Can Cavachons Eat Apples? (Benefits & Dangers)

Cavachons are the adorable cross of a Bichon Frise and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. These sturdy, happy-go-lucky dogs are generally healthy and, like all dogs, can certainly benefit from a nutritious diet chock-full of vitamins, minerals, and all the rest of the good stuff.

Apples are one of the healthiest fruits around, and the adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away” applies not only to us humans but to our beloved canines too! Apples are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals for dogs and are safe to feed, but there are a few things you’ll need to worry about, like the seeds (pips) and the core.

In this blog post, we’ll look at whether it is safe to feed your Cavachon apples, when it is NOT safe, the benefits of apples, and how to get your pooch to enjoy this tasty snack.

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Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Apples?

Most people know that apples, like most other vegetables, are a healthy snack for humans, but you may not know that they can be suitable for dogs too. Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C, which can help freshen a dog’s breath.

Most importantly, apples are a low-calorie treat that can help your dog to maintain a healthy weight. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when feeding your dog an apple.

1. Remove The Apple Seeds

First, make sure to remove the seeds, as these can be harmful to your dog. Many people are unaware that apple seeds are poisonous. The reason for this is that apples contain a compound called amygdalin.

Amygdalin is transformed into cyanide when it comes into contact with digestive enzymes. Cyanide is a highly toxic substance that can cause respiratory failure and death. However, the amount of amygdalin in an apple seed is minimal, and it would take a considerable number of seeds to cause serious harm.

Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include:

Drooling
Watery eyes
Vomiting
Peeing and pooping uncontrollably
Muscle spasms

If you suspect your Cavachon of cyanide poisoning, head to the vet immediately. However, if your pooch ingested a couple of seeds here and there, it is unlikely to cause very much harm, but to be sure, always remove the seeds before feeding your dog apples.

2. Remove The Core

Cavachons are small dogs that may have difficulty chewing through a hard apple core. While an apple core may seem like a harmless treat, it can actually pose a serious choking risk for dogs. The problem is that apple cores are pretty easy to be swallowed whole.

Once in the throat, an apple core can block the airway and prevent your dog from breathing. In addition, the core and stem can cause damage to the throat and esophagus. For these reasons, it is best to avoid giving your dog an apple core altogether.

3. Cut Up The Pieces

Be sure to cut the apple into small pieces to avoid a choking hazard. Some dogs are greedy little buggers that wolf things down without chewing adequately. A chunk of apple in your Cavachon’s sensitive, narrow throat might prove problematic if he is a big hoover of food.

4. Too Many Apples Can Cause Diarrhea

Lastly, avoid feeding too many apples at once. Apples are a high-fiber food, and the pectin in apples can also act as a laxative, further contributing to diarrhea.

In addition, apples contain a type of sugar called sorbitol, which can act as a laxative in the little Cavachon tummies. Make sure to provide your dog with heaps of water so the fiber can do its thing and pass through its digestive system.

Benefits Of Apples For Dogs

Apples are not just a healthy treat for people, but for dogs too! Apples contain many beneficial nutrients for dogs, including vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants.

Vitamin A

Dogs require various nutrients to stay healthy, and vitamin A is one of the most important. This vitamin helps to support the immune system, keeping dogs healthy and strong. It also helps keep the eyes and skin healthy and plays a role in reproduction.

Vitamin A can be found in many foods, including liver, carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy green vegetables. However, it is essential to consult a veterinarian before changing a dog’s diet, as too much vitamin A can be toxic.

Vitamin C

Dogs, like humans, need vitamin C for a variety of reasons. For one, it helps to boost the immune system, making dogs less likely to get sick. It also helps to promote healthy skin and coat and can even help to reduce inflammation.

Vitamin C is also essential for producing collagen, which is vital for joint health. In addition, vitamin C helps to protect cells from damage and can even help to repair DNA. For all of these reasons, it is clear that dogs need vitamin C in their diet.

Fiber

Dogs need fiber for a variety of reasons. First, fiber helps to regulate digestion by promoting regularity and preventing constipation. Second, fiber helps to keep dogs feeling full and satisfied between meals.

This can be helpful for dogs who are trying to lose weight or who are prone to begging for food. Finally, fiber is an essential source of nutrients like vitamins and minerals. By including fiber from apples in their diet, dogs can maintain a healthy digestive system and a shiny coat of fur.

Antioxidants

Dogs, like all animals, need antioxidants to protect their cells from damage. Antioxidants are molecules that help to neutralize free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage. Free radicals are produced naturally due to cellular metabolism, but they can also be caused by environmental factors such as pollution and UV radiation.

Over time, cell damage caused by free radicals can lead to several serious health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Antioxidants help to prevent this cell damage by scavenging free radicals and preventing them from causing harm.

Apples are rich in an antioxidant called quercetin, a powerful antioxidant that can be found in a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as in supplement form. Studies have shown that quercetin can help to improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. Additionally, quercetin has been shown to have anti-cancer properties.

In addition, apples are a low-calorie treat, making them an excellent option for dogs trying to lose weight.

Here’s a short video of a Cavachon eating some apples and broccoli:

Ways To Feed Apples To Your Dog

The best way to have your dog eat apples is to feed them to poochie as a healthy snack or reward. You can cut apples into small enough chunks for your Cavachon and use them during your training sessions or simply because your dog loves them.

But what if your Cavachon is a finicky eater and doesn’t quite want to eat a cut apple?

Here are a few ways to coax your pooch to indulge in this healthy snack and benefit his health!

1. Puree It

You can smush it up and add it to his food. Smushed food may not look appetizing to humans, but it is the equivalent of a gourmet meal to dogs. This is because smushed food releases more scent molecules into the air than whole food. And for dogs, the smell is the most important sense when choosing what to eat.

In fact, dogs have up to 300 million smell receptors in their noses, which is about 40 times more than humans. This means that they can pick up on even the subtlest of smells.

In addition, pureed apple is often more moist and flavorful than its whole counterpart. This is because the smushing process breaks down cells and releases their contents, resulting in a more concentrated flavor. Dogs can also benefit from the extra moisture in pureed food, especially if they are suffering from dehydration or recovering from an illness.

2. Make Homecooked Treats

You can pair apples with another yummy ingredient like peanut butter, make homemade cookies or biscuits, or bake the apple pieces into cookies. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can mix in a little peanut butter or yogurt.

To make some simple homemade dog treats:

Start by cutting up an apple into small pieces.
Once your ingredients are ready, put them into a blender or food processor and blend until the mixture is smooth.
Then, use a spoon or piping bag to form the mixture into small bite-sized treats.
Place the treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at a low temperature for about 20 minutes.
Let the treats cool completely before giving them to your Cavachon.

Voila! You have doggy snacks that your pup should love.

Final Thoughts

Apples are nutritious to everyone, canine or human. And by making sure you remove the seeds and core, apples are perfectly safe to feed to your beloved Cavachon so that they, too, can enjoy all the healthy goodness offered by this versatile fruit!