Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricots?

Can dogs eat dried apricots? Unlike humans, dogs have quite sensitive stomachs. So, you need to be careful while feeding different foods to dogs. Keeping this in mind, you might wonder, Can dogs eat dried apricots?

Yes, dogs can eat dried apricots. However, it’s not recommended to give them. That’s because dried apricots available at stores contain sugar and preservatives that are unhealthy for your pet. However, you can feed them some homemade dried apricots.

If you are interested in gaining more knowledge on this topic, you are in the right place. So, let’s find out more about, Can dogs eat dried apricots?

Are Dried Apricots Safe for Dogs?

Before we jump into further details, it’s important to know, are dried apricots safe for dogs? Can dogs eat dried apricots? Well, certain limitations need to be considered in this case. The flesh of these apricots is safe and healthy for dogs to eat.

But some other elements of dried apricots include leaves, stems, seeds, or pits. If your dog consumes any of these parts, he might be in a vet’s clinic.

Even in the case of flesh, try to feed your dog only a moderate amount. That’s because dried apricots are rich in calories and sugar, which isn’t healthy for your dog.

Are Dried Apricots Good for Dogs?

Now, let’s see if these dried apricots are beneficial for dogs. Can dogs eat dried apricots? Yes, they can.

Dried apricots provide numerous benefits to dogs but only in moderation. These include:

Nutrition

Several vitamins and minerals are present in dried apricots that are good for dogs. These include vitamin A, C, copper, potassium, beta carotene, iron, and calcium. They are all quite healthy for your dog’s body and provide energy.

Immunity

Dried apricots help in maintaining the overall immunity of your dog’s body. But that’s only possible if given in small amounts on occasion along with a balanced diet. As a result, your dog can resist harmful bacteria and viruses that might make him sick.

This type of strong immunity reduces the severity of any disease and results in more effective healing.

Antioxidants

In addition, vitamin C and beta-carotene found in dried apricots have antioxidant properties. They prevent cell damage due to the action of free radicals. Likewise, they reduce the severity of diseases, including cancer, heart diseases, and other chronic illnesses. 

Eyes and Skin

Beta carotene present in dried apricots prevents cataracts. Besides, vitamins A and C are good for eye vision and reduce the risk of damage. These vitamins and minerals also keep your dog’s skin healthy by preventing various skin diseases.

Muscle and Bone Strength

Potassium and calcium in dried apricots are important to keep your dog’s bones and muscles healthy. They also prevent and reduce the severity of pain, injuries, and cramps. Consequently, it improves the functioning of their nervous system and the mechanism of their organs.

Are Dried Apricots Bad for Dogs?

Along with health benefits, dried apricots offer numerous risks to dogs. These include:

Choking

If your dog accidentally ingests stems, pits, and leaves of dried apricots, choking can occur. Unlike humans, dogs have small and quite sensitive organs.

Blockage

These pits and stems might end up causing a blockage. Thus, your dog’s organs can’t digest or excrete properly. You might observe the following symptoms in your pet:

• Vomiting
• Pain
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• General Discomfort

Digestive Problems

Consuming too many dried apricots can result in various digestive problems in dogs. If the symptoms last longer, you need to call your vet immediately.

Weight Gain

Dried apricots are high in calories and sugar. So, consuming them frequently might cause weight gain, which isn’t healthy for your dog.

Cyanide Poisoning

Amygdalin, a plant toxin, changes to cyanide when consuming stems, leaves, and pits of dried apricots. This type of change is harmful to dogs due to their delicate organs. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include:

• Bad breath
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Dilated pupils

Cyanide poisoning might kill your dog if not treated properly on time.

What to Do If My Dog Ate Too Many Dried Apricots?

If your dog has managed to consume too many dried apricots, observe him for the next few hours. In case of any symptoms or discomfort, it’s important to contact your vet without wasting any time.

Final Thoughts

To sum up, Can dogs eat dried apricots? Yes, they can eat but only in small amounts and on occasion. Although they are quite beneficial for dogs, some risks can occur from consuming them.

Dried apricots are safe for dogs to consume. However, pay attention to them if they ingest leaves, stems, and pits of dried apricots. That’s because they might cause cyanide poisoning in dogs.