If you love German Shepherds (or are one), then you know German Shepherds are known for their big, goopy, ever-present tongues. If you have a German Shepherd (or would like to be one), you also know that those tongues can often get into some serious trouble. The question is: should it?
As German Shepherd owners or enthusiasts, we’ve all been there—your German Shepherd is happily chewing away on something and suddenly you’re freaking out because you want to make sure they’re safe. And if your German Shepherd has ever taken a bite out of something you’re eating, then you definitely know how fast the anxiety can set in when you realize they’ve put something in their mouth that they shouldn’t have.
That’s why today, we want to talk to you about apples. German Shepherds love apples—the crunchiness of the flesh, the taste of the sweet fruit itself—but can they safely eat them?
Are apples safe for your German Shepherd?
Yes, apples are safe for German Shepherds to eat, but it’s best not to feed your German Shepherd too many apples at once. Introduce apples to your German Shepherd slowly and give them a small amount initially. It’s highly unlikely but some German Shepherds can show intolerance or allergic reaction to apples.
If your German Shepherd has never had them, start slow and watch for any abnormal signs. If you observe any abnormal symptoms, stop feeding apples to your German Shepherd and talk to your vet immediately.
Benefits of apple in German Shepherd
There are many benefits of feeding apples to your German Shepherd. They are said to be low in calories, and also low in fat and protein. They have high fiber content and contain multivitamins, minerals, antioxidants and malic acid.
The fiber in apples is good for a German Shepherd on a restrictive diet. This is especially helpful for senior German Shepherds that might need additional fiber in their diet. Apples contain antioxidant vitamins A and C, which may help boost your German Shepherd’s immune system. Antioxidants may also help slow the aging process.
The malic acid found in apples helps to keep your German Shepherd’s teeth clean and breath fresh by removing tartar from the teeth. The Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C and biotin and pantothenic acid found in apples will promote healthy skin and coat. The potassium in apples supports healthy kidneys and counteracts sodium to reduce blood pressure.
Do all German Shepherds like apples?
Unfortunately, no, your German Shepherd may not like apples. German Shepherds have food preferences and apples may not be on your German Shepherd’s “like” list.
Your veterinarian can help you determine what foods are safe for your German Shepherd to eat. For example, grapes and raisins are often toxic to German Shepherds. Avocado is also unsafe for pets because of its high fat content. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian before introducing a new food and always supervise your pet when they are eating anything new.
Can German Shepherd puppies eat apples?
Yes, German Shepherd puppies can eat apples.
However, wait two months before introducing them to their diet. Puppies should also be on a specialized puppy diet during this time period because their digestive systems are still developing.
How many apples can German Shepherds eat?
German Shepherds can eat apples in moderation. Check with your vet first, especially if you’re dealing with a senior German Shepherd or one with special dietary needs like diabetes.
Here are some general guidelines:
For small German Shepherds: 1 slice of apple
For large German Shepherds: 2/3 slice of apple
Whichever serving size you choose, always follow the rule of 10%: treats combined should not be more than 10% of your German Shepherd’s total diet. This is important because your German Shepherd needs a completely balanced diet in order to stay healthy and happy!
How to serve apples to your German Shepherd?
Apples are a great, healthy snack for German Shepherds. They are delicious and have many health benefits. Apples contain antioxidants, vitamins A and C, fiber and minerals. They also help clean teeth and freshen breath.
However, before adding apples to your German Shepherd’s diet, please consult with your veterinarian to ensure that apples are safe and appropriate for your German Shepherd.
Also, be sure to feed only organic apples so that your pup doesn’t get any of the pesticides used on regular apples.
Start small if your German Shepherd is picky. Try adding a little shredded apple and see how your German Shepherd reacts. Then slowly increase the amount of apple you give to him until you reach his ideal amount. You can also freeze the apples to make them more enticing or serve them as a refreshing summer snack.
You can also use apples in homemade treats! Here are a few recipes that we love:
Apple Puree Pupsicles: Freeze mashed-up apple puree in an ice cube tray for a cool treat on hot days!
Apple-Banana German Shepherd Treats: Mix unsweetened applesauce (organic) with mashed bananas for a tasty treat for your fur baby.
Can my German Shepherd have apples every day?
There’s no universal rule about how often you can feed your German Shepherd apples, because every animal is different. Of course, if your German Shepherd loves apples and the recommended amount doesn’t interfere with the rest of his diet, he can probably have them every day.
But remember, variety is the spice of life! If you give him the same thing repeatedly, your German Shepherd could wind up getting bored. Besides that, every treat has its own unique nutritional profile—so switching it up also gives your German Shepherd a diverse range of vitamins and minerals.
So as long as your German Shepherd is getting a balanced diet that includes plenty of fresh water and a range of healthy, palatable foods (and this includes treats!), he’ll be able to enjoy those apples every single day.
When is an apple bad for a German Shepherd?
Apples can be good for German Shepherds in moderation. The crunch of the apple can help keep their teeth clean, but only if you remove the apple core and seeds first. Apples are full of vitamins and healthy for German Shepherds—but when is an apple bad for a German Shepherd?
Underlying health issues: If your German Shepherd has an underlying health issue like an allergy or diabetes, apples may not be part of their diet. An allergic reaction to apples in German Shepherds includes gastrointestinal distress, vomiting or diarrhea. Check with your vet to make sure apples are safe for them to eat.
You feed too much of an apple to your German Shepherd: It’s important that you stick to the recommended serving size from your vet (typically ¼ cup per 10 pounds of body weight). Too many apples can cause constipation, as well as other intestinal issues in German Shepherds. Your pup will let you know when they’ve had enough!
You give them too many treats: German Shepherd treats should be a special treat—not a daily occurrence! If you’re giving your German Shepherd too many treats and snacks, including apples, it could lead to obesity or other health problems.
What happens when your German Shepherd eats too much of an apple?
1. Ingestion of too many apples can lead to an upset stomach in German Shepherds. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
2. Ingestion of too many apples can lead to a drop in blood sugar levels, particularly in diabetic animals. This can lead to lethargy, weakness, and confusion.
3. Ingestion of too many apples can lead to choking or aspiration pneumonia. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, foaming at the mouth, or difficulty swallowing.
4. Ingestion of too many apples can lead to stomach torsion or bloat. Symptoms include abdominal pain and distention, excessive drooling, and retching without vomiting.
5. Ingestion of too many apples can cause severe damage to red blood cells because of the presence of cyanide compounds in the seeds. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of gums and skin), pale gums, weakness because of anemia, and rapid breathing because of tissue hypoxia (lack of oxygen).
What to do if your German Shepherd eats too much apple?
So, it happened. Your German Shepherd ate too much apple. You’re probably freaking out right now and panicking doesn’t help anyone. Instead, take a deep breath and follow these steps.
First, get the rest of the apple out of his reach if there’s any left. Then check to see if he’s showing any symptoms of food poisoning, like vomiting or diarrhea. If you don’t notice any symptoms, then he might be fine. But if he is showing signs of illness, call your vet immediately.
If not, then you need to monitor him for the next few days. Apple seeds contain cyanide, which can cause respiratory problems in large doses. So make sure that he has plenty of access to fresh water so his body can flush itself out naturally—and call your vet if you notice anything unusual for the next couple of days.
Can German Shepherds eat apple skin?
German Shepherds can eat apple skin because it contains lots of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. You can feed the recommended amount of apple to your German Shepherd and let him eat it with the skin on.
However, if your German Shepherd has an extremely sensitive stomach, peeling the skin will help cut down the amount of fiber he eats. Too much fiber in your German Shepherd’s diet may cause indigestion or other health problems like constipation.
When feeding apples to your German Shepherd, always wash them thoroughly. Pesticides and toxins that could be harmful to your German Shepherd can be found on the skin of apples.
Can German Shepherds eat applesauce?
Can German Shepherds eat applesauce? Yes!
We know, we know: it’s hard to resist slipping your pup a little treat now and then. But a lot of things that you can eat are bad for your pooch! So how do you know what to give her?
Apple sauce is fine, so long as it’s plain and unsweetened. That means no brown sugar, cinnamon, or maple syrup. Plain applesauce is totally fine for your German Shepherd to eat. If your German Shepherd loves the flavor of applesauce and you feel like treating her, by all means, reward her with some yummy apple sauce.
Other human foods German Shepherds can eat
What other human foods can German Shepherds eat? Here is a list of some other human foods your German Shepherd can eat.
So, can German Shepherds eat apples?
Yes, German Shepherds can eat apples in moderation. Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, making it an excellent treat for your German Shepherd. However, when feeding your German Shepherd apples, it is important to remove the core and the seeds.
The core is a choking hazard, and apple seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic to German Shepherds. Also, be sure not to include the stems or leaves—these parts of the apple contain toxins that will make your German Shepherd sick.
When feeding apples as a snack, it’s best to cut them into smaller pieces so they’re easier for your German Shepherd to digest.
You can also add apples to your German Shepherd’s food! They go great with yogurt and peanut butter.