Apple pie is an all-time favorite American pastry, but can we share this delicious dessert with our pups?
Apple pie is not dangerous for dogs, so that you can give it to a healthy dog in minimal amounts. While apples are considered one of the healthiest fruits for canines, apple pie contains sugar and some spices and ingredients, which can lead to certain health problems and obesity in pups.
Apple pie, which contains the artificial sweetener Xylitol, can be very dangerous for canines. The same goes for pies containing raisins, nuts, or other toxic ingredients for dogs.
Read on to find the answer to the question, can dogs eat apple pie?
Will My Dog Get Sick From Eating Apple Pie?
If there are no toxic or dangerous ingredients in the apple pie, such as Xylitol or others, then a little bit of apple pie should not make your pup sick. The traditional ingredients used for making this popular pastry are apples, sugar, and cinnamon, which are all safe for dogs when given in moderation and only on special occasions.
But if your furbaby gobbles up a lot of apple pie, it can suffer from digestive upsets such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Too much sugar and calories can lead to weight gain and obesity, which will shorten a dog’s life.
Another risk of providing the dog access to a large piece or whole apple pie is that it can choke if it gobbles up a large amount without chewing.
Can I Treat My Dog to Some Apple Pie from McDonald’s?
Before rewarding your furbaby with a bit of your McDonald’s apple pie, please check whether it is a sugar-free option. The sugar-free ones contain artificial sweeteners, which can be toxic and even deadly to canines.
Otherwise, your dog can safely have a small bit of apple pie. But only as an occasional treat.
Related: Are McDonald’s Foods Dog-Friendly?
Is the Apple Pie Crust Safe For Dogs?
The delicious flaky and buttery crust of the traditional American apple pie contains flour, sugar, salt, butter, and water.
These ingredients are not poisonous for pups, but too much butter can lead to pancreatic inflammation and even pancreatitis in some canines.
Plus, the crust and the pie are high in calories. Consuming too many calories can lead to weight gain and various related severe illnesses in dogs, such as diabetes, heart disease, joint and mobility problems, and more.
Can I Give My Furbaby Some Apple Pie With Custard?
Custard is made with milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, and egg yolks; none of these ingredients is poisonous to dogs. However, most dogs become lactose intolerant when they grow up. This means that the milk can cause various adverse effects in lactose-intolerant dogs.
The milk and cream also contain fat, and too much fat can cause pancreatitis in pups.
Excessive consumption of sugar and sugary treats can damage the health of your furbaby’s teeth.
Plus, the custard is full of calories and can lead to unhealthy weight gain in dogs.
So, no, it is not recommended that you give your dog custard, especially in large quantities.
Can My Dog Eat Some Cinnamon Apple Pie?
Cinnamon is traditionally used for making apple pie. Cinnamon is safe for canines when given in moderation.
But please note that other spices and ingredients like raisins or certain nuts can be toxic for dogs.
So, please check every single ingredient of the apple pie before giving some to your four-legged companion.
Should I Give Puppies Apple Pie?
As long as it doesn’t contain Xylitol, raisins, nuts, or other toxic ingredients for canines, a tiny bit of apple pie is safe for a puppy. But it is not recommended to introduce human foods to young puppies from an early age without consulting with your vet.
Even if your veterinarian approves, slowly introduce any new food to your pup’s diet and start with small quantities. Watch for any adverse reactions, and if there are such, discontinue giving this type of food to your pet altogether.
Can My Senior Dog Eat Some Apple Pie?
The answer depends on your dog’s age and any medical issues it may have.
While a tiny piece of apple pie should not be harmful to an elderly dog, in some cases, it can lead to blood sugar spikes, pancreatic inflammations, or other negative reactions.
So, always consult with your veterinarian before adding new human foods to your dog’s diet.
Is It Safe To Give A Pregnant Dog Apple Pie?
It is safe but not advisable because the sugar and apples can lead to blood sugar spikes, and the cinnamon can sometimes make pregnant canines sick.
While the dog is pregnant, it is best to stick to a healthy balanced, and complete diet made up of dog food and healthy dog snacks and supplements.
How About Apple Pie for Nursing Dogs?
Just like with pregnant pups, do not feed a nursing dog any apple pie or anything sweet or potentially harmful for it and the puppies.
Sugar can lead to sudden blood sugar spikes and even lower the production of milk.
My Dog is Sick – Can It Eat Some Apple Pie?
No, avoid feeding your sick furbaby any sweet or other human treats, which can lead to worsening of its symptoms and condition.
Instead, ask your vet about the best dietary regimen for your pet and stick to it until it improves.
Is Apple Pie Safe for Diabetic Pups?
No, it is best to avoid giving a diabetic dog any sugar or sugary snacks and too many fruits. Instead, stick to some healthy alternatives such as carrots, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, pea pods, or winter squash if you want to add some healthy nutrients to your dog’s diet.
Can I Give An Overweight Dog Apple Pie?
Avoid giving your overweight furry friend any human food, especially sugary and high-calorie treats and snacks. The reason is that the empty calories will further increase the weight problem and can shorten your beloved pup’s lifespan.