Can My Cockapoo Eat Apples? Let’s Find Out

You may or may not find this an odd question to be asking. Perhaps it’s not something you’ve ever pondered whilst feeding your pooch scraps of food. You may or may not realize that some food items can potentially be very dangerous for dogs. Being a first-time dog owner can be a steep learning curve so don’t worry, we’re here to help. Are apples included in this list of foods to avoid? In this piece, we’ll explore these questions and by the end, you’ll have a good idea about what you can give your Cockapoo and what should be avoided.

Dogs are omnivores and will happily tuck into fruits and vegetables. Apples are safe for dogs to eat as treats, but the pips and core must be removed due to small amounts of cyanide being present. Their main dog food gives them the nutrients they need.

So, they can have apples as long as they’re prepared properly but is there anything to be mindful of when doing so? What are there benefits to treating your dog to the odd slice? How much is too much? Can they have an apple whole? Can puppies have apples? So many questions to answer – let’s get into it.

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Cockapoo Feeding Requirements

Let’s first take a look at how much a Cockapoo should be fed daily and then we can explore if adding apples to the menu is a good thing or not. Cockapoos are a Poodle and Cocker Spaniel mix so there will ultimately be a wide variance in Cockapoo sizes due to the Poodle influence. The amount you feed your dog will come down to their size rather than the breed so it’s important to bear this in mind. Below are the food amount recommendations for Cockapoos, but there is some flexibility to be had with this.

Teacup Cockapoo: Average weight will be 6lbs or under. ½ a cup of food per day should be plenty
Toy Cockapoo: Average weight between 7lbs and 12lbs. ¾ a cup of food per day should be plenty. For heavier Toy Cockapoos 1 cup will be fine
Miniature Cockapoo: Average weight between 13lbs to 18lbs and can be fed 1⅓ cups per day
Standard or Maxi Cockapoo: Will weigh more than 19lbs and can have 1¾ cups per day

When we say there should be some flexibility with feeding amounts, we mean it isn’t necessarily one rule fits all. It boils down to how active your dog is, what their routine looks like, and how healthy they are. As an example, a dog who isn’t exercised very much won’t need as much food compared to a dog who competes or runs. Apples and other extras you feed your dog should be factored into their daily allowance, particularly if yours is looking a bit on the round side.

Are Apples Dangerous for Dogs?

On the contrary, apples can be quite nutritious for your four-legged friend. They obtain important vitamins from apples in the same way humans do. Apples provide a good source of vitamins A & C as well as being a good source of fiber. They will enjoy apples on their own or chopped up into their regular dog food occasionally. You can even make some apple sauce if you are feeling creative and have some spare time to be in the kitchen.

However, when feeding your Cockapoo some apple please do ensure they do not consume either the pips or the apple core itself. This is because the pips contain cyanide. Granted the amount of cyanide in pips is very small and probably won’t cause an issue. The cyanide is released when the pip is chewed, and the likelihood of the pip being chewed is very minimal. However, is it worth that risk? As for the core, this poses a choking hazard so that part is best in the trash.

Cyanide can cause a lack of oxygen to the body. If you suspect your dog may have consumed some pips keep an eye on their behavior afterward. A small amount should not cause your dog any harm. If they seem unwell, in pain, are panting, having trouble breathing or lethargic please consult your vet immediately.

When you feed food scraps to your dog you should always supervise them eating it and only ever feed them sizes they can chew well. Small pieces of apple might be swallowed whole which can potentially get stuck in their airways. Puppies should be watched carefully, especially the first time they eat them and new things should be introduced slowly. You can feed your Cockapoo any brand of apple, but they may not be so keen on the tarter flavored ones.

Important: Any dog suffering or suspected to be suffering from diabetes should not be given apples as treats until you have spoken with your vet. One apple can equate to 25g of sugar, so this is a really important consideration and not worth the gamble.

How Much Apple Can My Cockapoo Eat?

So, we now understand Cockapoos like and more importantly CAN eat apples, just how much can they eat? It’s imperative to make sure your dog is getting all their essential nutrients, and these come from their dog food. Apples are fine as a treat but any food like this should never replace their usual diet. You can buy dog food that contains accents of apple among other fruit and vegetables which your pooch may enjoy.

When giving your dog an apple treat one or two slices is plenty and for smaller Cockapoos, only one slice is recommended. Some dogs may prefer it without the peel, especially younger pups. Removing peel can also lower the fiber content if you are worried about this. Make sure it’s washed, cored and the seeds and stem have been removed. You can either slice the apple or cut it into chunks.

Too much apple can cause dogs to get an upset stomach so it’s important to limit their intake. When a puppy tries apples for the first time it’s useful to keep an eye on their next bowel movements to be sure they can tolerate them. Apples contain sugars so it’s only to be used on a treat basis. Dogs prone to weight problems should not be given treats regularly. Too much consumption can also lead to tummy ache which your dog won’t find at all pleasant.

Too many apples can cause issues with your dog’s insulin levels (we are talking about a large amount here and over some time). It can also play havoc with their digestive system causing either constipation or diarrhea. A dog with bad diarrhea can stop absorbing all the important nutrients from their dog food potentially causing illness.

Be vigilant on dog walks if you are walking where there are apple trees present as your off-leash dog may make a run for those yummy apples! It’s just too tempting seeing them lay on the grass ready to be enjoyed!

Are There Benefits to Dogs Eating Apples?

We’ve already talked about the vitamins and fiber content in apples which is great, but your dog will get all its dietary needs from its dog food. One of the other benefits of eating apples is that chewing on fruit can help maintain healthy gums and teeth which also means fresher breath. Eating some apple can help clean residue off your pooch’s teeth. Apples should never be a replacement for proper dental care though.

Your dog may also really appreciate a frozen piece of apple on those hot sticky days when it’s just too hot to do anything. Just be sure to leave it out at room temperature for a few minutes first. They will enjoy the extra water that comes from the apple too. A teething puppy will probably find relief from chomping on some hard apple too and it may save that chair leg!

You could place some tasty apple chunks into your dog’s treat toy which will provide them with some entertainment. They may even be engrossed in this activity long enough for you to sit down and enjoy a warm drink, win-win! Just be sure not to leave them alone with edible treats in case they choke.

What Fruits are Toxic to Dogs?

There are certain fruits and vegetables that you shouldn’t give your Cockapoo or any breed of dog. These include:

Cherries which are toxic to dogs
Grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants which can cause kidney damage
Lemons, limes, persimmons, and grapefruit can cause your dog to have an upset tummy
Onions, garlic, and chives in excess can damage your dog’s red blood cells and are best avoided
Avocados have been known to cause breathing problems, vomiting, and diarrhea
It’s not just apple pips that contain cyanide. Refrain from giving your pooch any kind of core or pips
Tomatoes. Unripe tomatoes and tomato plants contain tomatine which can cause all sorts of damage to your dog’s insides including their kidneys, digestive tract, and even their nervous system. Whilst ripe tomatoes are likely to be OK for your Cavapoo, should you be a keen gardener your tomato plants should always be kept where they cannot get to them
Wild Mushrooms. If you suspect that your Cavapoo has had a sneaky taste on a woodland walk speak to your vet in the first instance. Symptoms can include sickness, diarrhea, and restlessness
Rhubarb is toxic to dogs and can cause both seizures and heart problems
Different nuts can cause different symptoms in dogs. However, as some can be fatal it is best to avoid all kinds

This list is not exhaustive so if you are ever unsure over the safety of a new treat please do speak to a nutritionist or your vet before introducing these into your Cockapoo’s diet.

To Summarize

Like with most things in life, it’s important to adopt the attitude of everything in moderation. Apples should never become a “normal” part of the dog’s daily food consumption as they may miss some of the nutrients that come from their staple food. As the odd treat, however, they are fine for your Cockapoo once you’ve removed the pips and core, and have cut them up into suitably sized pieces to make them safe. They are a perfect low-cost treat and one apple will go a long way. You can also rotate those treats so that your Cockapoo does not become bored with apples.