Can Dogs Eat Apricots?
Can Dogs Eat Apricots?
Dogs can eat apricots — but only the flesh, and only in moderation. Apricots are naturally sweet, juicy fruits packed with vitamins, but they must be prepared with care. The flesh is safe for most dogs to enjoy, but the pit, stem, and leaves are potentially toxic. If you're careful to remove everything but the fruit, apricots can be a tasty occasional treat for your dog.
Are Apricots Good for Dogs?
Apricot flesh contains useful nutrients for dogs, including vitamin A, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and fibre. These can help support skin health, immunity, and digestion. Because apricots are also low in fat and cholesterol, they’re a suitable treat for dogs on a weight-conscious diet. However, due to their natural sugar content, apricots should be fed in small amounts to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach.
What Makes Apricots Dangerous?
The danger lies in the pit, also known as the stone. Apricot pits contain amygdalin, a compound that turns into cyanide when digested. If a dog chews and swallows the pit, it can lead to cyanide poisoning — especially in smaller breeds. The pit is also a choking hazard and can cause an intestinal blockage if swallowed whole. The same goes for the stem and leaves, which contain the same toxic compound and should never be fed to dogs.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats an Apricot Pit?
If your dog accidentally eats an apricot pit, call your vet immediately — especially if they chewed it. Monitor your dog closely for signs of distress, such as:
- Difficulty breathing
- Drooling
- Weakness or confusion
- Bright red gums
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
Even if no symptoms appear right away, it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary advice. If the pit remains intact and passes through the digestive tract, your dog might be fine — but this isn’t guaranteed.
How Should You Serve Apricots to Dogs?
If you want to share apricot with your dog, do the following:
- Wash the fruit thoroughly
- Remove the pit, stem, and leaves
- Slice the flesh into small, bite-sized pieces
- Offer it plain — no sugar, syrup, or seasoning
You can serve fresh apricot raw or freeze small chunks as a cooling treat in summer. Start with a small piece to make sure your dog tolerates it well, and always supervise them while eating.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricots?
Dried apricots are safe in theory but should be offered with caution. Drying concentrates the sugar, making it easier to give your dog too much. Many dried fruits also contain added preservatives or sweeteners that are harmful to dogs. If you do offer dried apricot, ensure it’s unsweetened, preservative-free, and cut into tiny pieces. Still, fresh apricot is the better option.
Are Apricot-Flavoured Products Safe?
No — apricot-flavoured products (like yoghurts, pastries, jams, or sweets) often contain added sugar, artificial flavouring, or xylitol, all of which are harmful to dogs. These processed foods are not suitable and can lead to stomach upset or worse. Stick to natural fruit and avoid anything that’s not made specifically for dogs.
Additional points for can dogs eat Apricots?
Can apricots upset a dog’s stomach?
Yes — even the flesh can cause loose stools or an upset stomach if your dog eats too much, especially for smaller breeds or dogs with sensitive digestion. Always start with a small portion.
Are apricots used in dog food?
Some natural or limited-ingredient dog treats include dried apricot in small, controlled amounts. However, it’s not a common ingredient in commercial dog food due to the risk from pits and sugar content.
Is apricot jam safe for dogs?
No — apricot jam contains too much sugar and often includes preservatives or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Always avoid feeding your dog fruit preserves, jams, or chutneys.
Can dogs eat apricot yoghurt?
Only if it’s plain, unsweetened, and xylitol-free — and even then, only in moderation. Most fruit-flavoured yoghurts have added sugar or artificial flavouring and aren’t a good idea for dogs.
Summary
Dogs can eat apricot flesh in small amounts, but the pit, stem, and leaves are toxic and must be removed. The fruit is rich in vitamins and fibre, making it a nice occasional treat if served fresh and plain. As with any new food, introduce apricots slowly and watch for any signs of a reaction. With careful preparation, this sweet fruit can be a safe addition to your dog’s snack list — just be sure to skip the stone.