Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricots? Yes, in Moderation
Dried apricots offer some nutritional benefits for dogs, including:
- Fiber: Supports healthy digestion
- Antioxidants: Fight cell damage and potentially reduce disease risk
- Vitamins and Minerals: Boost overall health
Important Considerations
- Sugar Content: Dried apricots are naturally high in sugar. Too much can lead to upset stomach, weight gain, or more severe issues like diabetes, especially in dogs prone to such problems.
- The pit is Toxic: Always remove the pit before giving your dog any apricot. The pit is a choking hazard and contains cyanide.
- Sulfites: Some dried apricots are treated with sulfites as a preservative, which can cause sensitivities in certain dogs.
How to Feed Dried Apricots to Your Dog
- Choose Unsulfured: If possible, opt for unsulfured dried apricots to avoid potential sensitivities.
- Remove the Pit: This is crucial for safety.
- Small Pieces: Cut into bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
- Moderation is Key: A few pieces occasionally are best.
How Much is Safe?
- General Rule: Half a dried apricot every other day is a good starting point. Adjust based on your dog’s size and any health concerns.
- Talk to Your Vet: They can provide personalized recommendations.
Key Takeaways
- Dried apricots can be a healthy, occasional treat for dogs when given safely and in moderation.
- Never give your dog a whole dried apricot or one with the pit.
- Choose unsulfured options if possible.
- Always consult your veterinarian about new foods for your dog, especially if they have existing health conditions.
What are Dried Apricots?
Dried apricots are the dehydrated form of the fruit apricot in which all the fruit’s water gets drained out, and it gets treated with sulfur to be more preservative.
During this process of making the fruit more preservative, the nutrients of the canine, which include proteins, vitamins, and minerals, get more concentrated, and being dry is one of the most convenient snacks to consume.
Do Dogs Like the Taste of Dried Apricots?
Yes, as per the comments made by the dog owners, it can be said that almost all dogs of different breeds are fond of the taste of dried apricots. Dried apricots are sweet but also have a tangy flavour, which is the main reason behind dogs’ preference for this dry fruit.
As per the vet’s suggestions, dried apricots are also proven to be the best alternative to the usual treats given to the canine, as these are comparatively higher in nutrients than the other treats delivered to the dog.
What are the Nutritious Compounds of Dried Apricots?
Now, as we all know, the benefits the dried apricots provide to the canine’s health are all because of the number of nutritious compounds present in them.
It becomes essential for dog owners to know about the nutritious compounds of dried apricots to decide their proper dose for canine consumption. Below mentioned are the nutritional compounds.
Carotenoids
The presence of carotenoids in the body of the canine promotes the functioning of the immune system and thus makes the pet disease-resistant.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols in the body of the canine inhibit the cells, causing DNA methylation and thus leading to fewer chances of getting affected by cancer.
Chlorogenic Acid
The presence of chlorogenic acid in the body of the canine affects the blood vessels to keep the pup’s blood pressure in control and control the blood sugar and metabolism.
Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogen in dogs promotes the heart of the canine.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricot?
Yes, consuming dried apricots is safe for the canine’s health.
The nutritious materials in this healthy snack provide several health benefits, such as canine-like protection against cell radiation and free radical damage, improvement of eyesight, better functioning of the heart, and many others.
Thus, based on the information above, dried apricots are safe for canine consumption but only in moderate amounts, as overfeeding can lead to discomfort.
Can Dogs Eat Apricots?
Yes, the consumption of apricot is safe for the dogs. The nutritional percentage of both dried and fresh apricots is safe, so dog owners can choose the one of their choice as there will be no difference in the nutritional contribution.
However, the fact to notice while feeding fresh apricots to the canine is that the seed of the apricot needs to be removed because its ingestion can lead to blockage in the food passage, choking hazards, and can even lead to stomach upsets.
Thus, it is suggested that the seed of the apricot be removed first and that only fresh fruit be fed to the canine.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricot Yogurt?
Although the consumption of dried apricot and yoghurt is safe for dogs, for those who are not lactose intolerant, as we all know, during the preparation of dried apricot yoghurt, several additives along with the sugar are used during its preparation, which can be very problematic for the digestive system of the canine.
Thus, based on the information discussed above, and to prevent the situation from getting worse, dogs are prohibited from drinking dried apricot yoghurt.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricot Jam?
No, the consumption of dried apricot jam is not suggested for the canine. Although this jam does not contain any ingredients that can harm the dog’s health, during its manufacturing, much sugar is added to it.
This can be very problematic for the health of the canine as it can lead to hyperactivity, diabetes, increased blood pressure, and many others. Thus, it needs to be avoided.
What are the Benefits of Feeding Dried Apricots to the Canine?
Dog owners need to know the benefits of feeding dried apricots to the canine, as it will help them to decide why they should maintain regularity in feeding and induce it in the puppy’s diet. The benefits of feeding dried apricots are mentioned below.
- The consumption of dried apricots keeps the canine active and healthy as the abundance of nutrients present in it, like vitamins, fibres, proteins, and beta carotenes, promotes the release of energy.
- The consumption of dried apricots also promotes the immune system of the canine, thus fostering the functioning of the digestive system.
- The antioxidants in this fruit help prevent cell damage inside the dog’s body and reduce the risk of getting cancer and heart disease.
How Much Dried Apricot Can a Dog Eat in a Day?
As per the comments made by the veterinarians over the consumption of dried apricots by the canine, if the canine gets half of the dried apricot at a time, then it will be sufficient to fulfil the nutritional deficiency of the dog.
However, the fact to notice here is that it should be given to the canine by maintaining alternative gaps, which means half of it per day, but it can also go for providing more if needed.
It is suggested that dog owners keep all the factors mentioned above in mind while searching for can-eat dried apricots to give them nutritious food to the canine.
