Apricots are a sweet, delicious fruit that can be enjoyed by a healthy diet. But can dogs eat apricots? And if they can, are there any risks associated with feeding them this tasty fruit? Let’s take a closer look at the answer to this question.
Can Dogs Eat Apricots? – The Answer!
Yes, dogs can eat apricots in small quantities without any negative consequences. However, if the fruit is given in excess or consumed along with other foods containing vitamin A or certain pesticides, problems could arise.
Can Dogs Eat Apricots? – The Exception!
The pit of apricot contains a toxin called amygdalin which may cause serious health problems for dogs. If these pits are ingested, they should be removed to prevent poisoning. This also applies to cherry and peach pits.
Can Dogs Eat Apricots? – The Risks!
There are two large caveats to the idea of “can dogs eat apricots.” Firstly, too much of this fruit can upset your dog’s digestive system. Secondly, if the pit is consumed, there is a serious risk of poisoning. This applies whether or not you remove the pit before feeding it to your canine friend.
The digestive effects of eating an apricot by itself are very unlikely to cause any problems for your pet; however, if they are eaten along with other fruits or vegetables (especially anything containing vitamin A), then this may affect how these other foods are digested and could lead to stomach upsets. While large amounts of apricots, or any other foods, are usually the only things that cause digestion problems, some dogs may be especially sensitive.
If you’re giving your dog medicine, check to ensure it doesn’t contain vitamin A. This is essential because apricots (and many other fruits and vegetables) can interfere with how these medications are absorbed by the body. The same goes for certain pesticides; if they are present on the fruit’s surface (or even within it), they may be harmful to your pet.
When given as a snack, one apricot should not cause any problems for your dog. However, larger amounts of regular feeding could lead to stomach upsets or an upset digestive tract which can cause serious health problems in dogs, especially for smaller breeds.
Finally, there is a chance that your dog could get cyanide poisoning if they eat the pit of the apricot. This toxin may be found within small amounts in plants and certain foods, including fruit stones and pits. This poison has serious effects on the body’s metabolism, leading to death if not treated quickly. Signs of this type of poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Tremors and seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy (tiredness)
If you notice any of these symptoms after giving your dog an apricot or other fruit with a stone/pit, then it’s important to take them to a vet immediately. If caught early enough, treatment may be successful.
Other types of stone fruit (such as cherries and plums) also contain the amygdalin toxin, so these should not be given to your dog either.
Can Apricots “Kill” Dogs?
While it’s unlikely, the risk of potentially deadly cyanide poisoning is one good reason why it’s better to keep a close eye on what your dog eats.
Yes, Apricots are safe to eat, but no matter what type of food you’re thinking about giving your dog, there is always a possibility that they may have an allergic reaction to it. It’s best if you use caution and err on the side of safety when first introducing a new treat or snack.
If given in moderation, your dog should be able to tolerate small amounts of apricots without any problems at all; however, this can change depending on their breed and size, so it’s safest not to feed them anything new.
Other Questions Related to Dogs Eating Apricots:
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Apricots?
Yes, cooked apricots are perfectly safe for dogs to eat. In fact, as with other types of fruit and vegetables – they’re beneficial because the cooking process breaks down the cell walls within the fruit, which makes it easier for your dog to digest.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricots?
In moderation, yes, dried apricots can be given to dogs. Still, like most other dried fruits and vegetables, it’s unlikely that they will benefit from them (even though they contain nutritional value).
This is primarily because any potential health benefits will likely be significantly reduced due to how long they have been dehydrated. And the fact they tend to contain very little moisture within them anymore.
Dried apricots are a popular human snack but should not be used as a dog treat because they have added sugars and sulfur preservatives in them. When consumed by your pet, these additives may have negative digestive or toxic side effects.
Can Dogs Eat Apricot Yogurt?
In moderation, yes, your dog can eat apricot yogurt just as long as there are no other ingredients included. Just like with humans, this type of dairy snack tends to contain a lot of sugar, so it’s important for you to look at the label and avoid those which have added sweeteners.
Two other issues to be aware of are the potential for your dog being lactose intolerant and if they have an allergy to dairy products in general. Apricot flavored yogurt is not something you should regularly feed your pet just as a snack because it’s full of sugars that can lead to obesity, diabetes, and dental problems in dogs.
Just like with apricots in general, there is a small risk that this type of dairy food could cause stomach upset symptoms when introduced too quickly into your dog’s diet.
If you’re going to introduce it properly (which is fine), do so slowly over several days by mixing it gradually with their normal food until they get used to eating it.
Can Dogs Eat Apricot Ice Cream?
Apricot flavored ice cream may seem like a nice treat to give your dog, but it’s best not to in most cases. Firstly, in terms of health benefits, there are very few in this type of food because it’s simply an edible dessert (not a healthy pet snack).
Secondly, like with other types of human foods – you can’t be certain that all ingredients within the recipe are safe for dogs which means that there is potential for them to cause stomach upsets or allergic reactions when eaten.
You should also avoid ones that contain added sugars and preservatives (such as sulfur dioxide) because these will likely be bad for them in any amount.
Can Dogs Eat Apricot Kernels?
Although the kernels themselves are not poisonous to dogs, they may not be safe to eat. They contain amygdalin which is a compound that contains cyanide… and chronic ingestion of this toxin can cause serious health problems, including liver damage, seizures, and even death.
If you suspect your pet has eaten any amount of these kernels, then take them to the vet immediately, where treatment will be given if necessary. If caught early enough, the prognosis should be good for recovery after appropriate medical care.
What About Other Fruit Stones/Pits?
Apricots aren’t the only type of fruit containing amygdalin in their seeds/pits; many other types also have potentially hazardous amounts. These include cherries, apples, peaches, plums, and almonds.
None of these fruits should ever be given to dogs under any circumstances. Pits from peaches, plums, and apricots especially pose a risk because they are smaller in size… meaning that your dog would need to eat many more of them compared to other types of stone fruit for it to be a problem.
What About the Leaves?
The leaves themselves contain amygdalin, too, but unlike the kernels or seeds/pits – there aren’t enough of them present to cause a poisoning issue if eaten by your pet. However, it’s still best not to give them anything containing amygdalin even though it’s unlikely that this will lead to problems.
What’s the Nutritional Value of Apricot Kernels?
Apricot kernels contain amygdalin – just like the pit – which is converted into cyanide in the body when ingested. Consuming these kernels regularly could lead to cyanide poisoning if you have enough quantity.
Can Dogs Eat Apricots? – The Conclusion!
So, can dogs eat apricots? Yes, this is perfectly safe in small amounts; however, too much of the fruit could lead to digestive upset or interfere with their medication.
If they eat the pit, there is a risk that it may cause cyanide poisoning, which has very serious effects on the body’s metabolism and requires immediate medical attention if they show any signs of poisoning after consuming it.
As such, it’s important to monitor how your pet reacts after eating apricot or other food containing amygdalin or Vitamin A to avoid any health risks.
If your dog begins to show signs of vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty breathing after eating apricots, then it’s best to take them for emergency veterinary treatment as soon as possible.
Although the illness can be treated with CPR and oxygen if caught early enough, this is only an option if you can act quickly enough before the poisoning becomes fatal.