Can Dogs Eat Apricot?

Key Takeaways

• Apricots contain vitamins A and C, potassium, copper, fiber, and beta carotene.
• Cut up small pieces of apricot to feed it to a dog.
• Dried apricots are not toxic for dogs but have more sugar and calories than fresh apricots.

Benefits of apricot

Shaped like a small peach, apricots range from yellow to orange and are tangy and sweet. This nutritious fruit contains vitamins A and C, potassium, copper, fiber, and beta carotene. If your dog enjoys apricots, it’s safe to share bite-sized pieces of just the fruit with them.

Hazards

Though the juicy flesh of an apricot is safe for your dog to eat, it’s important to remove the stem, leaves and pit. Prevent your dog from swallowing these because they contain cyanide and can poison your pup. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include dilated pupils, panting, difficulty breathing, and going into shock. Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog swallows an apricot pit.

Additionally, the pit can pose a choking hazard or internal blockage if swallowed. Symptoms of intestinal blockage include vomiting, decreased appetite, and constipation due to the inability to pass food through the digestive system. Take care when removing the pit and throwing it away in a secure trash can.

As with all fruits, apricots should be shared in moderation. Eating too much at once can cause an upset tummy, vomiting, or diarrhea. Stick to the rule of thumb that fruits should make up no more than 10% of your pet’s diet.

Dried apricots are not toxic to dogs, so you don’t need to worry if your dog steals some of your snack, however they shouldn’t be intentionally shared. Dried fruits are more concentrated in calories and sugar, and sometimes contain added sugars, which can lead to weight gain.

Curious about what is okay and not okay for your dog to eat? Check out our comprehensive guide on what human foods are safe and not safe for dogs.