogs?
Apricots are safe and good for dogs since these sweet treats contain heaps of nutrients. In addition, the skin is full of fiber, which keeps your furry friend’s digestive system and metabolism healthy.
Vitamins A, C, and E, as well as beta-carotene, are highly concentrated in apricots too. All 3 have antioxidative properties that help combat various illnesses and diseases such as cancer and cataracts.
Apricots are rich in potassium, a mineral that promotes healthy bone density and muscle development. It also plays a vital role in maintaining good heart and kidney function.
Will Apricots Make Your Dog Sick?
As we continue to find the answer to the question, “Can dogs eat apricots?” we need to learn the fruit’s potential dangers. Here are the possible problems that you and your furry friend might encounter if you feed him apricots:
Stomach Issues Due to Overfeeding
The dietary fiber in apricots may cause tummy problems for your furry friend. This happens when you overindulge him with these sweet snacks.
It can lead him to have loose stools and diarrhea. He may experience vomiting and gassiness too. Fortunately, digestive upset is mostly not severe, and its symptoms disappear within a couple of hours.
However, if your dog continues to vomit and has diarrhea after 24 hours, he may be at risk of severe dehydration. Get him to the vet to stabilize his condition.
Apricot Pits Can Cause Choking
The hard exterior of apricot pits is a dangerous choking hazard, especially to small dogs. Their small windpipe makes it easy for the hard stones to get stuck.
Apart from choking, apricot pits also pose the risk of intestinal blockage. This is a life-threatening condition that needs prompt and often expensive treatment. Remove the seed from the fruit to keep your dog safe from such dangers.
The Danger of Apricot Poisoning
Many dog owners ask, “Are apricots poisonous to dogs?” Not really. Some parts of the fruit contain trace amounts of cyanide. These include the seeds, pits, and stems. Once these are removed, all left is the apricot’s flesh, which is safe for your dog to eat.
If your furry pal manages to eat the toxic parts of the fruit, he is in danger of cyanide poisoning. Experts note that toxicity can occur quickly, just around 15–20 minutes after ingestion. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include:
- Dilated pupils
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Difficulty in moving around
- Breathing problems
- Bright red mucous membranes and gums
- Panting
- Shock
Bring your dog to the vet right away if he exhibits these symptoms. To treat apricot poisoning, antidotes such as amyl nitrate and sodium will be administered to reverse the side effects.
The vet will likely need to give your dog IV fluids since they help restore the electrolytes he has lost due to vomiting and diarrhea. Some dogs require a breathing machine until the toxins are completely flushed out of their bodies.
What Types of Apricots Can Dogs Eat Safely?
Fresh apricots are not the only type that is sold in the market. Are the other apricot varieties and products safe for dogs to consume? We will help you figure it out.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricots?
Many people enjoy the supersweet taste of dried apricots. However, is it safe for dogs to eat dried apricots? Yes, dogs can eat dried apricots. These are safe treats for dogs as long as they are given small amounts.
Dried fruits are highly concentrated with sugar compared to fresh ones. Eating them excessively can lead to digestive upset, obesity, and diabetes. In connection with this, it is a wise choice to prohibit diabetic dogs from eating dried apricots.
Can Dogs Eat Apricot Jam?
No. Feeding your dog apricot jam is not a good idea. It has high amounts of added sugar and may contain other unsafe ingredients for dogs.
Some apricot jams, especially sugar-free ones, contain xylitol as a substitute sweetener. Unfortunately, this ingredient is highly toxic to dogs since it can cause acute poisoning.
Can Dogs Eat Apricot Yogurt?
Yes, dogs can eat apricot yogurt, but it should be free from xylitol and artificial flavoring. Always check the label to ensure that you select a dog-friendly apricot yogurt for your furry friend.
How Many Apricots Should You Give Your Dog?
Human food, including fruits and vegetables, must be given to dogs in moderation, even if they are healthy treats. Let your dog eat half an apricot a day if he is a small breed. Large dogs can have up to a whole pitted apricot per day.
Do not overfeed pooches with apricots since it will only bring health problems and nullify the health benefits.
Many dogs cannot handle new food if it is given to them in large amounts. They often have upset stomachs and diarrhea as a result. Thus, feed your dog apricots in smaller amounts if it is his first time.
You can gradually increase the portions if he does not experience any stomach problems. Make sure that the serving does not exceed the recommended amount.
Homemade Apricot Dog Treat Recipe
Make delicious home-baked apricot goodies your dog will absolutely love.
Apricot Peanut Butter Biscuits
Ingredients:
- ½ cup fresh apricots
- 1 cup organic almond milk
- 1/3 cup oats
- 1/2 cup organic coconut flour
- 1 organic pasture-raised egg
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened and xylitol-free peanut butter
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Procedure:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, thoroughly mix all of the dry ingredients.
- Add the wet ingredients to the large bowl one by one.
- Stir the mixture until it has a thick and smooth consistency.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface.
- Roll out the dough until it is a quarter-inch thick.
- Use your desired cookie cutter to cut out shapes from the dough.
- Arrange them on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Take them out of the oven and flip the biscuits on their back. Bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Let the apricot peanut butter biscuits cool down completely before serving them to your dog.
