Can dogs eat apples?

Wash the apple, cut it into quarters and slice away the core. The skin is fine to leave on and holds much of the fiber. For toy breeds under 5 kg (11 lb), thin slices or small dice reduce the chance of a chunk lodging in the throat.

Many dogs love cold apple straight from the fridge, and some owners freeze small cubes for hot days.

Treats of any kind should stay under about 10 percent of daily calories. For a 10 kg (22 lb) dog eating around 550 calories a day, that is roughly 55 calories, which works out to a little over half a medium apple.

Too much apple at once can loosen stools because of the natural sugar and fiber. Start with two or three slices and see how your dog handles them.

Apple pie, toffee apples, apple crumble and caramel dips are sugary desserts, not fruit treats. Dried apple rings are often sweetened or preserved with sulfites, and apple chips can be fried. Fresh fruit is the version to share.

Puppies from about 12 weeks can try a small, thin slice once they are settled on solid food. Keep it tiny, as young stomachs react quickly to new foods. Senior dogs with worn or missing teeth may find crisp apple hard to manage; grating it or offering soft, ripe varieties such as Gala makes it easier to eat.