Two of the things you love the most in life? Apple orchard season and your dog, Rufus. So naturally, you'd like to combine the two by treating your furry friend to one of your favorite fruits.

The question is, do dogs and apples go together?

There are plenty of human goods that are perfectly safe and healthy for our pets. And the good news is that apples are one of them -- sometimes.

Here's a look at why the apples that are currently in season may or may not be okay for your pet. So let's answer the question, can dogs eat apples?

Can Dogs Eat Apples?

Yes, dogs can eat apples and they can provide a few different health benefits to your dog as long as the apple is prepared and served correctly. Apples are full of different nutrients and vitamins that can be a great additional source for dogs but should only be given in moderation as most dogs should receive the bulk of their nutrients from their dog food.

The next time you're craving a healthy snack and you grab an apple, you may want to snag one for your dog, too.

The Benefits of Apples For Dogs

Apples are low-calorie and healthy treats not just for you but also for your pet. They are an excellent source of fiber, which are great for promoting gastrointestinal health overall.

Apples also contain small amounts of nutrients and vitamins, like calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin, K, and vitamin C. In addition, they are low-protein and antioxidant snacks.

According to some vets, vitamin C and antioxidants ay help pets suffering from joint disease. The antioxidants can also be immensely helpful for keeping cancer at bay.

On top of this, apples keep dogs' pearly whites clean and freshen their breath.

You'll also love the fact that apples are affordable treats, so you can treat your dog time and time again without having to break the bank.

Another reason to go for apples versus other treats?

Some canines can't have meaty treats, or they have to consume low-fat foods. Because apples are low in fat and protein, they are an excellent substitute for such dogs.

All in all, apples are wonderful to use as pet snacks or as rewards during dog training.

When Apples Aren't So Good For Dogs

Be sure to remove the apple seeds and the core of the apple from your dog's apple before you treat your dog to this delectable fruit.

Why? Because the seeds feature small quantities of cyanide, and this chemical is not good for dogs.

Note, though, that it'd take a large number of seeds to spark cyanide poisoning.

Also, try to get rid of the apple stem before you feed your dog this natural treat, as the stem could be toxic to dogs as well.

Likewise, remove the apple core before your dog eats his apple treat. The core is hard and thus challenging for the majority of pups to chew. Therefore, it could be a choking hazard, or it may lead to gastrointestinal blockage if swallowed.

Give Your Dog Apples in Moderation

Make sure that you serve apples in moderation. In other words, include them as supplements rather than whole meals.

Keep in mind that these fruits contain sugar, and too much sugar isn't healthy -- especially for canines who have diabetes or cancer. In addition, too many apples may cause diarrhea or upset stomach, even in a healthy dog.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

As with any other food item, your dog may very well be allergic to apples.

You may notice allergic reaction signs as follows:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hives
• Swelling
• Sneezing
• Coughing

If you see any of these signs, quit giving your canine apples, and get in touch with your veterinarian right away.

Serving Apples to Your Dog

Serving bite-sized apple slices to your dog is generally a great idea. However, some pet owners also love to drizzle local honey onto apple slices for an exceptionally tasty treat. Alternatively, you could use apples to make your own homemade applesauce for your dog.

If you'd like to take things up a notch, why not try an applesauce cube recipe? To do this, you'll need apples along with a little cinnamon.

First, you'll want to peel and core your apples, then cut the apples into chunks. You can use an apple peeler and corer that additionally slices apples. Also, you can leave the apple skin on or remove it -- whichever your preference is.

Next, you'll need to put all of your apples in a blender or juicer and hold onto the pulp.

Afterward, you'll need to mix all of this together and add water as necessary to make your mixture look and feel like apple juice. Next, feel free to add a little cinnamon. However, don't replace cinnamon with nutmeg, as nutmeg can harm canines.

Finally, you can store your fresh applesauce in a cube ice tray. In this way, you'll have a cool, fun treat that your dog will love.

Other Ways to Serve Apples to Dogs

There are other ways of serving apples to your furry friend. For instance, you could simply freeze the apple slices themselves and use them as refreshing snacks during the summer.

You could also mix mashed apple with your pet's food to add a touch of sweetness to his meal.

Also, you could blend smashed apples with other nutritious fruits and thus create a yummy smoothie that your canine will love. As mentioned before, be sure to ask your veterinarian which other fruit options are safe to mix with apples before you give a homemade smoothie to your dog. Even though your dog may not have problems with apples, other types of fruits may pose health risks to him. Learn about the fruits and vegetables that dogs can eat.