Yes, dogs can eat dried apricots in moderation, but you must watch out for them eating the hard stone or stem inside the fruit.
You know now the answer to the question “can dogs eat dried apricots”.
But there are more important things to know.
As you know, dogs are entirely acceptable to eat the fruity flesh of apricots, which may make a delectable sweet treat and assist in topping up their vitamins and minerals.
You can include chopped apricots when making homemade dog ice cream or treats for your pet friend.
Or you could give them apricots on their own as a nutritious treat rather than heavily processed dog treats.
Remember to remove the pit (or stone) from the fruit and cut it into bite-sized pieces before giving your dog an apricot.
Because they contain a lot of fiber and sugar, dogs should always be given apricots in moderation.
If your canine overindulges, it will likely upset their stomach and cause them to have diarrhea.
Unless they manage to consume the stones as well, even overeating shouldn’t harm their health.
Dogs can safely eat apricots in moderation and may experience several advantages, including lowering blood pressure and improved digestion.
However, before giving this stone fruit to a dog, dog owners should remove the apricot pit, stems, and leaves because they contain minute levels of cyanide.
Most of a dog’s nutrients should come from dog food, with human foods like apricots making up only approximately 10% of the diet.
When introducing a portion of new human food to your dog, consult your veterinarian first.
How Many Dried Apricots Can A Dog Eat?
Apricots should make up no more than ten percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake, along with other human foods: Regular dog food should make up ninety percent of a dog’s daily calorie consumption.
Before adding any new human foods to your dog’s diet, always check with your vet.
Depending on their type and size, your dog will require a different amount of apricots.
Most small breeds of dogs can comfortably be fed up to half an apricot each day, while larger breeds can eat up to a whole apricot.
Always chop the apricot into little pieces, regardless of the breed of dog.
Health Benefits Of Dried Apricots
This nutritious human food carries many potential health benefits for dogs, including:
Antioxidant-Rich
An antioxidant called beta carotene, which is present in apricots, might be able to protect your dog against cell oxidation and free radical damage.
Because beta carotene may benefit your dog’s eyesight, it is especially beneficial for seniors.
Good For Cholesterol
The soluble fiber and potassium in apricots may reduce your dog’s cholesterol levels.
High In Vitamins
Vitamin A and vitamin C in apricots support healthy skin and immunological function (which aids in bone development and helps treat osteoarthritis).
Potential Risks Of Feeding Dried Apricots
Before including apricot in your dog’s diet, learn about some of the possible concerns.
Cyanide Poisoning
Before giving your dog apricots, always take out the stems, leaves, and pits (or seeds).
Each of these components has traces of cyanide, a poisonous toxin that can harm your dog.
If your dog inadvertently consumes these components, contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.
Additionally, watch out for any signs of apricot poisoning (including difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, bright red gums, fatigue, vomiting, and seizures).
Digestive Problems
Overfeeding apricots to your dog can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea.
Choking Hazards
Large apricot pits in fruits like apricots can suffocate animals and tiny canines.
In addition, eating an apricot pit might result in a potentially fatal intestinal blockage in your dog.
My Dog Ate Too Many Dried Apricots – What Should I Do?
You must exercise caution because if your dog consumes too many dried fruits or seeds, cyanide poisoning symptoms will start to manifest.
Look for the symptoms listed below that may appear after some time if your dog unintentionally ate a pack of dried apricots.
Panting
Dropped Ears
Tail tucking
Weakness
Pupils dilated
Whale eye Sleepiness
Bright red gums
Extreme lethargy
Nose wrinkled
Loss of consciousness
Collapse
Shock
Lethargy
Sudden death
Therefore, if you see any signs, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately for urgent care.
How Many Apricots Should I Feed My Dog?
Your dog is comfortable with receiving some dried apricot flesh.
Try to cut it into small pieces to prevent it from choking their stomach.
Attempting to overeat can also lead to nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, and diarrhea.
As a dog’s need for carbohydrates is considerably lower than a human’s, try to keep the number of dried apricots you give your dog to a minimum.
Be cautious when removing seeds because dogs lack the common sense to know what is healthy for them and what is unhealthy.
As previously mentioned, cyanide poisoning in dogs can be brought on by seeds.
Give your dog a fair bit of dried apricots at first to see if they enjoy them or if they cause an allergic reaction.
It is better to test because dogs may have food allergies.
And don’t hesitate to speak with your veterinarian if you notice anything unusual.
Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricots
Fruits had significant carbs, vitamins, and minerals, including dried apricots.
Dogs can eat only the flesh of dried apricots.
Due to the trace amounts of cyanide, apricot seeds are toxic to dogs.
Despite being present in considerably smaller amounts, cyanide is not thought to be dangerous to people.
Dogs’ immune systems are strengthened by the vitamins C, A, beta carotene, minerals, and carbs found in apricots.
These nutrients are also suitable for maintaining skin health and acting as antioxidants.
Accidental overconsumption of dried apricots by your dog results in cyanide poisoning.
Even when cells contain normal oxygen levels, cyanide attaches to metabolic enzymes and blocks oxygen from entering the cell, preventing cells from using oxygen.
If cyanide poisoning is not promptly treated, it may prove fatal.
It’s possible to experience panting, dilated pupils, weakness, lethargy, and unconsciousness, resulting in a coma and, ultimately, death.
So, if you discover that your dog has been eating dried apricots and seeds, take him to the vet immediately so that the appropriate care may be given.
Initial procedures include stomach lavage, possible laboratory test recommendations, and symptomatic therapy.
Before You Go…
Now you know the answer to the question, “Can dogs eat dried apricots?”.
If you want to learn more, read the following articles too!