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Can Dogs Eat Apricots?

Dog owners have to provide a healthy and balanced diet for their dogs. Apart from their dog food, dogs can also eat many human foods, but these foods should be served only as an occasional treat. Dogs can eat many fruits, such as apples, cantaloupe, bananas or mangoes. But, have you ever wondered if your dog can eat apricots?

We all know that apricots are very delicious and healthy. Most people love this fruit and they may also want to share apricots with their pets. In this article we will tell you if it is good to feed your dog apricots.

Are apricots safe for your dog or they can be harmful? How many apricots should you give to your dog? Just continue reading this article and you will get the answers to these and similar questions.

If you are a dog owner, you will certainly like this article. Before you find out if apricots are safe for dogs or not, we will tell you something more about this delicious fruit. You can also head to our article on dogs being given honey while you’re at it.

More about Apricots

An apricot is a tree that belongs to the genus Prunus. This tree is native to China but today apricots are grown all over the world.

The fruits of this tree are also called apricots. Apricots are considered relatives to peaches, even though they are not juicy as peaches. Apricots have been known for their health benefits since long ago.

They are rich in fiber, beta-carotene and vitamin C. Due to their antioxidant properties, apricots protect our cells from damage that free radicals can make in our bodies. Also, it is proved that apricots may improve our eyesight and protect us against inflammation.

There are also dried apricots that are commonly used in a human diet. Apricots may also be consumed in a form of jam, liqueur or pastry.  There’s no doubt that apricots are very healthy for us humans. But, is it okay to share them with our dogs?

Are Apricots Safe for Dogs?

If your dog has already eaten a slice of an apricot, you don’t have to panic immediately. If your dog also loves eating apricots, we have good news for you. Apricots are generally safe for dogs and you can use them as occasional treats for your dog.

Apricots are on the list of foods that are safe for your dog, so you don’t have to worry. Apricots are rich in vitamins and minerals, so they can boost an immune system of your dog and they can also prevent many health issues.

But, it is very important to avoid feeding your dog the pits and the seeds of this fruit. Apricot pits and seeds may contain cyanide, which may be poisonous for your dog. Also, you should never feed your dog apricot leaves and stems because they also contain cyanide.

This way you will avoid cyanide poisoning, which is usually manifested by dilated pupils, red gums, difficulties with breathing, shock or even death. Another danger of eating apricot pits and seeds is that they sometimes get stuck in your dog’s intestines, so you should always remove them from your apricots.

There is a question if dogs can eat dried apricots as well. It is known that many dried fruits may be a healthy snack for your dog. Dried apricots are also safe for dogs and they can provide many health benefits. Dried apricots are rich in potassium and beta carotene, so they are beneficial in reducing the risk of cancer and other diseases.

How Many Apricots Should You Give To Your Dog?

As we have already said, it is okay to feed your dog apricots in moderation. You should keep in mind that apricots, as well as many other fruits, are high in sugar. It means that large amounts of apricots could lead to increased blood glucose levels and diabetes in your dog.

Also, too many apricots can upset the stomach of your dog. Your dog may experience diarrhea or some other digestive problems because of the high fiber content in apricots. Because of that, it is recommended to feed your dog one or two apricots daily.

If you are feeding your dog dried apricots, even a very small amount will be enough for your dog. A slice or two of a dried apricot can be a delicious snack for your dog.

When you are introducing apricots or any new food in your dog’s diet, it is important to start with small amounts. You should watch carefully the reaction of your dog within 24 hours. If there are no side effects, it means that you can feed your dog apricots.

But, if you notice that your dog has become lethargic or if he has any digestive problem, it is a sign that you should stop feeding your dog apricots. You should know that some dogs adore this fruit, while others are not interested in eating apricots at all.

If your dog has already eaten an apricot seed or a pit, it is necessary to bring him to the vet as soon as possible, in order to avoid cyanide poisoning.

Summary

As you have seen in this article, apricots are very healthy for both people and dogs. You can feed your dog apricots, but you should remove the pits and the seeds because they may be toxic to dogs.

Also, it is very important to feed your dog apricots in moderation because large amounts of this fruit could have adverse effects. If your dog eats too many apricots, he may experience diarrhea, vomiting or some other problem in the gastrointestinal tract. In some cases, large amounts of apricots can also lead to death because of high cyanide content in them.

We hope you have enjoyed this article and we are sure that you will make apricots a part of your dog’s diet. But, you should keep in mind that moderation is always the key of good health.

As long as you feed your dog apricots in moderation, nothing bad will happen. Your dog will stay healthy and lively, which is most important if you want to provide him long and happy life. Also read why you shouldn’t feed your dogs pepperoni to keep them in your family for a long time.

Looking for a great gift for your furry friend? Then, you can check out our list of the best dog blanket for car here. Read next!