“An apple a day keeps the doctor away”. So, does an apple a day keep your vet away? I mean, can your little chihuahua eat apples to stay healthy just like human beings? This highly nutritious food can benefit your dog’s health and help them stay healthy.
So, can your chihuahua eat apples? The answer is Yes. Apple contains Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and dietary fiber, and it is an excellent source of other nutrients that help to boost the digestive system of chihuahuas. However, they should not eat the seeds and the core since there is a small amount of cyanide present in the apple seeds that are not safe for your little chihuahuas.
Why do your chihuahuas like apples?
Just like a human being, your chihuahua does not like the same diet chart every day. They love chewing food that is exciting with different tastes and flavors.
And their most liked food list includes something crunchy and sweet. The fresh and juicy apple gives a treat to their taste buds. When you know your loving pet is actually getting health benefits from something they love to eat, you would never resist them to eat apples.
Why should you keep apples in your chihuahua’s daily diet chart?
It is always recommended to talk to your veterinarian before feeding human food to your pets.
However, if you own a healthy chihuahua with little or no medical issue, apple can be the perfect food to be included on their daily diet. They can eat an apple that is healthy tasty and refreshing.
Dogs need different nutrients including proteins, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and carbohydrates to live a healthy life. And the apple is a rich source of all these nutrients.
So, you should feed apples to your chihuahuas.
Apples, a natural allergy fighter
Perhaps you might not know this wonderful fruit can actually save your dear pet from scratching his skin harshly. Allergies are a great concern for your chihuahuas, and it is a source of discomfort for the little pets.
You can include an apple to his daily diet to relieve them from any kind of allergy.
Apples contain quercetin. It is a type of flavonoid that reduces the effect of allergies. It can also reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation.
So, when your pup eats an apple, he can rest without tearing his skin off. To get the best result, don’t peel off the apple since the peel of the apple contains the maximum amount of quercetin.
It is an excellent source of Vitamin A and C
Dogs tend to suffer from chronic diseases. The negative effects of damaged cells, called free radicals, are the reason for chronic inflammation that later leads to chronic diseases. So, protecting your tiny chihuahuas from the free radicals is a must to keep them stay healthy.
The Vitamin C content in apples helps your chihuahuas to protect against damaged cells, and the rich source of anti-oxidants slow down the premature aging. Apples also contain Vitamin A that boost their vision and keep their skin healthy.
Apple is a prebiotic food
There is a substance in apple called pectin. It contains about 50% of the fiber in an apple. This substance also is known as a prebiotic food. Prebiotic boosts the calcium absorption power and promotes the probiotic growth of gut bacteria that enhances digestion and metabolism.
Your chihuahua’s gastrointestinal health is improved
Apples are rich in antioxidants that prevent free radicals from infecting cells. While antioxidant does not help in directly boosting your dog’s health, it plays a crucial role in boosting the eyesight, and immune system of your chihuahua. Giving them an apple regularly can help in bone development and improve chronic conditions.
Their dental health is boosted
Regular consumption of apples keeps your chihuahua’s teeth clean and healthy. So, if you are among those who are worried about how to clean their chihuahua’s teeth, this can be a great option for you.
How to feed apples to your chihuahuas?
There are endless possibilities to feed apples to your chihuahua. Whole, cubed, sliced, apple juice, frozen, or applesauce – you can try anything. Whatever you do, make sure you remove the seed, stem, and cores before serving them.
Make it a refreshing summer snack
Just freeze the cleaned and cut apples and serve your pet a refreshing summer snack. Your chihuahua loves to be pampered, and they feel obliged if you serve a cold and refreshing snack on a hot summer day.
Give your puppy a sweet treat
Give a tasty treat to the sweet tooth of your chihuahuas. You can mix apple to your dog’s food and serve it. They will definitely love the sweet and refreshing taste of their food.
Great applesauce with a sweet and tangy taste
Prepare homemade applesauce by simply smashing apples. You can make it to feed your chihuahua something different.
Make it a tasty smoothie
Almost everyone loves a smoothie, and so the dearest member of your family is! Blend apples with other healthy fruits that your pet can eat (Banana, mango, blueberry, cranberry, kiwi, peaches, oranges, pear, etc) and make a tasty smoothie for your chihuahua.
Can my chihuahua puppy eat apples?
Yes, the chihuahua puppies can eat apples. Your little new member needs sufficient nutrition to stay healthy. So, you need to make sure their daily diet includes the right nutrition. Giving them an apple every day can help them stay healthy. Give him a frozen apple treat that can help him while teething.
Why should you not give apple seeds to your chihuahua?
Apple seeds are poisonous to human beings as well as dogs. This is because apple seed contains a small amount of cyanide that can cause hypoxia. Hypoxia is a physical condition in which the oxygen delivery and circulation in the body become less.
If you find your little chihuahua is suffering from dilated pupils, brick-red mucus membranes, panting or breathing difficulty issues, he might be experiencing hypoxia.
However, if your naughty chihuahua consumes a small number of apple seeds, you should not panic for a cyanide consumption. But you should see your veterinarian as soon as possible if the apple seed amount is large.
What precaution should you take to while feeding apples to your Chihuahuas?
The only precaution you should take while feeding your apple is – make sure there is no apple seed into it. We have already shared that apple seeds contain a small amount of cyanide that might affect your dog’s body if he eats a large number of seeds.
You can feed them apples with peels. Just clean them properly before feeding them.
Most apples are sprayed pesticides, and this can be toxic to your pets. So, the best bet would be buying organic apples for them. This will give them the maximum health benefits.
Is there any side-effect of feeding apples to my chihuahuas?
There is no proven side-effect of feeding apples to your chihuahuas. However, the high fiber in apple can sometimes cause stomach pains. You should also stop feeding them apples if they are experiencing constipation issues or diarrhea.
Talk to your vet if your chihuahua is suffering from any unusual symptoms due to eating apples.
No dogs are usually allergic to apples; however, exceptions are always there. While apples can reduce allergy issues, it might be the reason for allergy.
However, there are rare cases where dogs become allergic due to eating apples.
The Final thought: An Apple a Day Keeps the Veterinarian Away!
Can your chihuahuas eat an apple? The answer is a big Yes. A medium-sized apple contains –
- Sugar – 19grams
- Vitamin C – 14% of the daily value or DV
- Fiber – 17% of the DV
- Potassium – 5% of the daily value
- B6 Vitamin – 5% of the daily value
- Calories – 95Kcal
It ensures a healthy heart for your dog, and the dietary fiber in it helps in lowering their cholesterol level and prevents plaque buildup in their arteries. Considering all the highly nutritious benefits of apples, we can conclude with an aphorism: an apple a day keeps the veterinarian away!