Can Dogs Eat Apricots? When it is or isn’t an Emergency

Yes, it’s safe for dogs to eat apricots in moderation. Apricot is good for a dog’s health because it is packed with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B-6. Vitamin A, in particular, is an important supplement for dogs because it helps them maintain healthy skin and coat. Too much vitamin A, however, can lead to toxicity so this is why it’s important to offer such foods to your dog in moderation.

When giving your dog some apricots, make sure to safely discard the apricot pits, leaves, and stems. These parts of the fruit may be harmful to your dog because they contain a chemical called cyanide, which can be deadly for dogs. We would recommend serving apricots as a treat and only allowing your dog to eat a few small pieces at a time.

Want to know what else is safe for dogs to eat in moderation? Everything you need to know can be found in our human food for dogs guide. It will tell you what is and isn’t safe for dogs to eat.

Can dogs eat apricot seeds and pits?

It’s safe for dogs to eat a tiny bit of an apricot’s juicy flesh but the same doesn’t apply to the apricot pit or apricot seed. The apricot pit is toxic to dogs because it contains a chemical compound called amygdalin. Once eaten, it will degrade in the dog’s body and eventually lead to cyanide poisoning.

The same applies to the stems and leaves of the apricot plant. It’s extremely important to take out and safely discard these parts of the apricot before you let your dog eat the flesh. If you suspect that your dog ate an apricot pit then please take him to the vet immediately for an emergency visit.

Dogs that suffer from cyanide toxicity will exhibit symptoms like excessive salivation and rapid breathing. The dog’s gum may also turn bright cherry red.

Can dogs eat dried apricots?

Yes, it’s safe for dogs to eat dried apricots in moderation. The stem, pit (or seeds), and leaves are toxic for dogs but these parts of the fruit are usually already taken out from dried apricots so they aren’t thing you have to necessarily worry about. Despite not being toxic, we would only recommend giving your dog dried apricots as small, occasional treats.

The occasional dried apricot treat could be good for your pet because apricots are packed with a variety of nutrients. They are, for example, known for being a source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Please note that some dried apricot products may have a higher concentration of sugar and calories so this is why we emphasize the importance of giving your dog dried apricots in moderation. Too much dried apricots may lead to weight gains.