Apples are a tasty treat that can be beneficial to humans, so it’s understandable that you’d want to share them with your Cocker Spaniel. However, there is some debate about whether they’re safe for our canine companions. We cover the basics of apples and Cocker Spaniels here, including potential health benefits and risks.
Are apples safe for your Cocker Spaniel?
Yes, apples are safe for Cocker Spaniels to eat. They can be given to your Cocker Spaniel cut into slices, or juiced. But make sure you remove the seeds and core before giving the fruit to your Cocker Spaniel.
In general, it’s best not to feed your Cocker Spaniel too many apples at once. Giving a small amount initially is ideal when introducing the apple to your Cocker Spaniel. If you give your Cocker Spaniel a large amount of apples on their first try, they may have diarrhea or other gastrointestinal distress.
It’s highly unlikely but some Cocker Spaniels can show a food intolerance or allergic reaction to apples. If your Cocker Spaniel has never had them, start slow and watch for any abnormal signs like vomiting, loose stool, or constipation after eating an apple. If you observe any abnormal symptoms, stop feeding apples to your Cocker Spaniel and talk to your vet immediately.
Benefits of apple in Cocker Spaniel
When it comes to nutrition, apple slices are a low-calorie, low-protein treat for your pup. They’re also low in fat and high in fiber, making them ideal for a Cocker Spaniel on a restrictive diet—especially helpful for senior Cocker Spaniels.
Apples are also rich in vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and potassium.
They’re an excellent source of antioxidants, which help keep your Cocker Spaniel’s immune system running smoothly, even as he ages.
Finally, apples contain malic acid—a natural tartar remover that helps keep your Cocker Spaniel’s teeth clean and breath fresh.
Do all Cocker Spaniels like apples?
Apples are a common fruit that many people like to eat, especially in the fall when apples are in season. But what about Cocker Spaniels and apples? Do all Cocker Spaniels like apples?
Unfortunately, no. Just as with people, Cocker Spaniels have food preferences and it’s possible that apples may not be on your Cocker Spaniel’s “like” list, for several reasons.
Cocker Spaniels must be taught to like new foods through repeated exposure (similar to children). A Cocker Spaniel who has never eaten an apple may look at it suspiciously or turn up their nose at it because they don’t recognize the smell or taste.
A Cocker Spaniel who has been offered an apple before may not like the apple itself, but perhaps they don’t like the way it tastes when mixed with their kibble or other foods. For this reason, offer apples separately from other food items at first.
Cocker Spaniels also have unique body chemistry and physiology compared to humans, so sometimes they cannot tolerate certain foods that people can–particularly fruits and vegetables that have high amounts of sugar or acidity. Apples can be acidic, which can affect some Cocker Spaniels more than others.
Can cocker spaniel puppies eat apples?
You’ve probably noticed that your puppy eats pretty much everything. And when it comes down to it, what’s the harm in letting them have a bite of the apple you’re enjoying?
While you might think apples are harmless, we don’t recommend feeding them to your puppy unless your vet approves it for certain reasons.
Your puppy has a delicate digestive system, and they need to be on a specialized puppy diet during their first two months. It’s better to wait before allowing them to eat human food.
How many apples can Cocker Spaniels eat?
Always ask your vet first to find the best serving size for your Cocker Spaniel.
In general, you can give your small Cocker Spaniel 1 slice of apple and a large Cocker Spaniel 2/3 slices.
Follow this rule: all treats (including apples) combinedly should not be over 10% of the total diet. If you give apples and other treats more than this amount, it will cause health problems to your Cocker Spaniel. Your Cocker Spaniel needs a completely balanced diet.
How to serve apples to your Cocker Spaniel?
Apples are a healthy, low-calorie treat that can be enjoyed by people and Cocker Spaniels alike.
The first thing you should do before feeding anything to your Cocker Spaniel is check with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to see if the food is safe for your Cocker Spaniel. Once you get the okay, try these tips:
– Organic apples are best, as they are pesticide free and will not harm your Cocker Spaniel.
– Wash the apple thoroughly before serving it to your Cocker Spaniel. And remove the seeds and stem.
– If your Cocker Spaniel is picky about apples, start small—try adding a little shredded apple and see how he reacts. Some Cocker Spaniels like them straight from the refrigerator, while others prefer them at room temperature. You can also freeze them and serve them as a refreshing summer snack.
– Apples can be diced up and mixed in with your Cocker Spaniel’s food for a sweet treat or smashed into a homemade applesauce. They can even be blended with other healthy fruits to make a tasty smoothie.
Can my Cocker Spaniel have apples every day?
Yes, you can feed a Cocker Spaniel the recommended amount of apples every day if it likes it. But we recommend offering a variety of treats to your pup. If your Cocker Spaniel gets bored with apples, then it may not be getting the full range of nutrients that a diverse diet can provide.
In addition, different fruits and vegetables contain different vitamins and minerals—so feeding your pup only apples might leave something to be desired in terms of nutrition.
When is an apple bad for a Cocker Spaniel?
Is an apple bad for a Cocker Spaniel?
It’s a question we hear often. And the short answer is no—apples are not bad for Cocker Spaniels. But there is also a slightly longer answer to this question.
Apples, especially the core and seeds, can be dangerous for your Cocker Spaniel in certain circumstances.
For instance, if your Cocker Spaniel has underlying health issues like allergies or diabetes, apples could trigger those problems. If you have concerns about your Cocker Spaniel’s health, it’s important to talk to your vet before introducing any new food into their diet.
Also, it’s important to remember that apples contain sugar and fiber, so you should stick to the recommended serving sizes from your vet when feeding them to your Cocker Spaniel (and as with any treat, limit these servings). A little apple goes a long way!
And finally—before feeding apples (or any other food) to your Cocker Spaniel, please remember to remove the core and seeds of the apple. Apple seeds are poisonous to Cocker Spaniels and can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and difficulty breathing. So while apples may not be bad for Cocker Spaniels, they can be dangerous if ingested whole.
What happens when your Cocker Spaniel eats too much of an apple?
If a Cocker Spaniel eats too many apples and develops diarrhea, it’s likely that they have simply eaten the flesh of the apple. If a Cocker Spaniel eats the seeds of an apple, though, it can be much more serious.
The seeds of an apple contain amygdalin, which is a chemical that produces cyanide when it gets into the body. Cyanide poisoning can be very serious. If your Cocker Spaniel has eaten the seeds of an apple, bring them to a veterinarian immediately. Here are some symptoms that your Cocker Spaniel may have if they were poisoned with cyanide:
- Rapid breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Bright red gums
- Seizures
- Disorientation
What to do if your Cocker Spaniel eats too much apple?
First, don’t panic. As long as you remain calm, you can better assess the situation and act accordingly.
Next, get any remains of apples away from your Cocker Spaniel. While most Cocker Spaniels can handle apple slices in moderation, too much can cause a blockage in your Cocker Spaniel’s gastrointestinal tract. If you notice your Cocker Spaniel has swallowed something that you suspect might be harmful, call your vet and ask their advice.
Finally, monitor your Cocker Spaniel for signs of distress for the next 24 hours and contact your vet if anything seems abnormal.
Can Cocker Spaniels eat apple skin?
The short answer is: yes, your Cocker Spaniel can eat an apple with skin. In fact, the skin of the apple contains high amounts of fiber and antioxidants that are beneficial for your Cocker Spaniel’s health. The skin also contains polyphenols which serve as an anti-inflammatory agent.
However, if your Cocker Spaniel has a sensitive stomach or digestive issues, peel off the apple skin. This is because the amount of fiber in the skin can cause indigestion.
It is always best to wash the apple thoroughly before feeding it to your Cocker Spaniel as they may contain pesticides and other toxins.
Can Cocker Spaniels eat applesauce?
Yes! Plain applesauce is okay for most Cocker Spaniels. However, avoid applesauce that contains added sugar. Also, don’t feed your Cocker Spaniel any applesauce that contains xylitol, as it is toxic to Cocker Spaniels.
Other human foods Cocker Spaniels can eat
What other human foods can cocker spaniels eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your Cocker Spaniels can eat.
So, can Cocker Spaniels eat apples?
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat apples in moderation. Apples are rich in vitamins A and C and antioxidants, making it an excellent treat for your Cocker Spaniel. However, apples do contain sugar, such as fructose, which can cause stomach upset or even lead to diabetes if your Cocker Spaniel eats too many.
You should cut up the apple into small pieces to make it easier for your Cocker Spaniel to eat them and remove the seeds because they contain cyanide. Make sure you don’t give your Cocker Spaniel the core or stem of the apple because they could choke on them.
If you’re unsure about feeding your pup some apples, talk with your vet first.