Can Dogs Eat Apricots? What you need to know!

Can dogs eat apricots? Most pet owners share their snacks, especially fruits, with their pets because they assume they are safe. What you should know as a pet owner is that not everything that humans eat is safe for pets, especially dogs.

This brings us to the question, can dogs eat Apricots? Yes, Apricots can be consumed by dogs. It should also be prepared correctly before giving it to the dog.

The most recommended kind of apricot is dried apricot. When your dog ingests the stems, leaves, seeds, or pits, it will experience some health issues. The health problems will result because those parts have traces of cyanide which are very harmful to your dogs.

Health Benefits That Come With Feeding Apricots to Dogs

Apricots contain vitamin C, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Folate, Iron, Beta Carotene, carbohydrates, calories, proteins, and fiber which makes them very nutritious.

• Apricots help reduce blood pressure and help lower blood cholesterol since it is rich in potassium and soluble fiber.
• The fruit is good for cardiovascular health because it has many anti-inflammatory polyphenols.
• The presence of beta carotene helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels and helps protect eyesight.
• Apricots reduce inflammation associated with joint problems and arthritis due to vitamins.

Health Problems Associated with Your Dog Eating Apricots

Can dogs eat apricots? You should only give your dog apricots fruit and not stems, leaves, or pits since they are associated with choking hazards and have traces of cyanide compounds. If your dogs eat a high amount of leaves, pits, or stems, they will need medical attention since they are dangerous.

• The high volume of apricots can be harmful to the dog’s digestive balance.
• The dog can also go through gastrointestinal upset after consuming too many apricots.
• Eating too many apricots will lead to constipation and diarrhea.
• The pits of apricot will cause a choking hazard and bowel obstruction after being lodged in the intestines.

Is Apricot Juice Safe for Your Dog To Drink?

Can dogs eat apricots? Apricot juice contains high sugar content, thus making it unsuitable for your dog to drink. The juice contains a high sugar level and lacks dietary fiber, unlike the fruit, which has relatively low sugar content.

Ways in Which Apricot Can Be Added To The Diet Of Your Dog

There are ways in which apricot can be added to your dog’s diet to make it a tasty treat.

Frozen

Frozen apricot is refreshing and welcoming to your dog’s treat during the hot summer season. It will help to put them in a freezer after slicing them thinly.

Pureed

Pureeing apricot is very good for your dog since it portrays all the health benefits. You can give your dog, especially the older dogs, the apricot after mixing it with other treats or serving it as a treat.

Baked Treats

Added to Dog Food

You can safely give apricot to your dog by putting them in their regular kibble. Sprinkle the apricot in your dog’s food dish after dicing it up.

Sliced on Its Own

Apricot Poisoning in Dogs

Can dogs eat apricots? Your dog will suffer from apricot poisoning after ingesting the seed or pit of an apricot. The seed and pit of an apricot contain very poisonous cyanide and can lead to severe sickness and death.

Symptoms of Apricot Poisoning in Dogs

Your dog will start showing symptoms of apricot poisoning as early as fifteen minutes after ingesting cyanide. Below are the symptoms;

• Vomiting
• Watery eyes
• Aggression
• Weakness and fatigue
• Bloody stool
• Drooling
• Diarrhea
• Difficulty in breathing
• Panting
• Death
• Loss of consciousness

Cause of Apricot Poisoning in Dogs

The dog’s ingestion of the apricot seed is the cause of apricot poisoning.

Detecting Apricot Poisoning in Dogs

You should immediately take your dog to its regular veterinarian if you suspect that it has taken apricot seeds. The veterinarian will make the correct diagnosis after examining the blood, urine, stool, or any other sample he will take. The level of poisoning will determine the amount of time the veterinarian takes to diagnose.

Treatment of Apricot Poisoning in Dogs

Your dog must start treatment immediately after diagnosis. The treatment may include;

• Detoxification
• An oral dosage of Sodium Thiosulfate
• Detoxification by using thiocyanate or rhodanese
• Inhalation of Nitrate
• Another antidote like hydroxocobalamin

Can My Dog Safely Eat Apricot?

Can dogs eat apricots? Dogs can safely eat apricots as a treat. Most dogs enjoy eating apricots, which is okay since they are very nutritious. The fruits should be fed to the dogs moderately and after being prepared safely.

If you are giving your dog an apricot for the first time, monitor it closely to see how it reacts to it. Is it allergic to it, or does it enjoys eating it? You must first consult your veterinarian before making any decision.