The Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Apples
An apple a day keeps the vet away! This statement might be a bit simplistic, but apples do have a ton of benefits for dogs, which is why we include them in all of our Just Raw Meals. Apples are packed with nutrients and vitamins that help balance out your dog’s diet. Here just some of the many benefits of adding some apples to your dog’s diet.
Allergy Fighter
A lot of dogs suffer from allergies, and unfortunately, it’s not always easy to treat them or find out the source. That’s where apples can come in. Apples are one of nature’s greatest allergy fighters. They’re an excellent source of quercetin, a flavonoid that helps fight off the harmful effects of allergies. Quercetin a natural antihistamine that helps reduce irritation, redness, and inflammation. So, if your pup is fighting itchy skin, consider adding some apples to their diet!
Source of Vitamins A and C
Vitamins are just as important to keep your dog healthy as they are in keeping us healthy. Damaged cells, known as free radicals, can build up in your dog’s body, leading to chronic diseases and issues. Apples are a great source of vitamins A and C, which help protect your dog from damaged cells and reduce the risk of long-term health issues.
Improve Gut Health
The fiber in apples will aid in your dog’s digestion. About 50% of the fiber in apples comes from pectin, which is a starch found in the cell walls of fruits and veggies. Pectin plays a valuable role as a prebiotic food, which helps feed the probiotics in your dog’s gut. Probiotics are good bacteria that help keep your dog’s digestive system balanced.
Things to Keep in Mind When Feeding Dog’s Apples
While apples have a ton of health benefits for dogs, there are still some things you should keep in mind. Feeding too much of any fruit or vegetable can throw off your dog’s digestion and cause vomiting or diarrhea. That’s why we only include a small percentage of fruit in our raw meals.
Not all parts of apples are suitable for consumption for dogs either. Apple seeds contain cyanide which is poisonous for dogs. Apple cores and stems should also be kept away from dogs as they can easily become a choking hazard. Also, be sure to thoroughly wash your apples before feeding your dog, as they are often coating in pesticides and wax to protect them during transportation.
If you want to learn more about the benefits of raw feeding and introducing apples to your dog’s diet, feel free to contact us! Be sure to check out our tasty Just Raw Meals, which all feature apples and other ingredients to provide your dog with a healthy and nutritious meal.