Can Dogs Drink Apple Juice?

In a society where pet owners love to share everything in their life with their dogs, you may wonder can dogs drink apple juice? This is an interesting question because we all know that apples are healthy, so you may be wondering if the juice from apples is just as healthy. In this article, we are going to explore this topic and find out if you can share your apple juice with your furry friend.

Can Dogs Drink Apple Juice

Can Dogs Drink Apple Juice?

This is a very controversial answer because while your dog can drink apple juice, it could be bad for your dog under certain circumstances. Therefore, it is really recommended not to give your dog apple juice.

Some factory-made or commercial apple juices can have other added things inside of them, even if it says 100% apple juice. Some of these added things could be artificial preservatives so the apple juice won’t spoil when left on the shelf.

Apple juice also contains a lot of natural sugar and sometimes even added sugar. Dogs should not have much sugar in their diet at all. Dogs don’t have to have sugar in their diet. That is why it is recommended that you just don’t give your dog apple juice.

This is why you can see the controversy with dogs drinking apple juice; while your dog can drink a small amount, it may not be wise.

What is Put Inside of Apple Juice?

Apple juice goes through a process to be made. First, apples have to be washed, cut/peeled, and then ground up like in a food processor. Then all of that gets pressed hard to squeeze out any juice from it.

From there, all of that juice goes to get filtered, which removes any meat from the apple and leaves the liquid. Next, this liquid has to go through a pasteurization process to kill any bacteria. Then it is obviously bottled and sealed tight and then sent to the grocery stores.

Dog With An Apple

Negatives of Apple Juice for Dogs

Unfortunately, a lot of human foods don’t have many side effects for us but will have quite a lot for our furry friends. Here you will see some of these side effects and why you should leave apple juice out of your dog’s diet.

High Sugar Content

As I said above, apple juice contains a large amount of natural sugar. Dogs do not need excess sugar in their diet, and they hardly need any to begin with. However, when your dog drinks sugary liquid, it can increase dog diabetes, dental decay, and even extra weight. All of these issues can be very bad, so it will be best to stay away from this sugar drink.

Apples are Acidic

Acidic things are known to cause diarrhea if consumed in large amounts. This will obviously be an issue. No dog owner wants to clean up their dog’s diarrhea mess around the house or even in the yard. Acidity can also cause irritation in your dog’s intestines as well.

Artificial Sweeteners

So, apple juices may even have some artificial sweeteners. While I always prefer to purchase real apple juice, some consumers can purchase some with other sweeteners added. Dogs should never be apple juice that contains sweeteners. The sweetener xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs.

Xylitol is actually poison for dogs. Even the smallest amount can have some very negative side effects on your dog. Sometimes even death can occur in the worst cases. Xylitol can decrease the level of blood sugar in your dog’s body, which can cause hypoglycemia. Other terrible symptoms can include:

  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of balance
  • Can’t walk
  • Seizures
  • Tremors of the muscles
  • Death
Apple Juice For Dogs

What Happens if My Dog Drinks Apple Juice?

If your dog gets into the apple juice, you first need to evaluate how much your dog has consumed. If your dog has drank a small amount, your dog will likely be okay as long as the juice that was consumed doesn’t contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol. However, if it does have that, you need to stop reading this, run to the phone, and call your dog’s vet.

If a little of the 100% apple juice was consumed, your dog may be fine but have a few unpleasant side effects. You should still call your vet and inform them with what happened.

If your dog has gone through an entire container or apple juice, your dog will likely be sick from the excessive amounts of sugar. Your dog could have symptoms of vomiting or even diarrhea.

Can Dogs Drink Apple Juice for Constipation?

No, you shouldn’t give your dog apple juice to fix its constipation problem. There is a myth out there floating around that apple juice can cure constipation in dogs. Unfortunately, there is no science to back this up because the risks of your dog drinking apple juice far outweigh the benefits of reducing your dog’s constipation.

The natural fiber inside of apple juice is what is said to help with constipation. Your dog could be constipated for various reasons, but one might be dehydration. I suggest giving your dog water to see if that helps things move along and if it doesn’t, you will definitely want to consult your veterinarian.

Can Dogs Have Apple Juice Without Sugar?

Most apple juices out on the market are sweetened with something, whether that is sugar or artificial sweeteners. Dogs cannot consume those types. If you find a product that is pure and does not have all of the added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives, then it may be okay to give to your dog.

Cold-pressed apple juice seems like a safe option for pets in very small amounts. Cold-pressed juices are not supposed to be processed like other products out there. They also keep some of their natural fibers, which is important when feeding to your dog.

Can Apple Juice Kill Dogs?

It is doubtful that your dog will suffer this type of fate from drinking apple juice. What will happen is that your dog will have consumed way too much sugar than normal, making your dog sick. Your dog might vomit or even have extreme diarrhea.

This can also give your dog an increased risk of diabetes but to the spike in blood sugar. It is best to avoid giving your dog apple juice all together. The negative side effects outweigh anything positive about the drink.

Can A Dog Drink Apple Juice

Alternatives to Apple Juice for Dogs

Instead of giving your dog apple or fruit juice, I suggest giving your dog that fruit itself to eat. Instead of giving your dog apple juice, purchase an apple. Peel it and core it first before giving it to your dog and cut it into either small cubes or slices. Again, too much can be harmful for your dog. Other alternatives to give your dog include.

Dog-Friendly Fruits – Skip the fruit juices and let your dog enjoy fruits. Dogs can enjoy apples, bananas, oranges, melons, and so much more.

Kombucha – Another popular health drink out there is Kombucha. Dogs can also drink very small amounts of kombucha to gain health benefits. This can aid in your dog’s gut health and give your dog some probiotics.

Aloe Vera Juice – Yes, there is actually a thing out there called aloe vera juice, and it is very beneficial as long as you are purchasing one without added sugar or chemicals. This has so many health benefits for your dog, such as a small amount of juice.

Overall

Now you know why it is not recommended to give your dog apple juice to drink. It can have more negative side effects than positive ones. If you truly want to give your dog apple juice, simply give your dog slices of a real apple. Your dog will actually like this a lot more, and it will give your dog some natural juice flavor. Can dogs drink apple juice? The answer is no.

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