German Shepherds are actually not too difficult to take care of. They do need a high maintenance diet but it does not mean that it has to be always expensive and commercial dog food.
German Shepherds diet can be filled with lots of fruits and vegetables. Because of their genetic makeup, they are good at digesting fresh foods such as fruits.
They can have variety of fruits except some which turns out to be toxic for German Shepherds. Other than toxic fruits, we also need to look if your dog is allergic to any particular fruit. Apples are very common and cheap fruits and are known for its many beneficial properties.
Can German Shepherds Eat Apples?
Along with other fruits, German Shepherds can also eat apples. Apples work as the best treat for German Shepherds, it is fresh and healthy at the same time. It holds many beneficial properties and cheap at the same time.
While feeding apples to German Shepherds, we only need to take care of one thing – always remember to peel the skin and remove the seeds. The fruits’ skin and seeds are not good for the health of German Shepherds, it can be toxic and have harmful consequences. They contain vitamins and other nutrients. Never feed a whole apple to your dog, German Shepherds cannot digest one whole apple. Do not consider apples as a proper diet. It should be just a snack or treat.
Benefits of apples for German Shepherds
- Apple helps prevent cancer in dogs.
- Apple saves German Shepherds from getting gastrointestinal issues such as constipation and diarrhea.
- Apple helps with German Shepherds growth and development.
- Apples help in building a good immune system in dogs.
- Eating apples helps clean dogs teeth.
- It helps them get rid of bad breath.
Read: Best Wet Food for German Shepherds
Guidelines to feeding apples to German Shepherds
- Washing is very important before consuming apples. They may have preservatives and chemicals, washing will ensure removing the chemicals from the apple.
- Cut the apples into big pieces and feed them so that they never choke.
- Check if your dog is having any kind of allergic reaction after eating apples, and if they do not show any symptoms, then only you continue feeding them apples.
- Remove the outer layer and the seeds before feeding apples to German Shepherds.
Other applemade products for German Shepherds
Other apple-made products like:
- Traditionally made apple pie.
- Apple juice; remember not to give too much apple juice also as it has higher sugar content. It may cause health issues if given too much.
- Homemade apple sauce can be given to them.
- Apple based alcohol is a big no-no for German Shepherds; it can be turn out to be very harmful for them.
Why are apple seeds bad for German Shepherds?
Apple seeds contain amygdalin which is extremely dangerous for living beings. It blocks oxygen flow in the body causing death.
Actually one apple seed will not cause death, it’s just the seed contains poisonous properties which will be dangerous if consumed regularly. Apparently, dogs will die if they consume 100 of apple seeds in one day, which is quiet impossible. It is not of a too serious concern but as we know prevention is better than cure so better be careful. Consuming apple seed is not good for health in a long run.
What fruits are suitable for German Shepherds other than apples?
There are many fruits which German Shepherds can enjoy, such as:
- Mango
- Cucumber
- Papaya
- Coconut
- Bananas
- Watermelon
The guideline to feed these fruits is same as apples, always remember to remove the seeds and peel the skin before consumption.
Read: What foods should you avoid for your German Shepherd
Is it ok to feed apple skin to German Shepherds?
Giving fruit skin is a questionable topic because apple skin in particular does not have any dangerous health issues but most of the fruit skin are not suitable for German Shepherds. Ultimately, it is recommended that whenever you are feeding your German Shepherds, it is safe to peel off the skin.
Conclusion
Apples are a very good and healthy food to add into your German Shepherds diet. It has minerals, vitamins and all the nutrition necessary for the better growth and development of German Shepherds. It is the best snacks for German Shepherds.
Apples are free from any unwanted preservatives and other chemicals, making it much better than those commercial snacks and is cheap as well. It has less fat and won’t make your dog gain unnecessary fat and you can feed them as much as you want. In a nutshell, apples should be the first and the last choice for your German Shepherds good health.