When you are in the kitchen slicing up an apple for yourself or your kids, you may notice your English bulldog giving you that “I want some of that!” look. When we eat apples our English bulldog often gives us that look and it made us wonder, can English bulldogs eat apples?
English bulldogs can eat fresh apples in moderation as long as they are not allergic to them. Apples contain vitamins B and C and are high in fiber, all of which are healthy for bulldogs. Do not let your bulldog eat the apple core as the seeds within contain cyanide which is poisonous.
Since every dog is unique, you need to consult your vet first before introducing apples to your dog’s diet. They will tell you how and if it’s safe to feed your English bulldog apples depending on their unique health conditions. For instance, if your dog is diabetic, their apple intake should be kept at a minimum since apples contain a high amount of sugar.
Are apples healthy for English bulldogs?
The short answer is yes, but in moderation. An apple contains a lot of vitamins A, K, and C which is great for your dog’s immune system. Consuming apples can also improve your English bulldog’s skin, reduce the chances of bone disease, and prevent the development of cancer.
According to experts, you should feed your dogs apples but you should limit it to small portions only, and just a few times a week.
Why are apples good for your dog?
They are rich in valuable nutrients
As mentioned above, an apple can be a good source of vitamins A, C, and K as well as fiber, calcium, and phosphorus. All these are nutrients that your English bulldog needs to stay strong and healthy. These nutrients also help boost your dog’s immune system which helps them keep certain diseases at bay.
It improves your dog’s coat
Have you noticed a patchy, unhealthy looking coat on your English bulldog? Well, that is usually a sign of missing nutrients in his diet, some of which are available in apples. Feeding your English bulldog apples helps them develop a nice coat and healthier skin.
It reduces the chances of cancer
Just like us, dogs are also at risk of developing various types of cancer. An apple is packed with antioxidants that can be vital in helping ward off the life-threatening menace that is cancer.
It reduces the chances of bone disease
Apples contain calcium and phosphorus which are vital to your dog’s bone health. They provide these nutrients to your pet’s bones to keep them strong and prevent diseases such as bone or joint disease. This is vital particularly for senior dogs with weaker bones.
They help the digestive system
Apples are rich in fiber, which can be great for your dog’s digestive health. They can also be a great treat substitute for dogs with weight issues due to their low protein and fat content.
They promote your dog’s dental health
As your English bulldog chews on an apple, it helps clean his mouth and teeth getting rid of other food pieces that could be stuck there. It can also help get rid of bad doggy breath.
How an apple can be bad for your dog
They can be toxic
The main thing you need to be on the lookout for when feeding an apple to your English bulldog is the seeds and the core. Apple seeds contain trace amounts of the highly toxic cyanide. It would take a lot of seeds to poison your dog, but that doesn’t mean it’s okay to let your dog eat a few seeds . The cyanide may build up in his system over time and cause serious health problems. Before slicing the apple for your dog, make sure you remove all the seeds first. Some experts suggest that the stems might be harmful as well, so it’s best to remove them too.
They can be harmful in excess
Moderation is the key to feeding your English bulldog anything, really, and apples included. Apples contain sugar, and too much of it can be a problem particularly for diabetic dogs and dogs suffering from cancer. Even for healthy dogs, feeding them too many apples may cause diarrhea or a stomach upset. Consult a vet and find out the recommended amount of apples you should be feeding your English bulldog based on their unique health and physical characteristics.
Be careful with apple-flavored products
Your dog may love that apple pie, but it could contain chemicals that could harm him. Apple-flavored products may contain added sugar, artificial flavors, and chemicals. Always check product labels and avoid any with artificial sweeteners like xylitol or other ingredients you’re not familiar with.
Your dog could be allergic
You may not be aware of it, but your English bulldog could be allergic to apples. If you see any signs of an allergic reaction after feeding your dog an apple, you better stop feeding him and contact your vet immediately. Signs of an allergic reaction include coughing, sneezing, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, among others. Rarely, an allergic reaction could lead to a life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis, so you must be careful. To avoid allergic reactions sneaking up on you, you should introduce your English bulldog to apples gradually while closely monitoring your dog for any reactions.
They could be coated with harmful products
Many apples you find in supermarkets these days are coated with special substances to make them appear shinier and more appealing to customers. Some fruits may also contain herbicides and pesticides that are toxic to your dog. As such, always make sure you wash the apples thoroughly before feeding them to your dog and if you can, stick to the organic apples.
They can be a choking hazard
You should slice the apple into bite-sized pieces for your dog or else you risk him choking on it if he swallows a piece that is just too big. The core of an apple is also firm and hard for most dogs to chew. It can also lead to choking or cause gastrointestinal blockage if swallowed. Always remove the core and slice the apple into small pieces before letting your English bulldog devour them.
Can English bulldog puppies eat apples?
English bulldog puppies are known for having stomach problems when they’re younger. They have a delicate digestive system so it’s better to stay on the safe side by feeding them only basic puppy food approved by your vet. Safe the apples for a later day, when they are older and better able to digest different foods.
How many apples should I feed my dog in one sitting?
There is no specific number of apples that you should feed your English bulldog in one sitting. It all depends on factors that are unique to every dog. Before you start feeding your dog apples, it’s best to consult your vet for recommendations on the right amount of apples your dog should have. Remember that too much can lead to a variety of health problems for your pet, which you don’t want.
How to prepare an apple for an English bulldog
Before you start feeding your English bulldog any fruits, consult your vet for advice on whether or not you should do it and if so, how much is the recommended amount. Some dogs have various medical conditions that could be worsened if they eat an apple, so it’s always best to check with your vet before feeding your bulldog. This is also good to keep in mind when introducing your bulldog to any new foods.
From the research we’ve done, there’s no difference in red or green apples. The choice depends on your dog’s preferences.
Before serving the apples, make sure you remove the core and pips. As mentioned earlier, since apple seeds have trace amounts of cyanide which is released when your dog chews on the pips. When it builds up in the dog’s body, cyanide can cause various health problems. The core is a choking hazard so you want to get rid of that as well.
There are plenty of ways you can serve an apple to your dog. You can just slice them up into bite-sized pieces and feed them fresh to your dog. You can also freeze and serve them during a hot day. You may also mix a few apple pieces in your dog’s food and see how that goes. There are also plenty of dog food recipes that include apples, so you can try a few and see what your furry friend likes.
The following is one of our favorite recipes that we think your dog will love:
Ingredients
- 3 cups Almond Flour (gluten-free)
- 1 cup plain unsweetened applesauce. You can make your own applesauce at home by smashing a peeled apple into a paste.
- 1 egg
Directions
Mix the applesauce, egg, and flour in a large bowl and stir in the mixture until a dough forms. Roll your dough into bite-sized shapes (a bone shape is recommended). Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes. Allow the pretzels to cool before letting your dog gobble a couple of them. Store the remaining pretzels and serve them later as treats.
