Apples and Crabapples
Apples are a healthy snack for people, and the fleshy part of the fruit can be safe for pets in small amounts. The concern lies with the seeds inside the fruit, as well as the stems and leaves of apple and crabapple trees. These parts contain substances that can be harmful if eaten in large enough amounts.
How Apples and Crabapples Harm Pets
Seeds: Apple and crabapple seeds contain natural chemicals that can release cyanide when chewed and digested. Cyanide interferes with the body’s ability to use oxygen, which can make pets very sick.
Stems and leaves: These parts contain the same compounds as the seeds and may cause illness if eaten, especially when wilted.
Fruit flesh: The fleshy part of the apple is generally safe for pets in moderation, as long as seeds and cores are removed.
Rotting apples: Apples left on the ground can ferment, leading to alcohol poisoning.
Cores and stems: These can also be choking hazards or cause intestinal blockage, although less commonly.
The good news is that a pet would need to chew and swallow quite a few seeds for severe poisoning to occur. But even small exposures may cause stomach upset, and it’s safest to avoid giving pets access to the non-edible parts of apples and crabapples.
Signs of Apple or Crabapple Poisoning
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Drooling
Abdominal pain
Weakness or lethargy
Breathing difficulty, bright red gums, or collapse in more serious exposures
What to Do if Your Pet is Exposed
Call poison control immediately for expert guidance.
ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435
Do not try home remedies or wait to see if your pet improves—ask for support.
Save or bring any fruit, leaves, or stems that were eaten to help confirm exposure.
Veterinary Care
Treatment depends on how much was eaten and what symptoms are present. Your veterinarian may:
Induce vomiting if ingestion was recent
Provide medications to control nausea and protect the stomach
Administer IV fluids for hydration and toxin clearance
Monitor breathing, circulation, and gum color in cases of suspected cyanide exposure
Most pets recover fully with timely care.
Prevention
Only give pets small slices of plain apple flesh with seeds and cores removed.
Pick up fallen apples or crabapples from the yard to prevent ingestion.
Keep pets away from apple and crabapple trees when leaves are wilting.
Block access to compost piles that may contain fermenting fruit.
Final Thought
Apples and crabapples are safe for people, but not all parts of the plant are safe for pets. Seeds, stems, and leaves contain harmful compounds, and rotten fruit can create additional risks. If you think your pet has eaten these parts, call ASPCA Poison Control first for guidance and follow up with your veterinarian.
Information adapted and expanded with reference to ASPCA Poison Control.
Gal Chivvis, DVM
