Apple is a delicious treat for your pets—including healthy snacks for your dog. This can keep your dog’s teeth clean, with a fruity scent on their breath. However, dog lovers must ensure that they keep their apple slices free from core pits and seeds. Seeds found on the apple’s core contain a small dosage of cyanide that is released when chewed.
Cyanide poisoning can be crucial, and it varies from every breed and size of your pet dog. Smaller species have a higher risk of toxicity with cyanide-containing material found inside the apple seeds. If accidentally consumed, apple seeds may induce salivation, difficulty in breathing, convulsions, and paralysis. If your pet consumed apple seeds, medical assistance is required.
Can Apple Seeds Kill Dogs?
Despite it needs tons of amounts before dogs will experience cyanide toxicity, pet owners must still be considerate on keeping the welfare of their dogs. As mentioned earlier, the bitter seeds of an apple contain Amygdalin. This compound can be converted into hydrogen cyanide when digested. This compound requires large amounts to be lethal—and you might still consider discarding apple seeds.
A ten-kilogram dog (poodle, for instance) requires 1000 seeds before poisoning takes place. It means that a dog must consume around 100 apples before the cyanide starts harming its body. Consumed apple seeds will be digested and extracted—which means that they will not last long enough to damage your pet.
The best way to prevent intoxication from consuming apple seeds, pet owners must ensure that the apple slices are free from core and seeds. As a fruit, an apple has a middle pocket called core wherein tiny seeds are placed. Typically, a sack of apple core may contain 10-15 seeds. Using a core remover will remove the pockets easier. It will provide ample space to cut your apples evenly.
Scientifically, apple seeds can potentially harm your dogs. In reality, the risk of poisoning your dogs is in a minimal amount. However, several pets may suffer indigestion and discomfort on the digestive tract due to the cyanide found in apple seeds. You can safely remove these toxic seeds by using a fruit corer.
Fruit corer is a specialty knife with a V-shaped end, forming a half-circle. This will provide enough space and power for the blades to dig deep into the fruit or vegetable, releasing its core. Several fruits like melon, zucchini, and apples have seeds that can be harmful if consumed in large amounts. Complications like appendicitis, cyanide poisoning, and indigestion might occur on these fruits. Stainless steel corer is suggested to prevent rust from mixing into the fleshy parts of the fruit.
How Many Apple Seeds Are Toxic to Dogs?
Veterinary toxicologists explained that it would take many amounts of apple seeds before they can be lethal to dogs. These specialists spend their knowledge to note the effect and toxicity levels of several poisonous materials that can harm domestic and wildlife animals. If consumed on lethal dosage, dogs may experience discomfort to their body—affecting their well-being.
In general, fruits and vegetables are good for your dogs. Several restrictions on cocoa, grapes, raisins, garlic, and onion must be checked since they can produce health risks to your companion. If done correctly, fresh produce used as dog treats can provide variety to your pet’s diet. It is low in calories, and it can provide essential minerals and vitamins to keep your dog safe.
Fruits like apples can be eaten through their skin. However, inedible parts like pits, stems, and seeds must be removed thoroughly to prevent unwanted complications. Apple seeds, or “fruit stones,” can impose risks on the following:
- Teeth: Seeds are ideally hard, and they can be rough for a dog’s sensitive teeth. If eaten wrong, the dog will bite right into the complex seed and break his tooth. Broken teeth may reach into the gum line and must be extracted to prevent infection and other complications.
- Esophagus: Several apple pits have rough edges that can damage your esophagus. This digestive tract has a very delicate lining that can be eroded with chemicals found on apple seeds. It can lead to complications like esophageal ulcers and can affect the well-being of your pet.
- Body obstruction: If your dog consumes more giant pits and seeds, it can form an obstacle that might require surgery to remove. Foreign objects like apple seeds can irritate your stomach lining. They can affect the psychological and physical condition of your dog. Symptoms like lack of appetite, abdominal pain, and diarrhea must be observed.
- Cyanide poisoning: As mentioned earlier, apple seeds contain a minimal amount of cyanide that can harm your pet. Cyanide toxicity requires immediate medical attention. Proper treatment for your dogs is necessary to prevent life-threatening conditions.
- Molds and rotten fruit: Molds and rot can occur to the fruit after a while. Fermentation can turn fruit sugars into alcohol and can turn your pets drunk. It may not be harmful, as long as the pet is doesn’t get loose in your backyard.
What Dog Food Is Killing Dogs?
Dogs are considered loyal friends to humankind, and they deserve all the love and care in the world. Treats can be purchased on the market or can be created by dog lovers. Apples and other fruits have been an everyday treat made for dogs, and the canine community loves it.
However, not all foods are safe for dogs—and it could impose health risks on them. Listed below are some of the dog foods that are killing your pets:
- Xylitol: Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found on processed candy, gum, baked goods, and diet feet. If consumed on a large amount, the dog’s blood sugar will begin to drop and cause liver failure.
- Avocados: These fruits have a compound called persin that is harmful to your canine fellow. This compound is not risky for humans but can be detrimental to dogs. Diarrhea and vomiting may induce if dogs consume avocados.
- Alcohol: Like humans, dogs have severe alcohol reactions and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and even death. Smaller dogs have low alcohol tolerance and can be risky for their health.
