Are you wondering if you can feed your GDS apples? YES! You can feed apples. Apples are a great source of nutrients not only for humans but also for dogs. Apples play a beneficial role in any diet. They are popular in fruits and are a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidants, and potassium. Additionally, these sweet yet crispy treats provide your GSD with fibers, phytochemicals, pectin, and other chemicals.
So, Can German Shepherds Eat Apples?
So let’s dig in deep and find out how they are beneficial and what are do’s and don’ts are for your GSD.
Benefits of Feeding Apples To GSDs
As the proverb goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Similarly, this saying goes for the dogs too. You consider apples as a ball densely packed with nutrition. Apples can help maintain a healthy weight for your dog, and if you want your dog to lose weight.
When it comes to calories, apples are low in calories, making them ideal for maintaining the weight of the GSD while keeping the digestive system on track. Besides, the apple peels clean the teeth and provide dental care. But, this does not necessarily mean that you could use apple peels as a substitute for dental hygiene, as the peels can get stuck in the teeth.
Whereas apples generally benefit your GSD health, they can be unhealthy for your dog as they are rich in sugar ( approx 19 grams) so feeding a whole apple is too much for them.
Vitamin C
An apple provides 10% of the total vitamin C and is a natural antioxidant. A significant portion of vitamin C in apples is present in their peels. It can help improve your GSD immune system by enhancing the white blood cells. Vitamin C in apples helps GDS fight against various bacteria, viruses, and toxins and helps in the fast recovery of injuries. Also, it would strengthen your GSD immune system as it grows, helping collagen and muscle development.
Fiber
Apples contain both soluble and insoluble fibers. Fibre, in general, serves the same purpose for dogs as they do for humans; they help in avoiding diarrhea and constipation. It will assist your GSD in bowel movements.
NOTE: GSD or any other dog typically does not require fiber in their diets. Use fiber supplements when your GSD suffers from diarrhea or constipation but don’t give them without any medical prescription.
Potassium
Potassium is in many fruits, especially apples which is beneficial for your GSD. Potassium helps in muscle and bone development of your GSD, especially if the GSD is a working dog in police or the forces. It helps break down carbs and fats for better digestion and absorption of nutrients. Additionally, it helps your GSD brain function in remembering and storing your commands. It also makes their teeth strong. On top of all the benefits that potassium offers, it makes the heart, liver, and kidney of your german shepherd work properly.
Pectin
Pectin prevents your GSD from getting cancer.
Source of Phytochemicals
Did you know that apples are also a great source of phytochemicals? By definition, phytochemicals are ” compounds produced by plants.” It contains catechins, anthocyanins, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid. All these help your GSD stay fit and healthy in their old age. Also, it benefits their vision and keeps cardiovascular disease at bay.
What Should Be The Serving Size For My GSD?
Though apples have tons of benefits, it does not mean that you can feed your dog a whole apple. If it is your first time feeding an apple, try giving a slice or a cube first to see if there is an allergic reaction or not.
Eating too many apples can cause their stomachs to get upset and cause diarrhea or bellyaches. Also, the amount of sugar an apple has can cause harm to your GSD. A slice or two of an apple are more than enough in their daily diet.
NOTE: Do check on your GSD to see if your dog has any allergic reaction to eating an apple. If they do, consult a veterinarian.
The Correct And Safe Way To Prepare And Feed apple
When it comes to feeding, there are a few simple yet, safer ways to feed your GSD, which I follow and what the American Kennel Club also recommends.
Thoroughly wash before feeding.
When you have brought an apple, wash and scrub it thoroughly as it will wash away dirt, bacteria, or other impurities. It is also essential as many apples in the market are sprayed with harmful pesticides.
Removing Seeds
Always make sure that before feeding, you remove the seeds. The seeds are hazardous to your GSD health as they contain cyanide. Cyanides block the flow of oxygen of any living thing, ultimately leading them to their deaths. So whether it is a human being or a dog, the seeds are a big no.
Your goal is to avoid the seed for the safety of your GSD, in case you forget to take them out and your dog ends up swallowing them. You don’t have to rush immediately to the vet. The good news in such cases is it would take at least 100 apples for your dog to eat for it to be poisonous.
But this does not mean that you continue to feed them daily as, in the long run, it can cause harm. Besides the seeds being poisonous, they can also choke your GSD.
Do not feed the core!
Just like the seeds, feeding the core can be equally harmful. The apple’s core can get stuck either in the mouth or throat. It would cause breathing problems. Though the chances are slim, you should be better safe than sorry.
Small portion
As for the servings, the portions to feed should be small too. If trying for the first time, it would be best if you give a small cube of the slice. It would help you determine two things.
- Either your dog is allergic to apples or not.
- The size you fed was ideal for your GSD to chew and swallow.
The recommended portion size should be 1-2 slices per day.
Let’s not peel the skin.
The idea of peeling off the skin might be alluring, but unfortunately, it is on our list of don’ts. The skin is where a large portion of the apple’s nutrients are stored. Striping the skin off will also strip the apple of its nutrients. The skin also helps the teeth be clean of these omnivores.
Prevention against Diarrhoea and Constipation.
As apples improve the immune system by enhancing and powering the white blood cells, they can fight well against bacteria, viruses, and toxins. They also aid in constipation and diarrhea and make the GSD have smooth bowel movements.
Apples Are Inexpensive
It is hard to find a diet source for german shepherd dogs filled with nutrition in today’s world of processed and canned dog foods. You may give your GSD an expensive treat, but it would be rich in carbs and not other nutrients. Apples, however, are cheap, inexpensive, and readily available in the markets. Serving 1-2 slices full fills the essential requirements for your GSD daily diet.
When and Why Feeding An Apple Can Be Harmful?
It would be wise to give a cube of an apple to your GSD to see if they have any allergic reactions or not. If not, you can feed small portions to them without seeds. But, if there are any signs such as bellyaches or not chewing it, stop immediately.
Sugar Consumption
Apples are enriched with sugar which we humans can eat and tolerate. But, as we speak of dogs, they cannot digest too much sugar, especially if your GSD is diagnosed with a previous illness or cancer.
Ironically, apples can also be the reason for a constipated stomach of your GSD.
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is one of the rare reactions that your GSD can get if allergic to apples. It causes long-term, life-threatening conditions for dogs.
Signs to look out for if allergic
If you are a new GSD owner or feeding apples for the first time, this question must be popping into your mind ” how would I know if my GSD is allergic to apples?” what are signs that would help in identifying?”. Worry not, dear GSD owners. We are here to help you look for the signs that can save your trip to the vet.
After giving a small serving, if your GSD is allergic, the symptoms should look like these
- swelling
- coughing
- wheezing
- difficulty in breathing
- hiving
- and bellyaches.
Terminate the use of apples immediately.
My Experience
Since I am a proud owner of two GSDs, Jack and Liono, I do thorough research on whatever I feed them. Caring for them is my top priority, ensuring their diet is well-balanced and well-maintained. A few months prior, I started giving Jack a few cubes of apples. Jack almost immediately liked them. Whereas, Liono was not very fond of them. So far, my GSDs can eat and digest apples well, but I give them a tiny amount on the safer side.
Summary
All in all, Yes! You can feed your GSD apples. They are safe to eat. They are rich in nutrients, containing fibers, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Apples help improve your GSD immune system, eyesight, muscle, and bones. They also aid in maintaining and losing weight on GSDs.
The right way: Ideal serving would be 1-2 slices in smaller daily portions. Remember to wash before feeding and also to remove the seeds. Now you are good to go.
FAQ’S
Is it necessary to remove the seeds?
Yes! Removing the seeds as they contain cyanide is necessary, which is harmful as it blocks the supply of oxygen, leading to death. Also, do not feed the core or the stick of the apple.
Can I feed applesauce to my GSD?
Though you can feed apples, applesauce is not a great option. But unsweetened applesauce is a green flag. As sugar is not healthy for your GSDs, try to give them sugar-free or low-sugar treats.
Can we feed apples to puppies?
Puppies can eat apple slices. But, you would have to reduce the serving to half an apple slice.
