Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricots? A Pet Parent’s Guide to Safe Snacking

You’re curled up on the couch, snacking on a bag of dried apricots—sweet, chewy, and packed with that sunny, fruity flavor. Out of the corner of your eye, you notice your dog, tail thumping, nose twitching, giving you that look. The one that says, “Is that for me? Please? I’ll be your best friend forever if you share.”

Before you toss them a piece, you pause. Dried fruits are a go-to human snack, but are they safe for dogs? Can dogs eat dried apricots, or is this one treat better kept to yourself? Let’s dive into the details to keep your pup happy, healthy, and snack-smart.

Table of Contents

1. Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricots? The Short Answer
2. Potential Benefits of Dried Apricots for Dogs
3. Risks of Feeding Dried Apricots to Dogs
4. How Much Dried Apricot Can Dogs Safely Eat?
5. Healthier Alternatives to Dried Apricots
6. FAQ: Your Questions Answered
7. Conclusion: Moderation is Key

Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricots? The Short Answer

Yes, dogs can eat dried apricots in small, occasional amounts—but with caution. Dried apricots aren’t toxic to dogs, but they’re far from a “superfood” for your pup. Unlike chocolate, grapes, or onions (which are dangerous), apricots (fresh or dried) are generally safe. However, their high sugar content, chewy texture, and concentrated nutrients mean they come with risks that pet parents need to understand.

Think of dried apricots as a “sometimes” treat, not a daily snack. And if your dog has health issues like diabetes, obesity, or digestive sensitivities, it’s best to skip them altogether (more on that later!).

Potential Benefits of Dried Apricots for Dogs

At first glance, dried apricots might seem like a healthy pick. After all, they’re a fruit, and fruits are packed with vitamins—right? Let’s break down the potential upsides:

1. Vitamins for Overall Health

Dried apricots are a source of vitamin A, an essential nutrient for dogs. Vitamin A supports:

• Eye health (keeping those puppy eyes sharp!).
• Immune function (helping fight off germs).
• Skin and coat health (hello, shiny fur!).

While dogs can make some vitamin A on their own from other foods (like liver), a small amount from dried apricots won’t hurt—as long as it’s not overdone.

2. Fiber for Digestive Health

Dried apricots are high in dietary fiber, which helps keep your dog’s digestive system moving smoothly. A little fiber can:

• Prevent constipation (important for dogs who struggle with irregular bowel movements).
• Support a healthy gut microbiome (the good bacteria in their stomach).

But here’s the catch: Too much fiber can backfire (more on that in the “risks” section!).

3. Potassium for Heart and Muscles

Potassium is an electrolyte that helps regulate your dog’s heart rate, muscle function, and fluid balance. Dried apricots contain small amounts of potassium, which can support:

• Strong heart health.
• Normal muscle contractions (so your pup can keep zooming around the yard!).

The Fine Print: Benefits Are Minimal

Before you stock up on dried apricots for your dog, remember: These benefits are concentrated in dried form, but so are the downsides. A fresh apricot (with the pit removed!) will give your dog similar nutrients with less sugar and risk—so if you want to share fruit, fresh is usually better.

Risks of Feeding Dried Apricots to Dogs

Now, let’s talk about the not-so-great parts. Dried apricots might sound harmless, but their “human snack” status hides some real risks for dogs:

1. High Sugar = Big Problems

Drying fruit removes water, which concentrates the natural sugars. A fresh apricot has about 3 grams of sugar per 100 grams. A dried apricot? A whopping 53 grams of sugar per 100 grams (that’s like eating candy!).

For dogs, excess sugar leads to:

• Obesity: Extra calories from sugar can pack on pounds, increasing the risk of joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease.
• Dental issues: Sugar feeds the bacteria in your dog’s mouth, leading to plaque, tartar, and cavities. (Ever noticed how sticky dried apricots get? That stickiness lingers on teeth, making them a prime spot for decay.)
• Diabetes: If your dog is pre-diabetic or has diabetes, sugar spikes can be dangerous. Even non-diabetic dogs can develop insulin resistance over time from too much sugar.

2. Digestive Upset (Diarrhea, Gas, Bloating)

Remember that fiber we mentioned earlier? While a little is good, a lot can irritate your dog’s stomach. Dried apricots have about 7 grams of fiber per 100 grams (fresh apricots have only 2 grams).

If your dog eats too many dried apricots, they might experience:

• Loose stools or diarrhea.
• Bloating or gas (unpleasant for both of you!).
• Stomach cramps (your pup might seem restless or uncomfortable).

Small dogs are especially sensitive to fiber overload, as their tummies are smaller.

3. Choking Hazard

Dried apricots are chewy and sticky—very sticky. For small dogs (like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, or Shih Tzus), a whole dried apricot could get stuck in their throat, causing choking. Even larger dogs might struggle if they gulp it down without chewing.

If you do give your dog a dried apricot, always cut it into tiny pieces (about the size of a pea for small breeds, a dime for medium/large dogs) to reduce this risk.

4. The Hidden Danger: Apricot Pits

Wait—do dried apricots have pits? Most commercial dried apricots are pitted, but it’s not unheard of to find a stray pit fragment (yikes!). Apricot pits contain amygdalin, a compound that breaks down into cyanide when chewed or crushed. Cyanide is toxic to dogs (and humans!) in large doses.

While a single pit fragment is unlikely to kill a dog, it can cause:

• Drooling.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Vomiting.
• Seizures (in severe cases).

Always check dried apricots for pits before giving them to your dog. When in doubt, skip them!

How Much Dried Apricot Can Dogs Safely Eat?

The golden rule: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. For dried apricots, that translates to very small portions.

Here’s a general guide based on your dog’s size:

Key notes:

• “Occasional” means once every 1–2 weeks, tops.
• Always introduce new treats slowly. Start with 1 tiny piece and watch for 24 hours—if your dog has diarrhea, gas, or vomiting, stop giving them.
• Never replace a meal with dried apricots. Their nutrition is not balanced for dogs (they lack protein, fat, and other essentials your pup needs).

Healthier Alternatives to Dried Apricots

If you want to share a fruity snack with your dog, there are better options than dried apricots. These alternatives are lower in sugar, easier to digest, and just as tasty:

1. Fresh Apricots (Pitted!)

Fresh apricots have less sugar, more water, and fewer risks than dried. Just remove the pit (critical!) and slice into small pieces. A great summer treat!

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are a dog favorite! They’re low in sugar, high in antioxidants (which fight inflammation), and the small size makes them safe for all dogs. Plus, they’re fun to toss for a game of “catch”!

3. Carrots

Crunchy, low-calorie, and high in fiber—carrots are a perfect snack. They even help clean your dog’s teeth as they chew. Raw or steamed (no salt!) works.

4. Pumpkin (Plain, Canned)

Plain, unsweetened pumpkin is a digestive superhero for dogs. It’s high in fiber (the good kind that soothes upset tummies) and low in sugar. Spoon a little onto their food or freeze into “pumpkin pops” for a cool treat.

5. Apples (No Seeds!)

Apples are a great source of fiber and vitamin C. Just remove the seeds (they contain small amounts of cyanide) and core, then slice. Avoid the skin if your dog has trouble digesting it.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

Q: Can puppies eat dried apricots?

A: Puppies have sensitive tummies and are still growing, so it’s best to avoid dried apricots. Their bodies are more prone to sugar spikes and digestive upset. Stick to puppy-safe treats recommended by your vet.

Q: My dog ate a whole bag of dried apricots! What should I do?

A: Don’t panic, but monitor them closely. Symptoms of overindulgence include diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, or lethargy. If these last more than 24 hours, or if your dog seems in pain, contact your vet. For very small dogs or dogs with health issues, call your vet immediately—large amounts of sugar or fiber can be dangerous.

Q: Are organic dried apricots better for dogs?

A: Organic dried apricots may have fewer pesticides, but they’re still high in sugar. The “organic” label doesn’t reduce the risks of sugar, choking, or digestive upset. Save your money and opt for fresh fruit instead.

Q: Can dogs with diabetes eat dried apricots?

A: No. Dried apricots are high in sugar, which can cause dangerous blood sugar spikes in diabetic dogs. If your dog has diabetes, stick to low-sugar treats approved by your vet (like plain green beans).

Q: Is there any benefit to dried apricots over fresh for dogs?

A: No. Fresh apricots have more water, less sugar, and are easier to digest. Dried apricots are a more concentrated (and riskier) version of the same fruit.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

So, can dogs eat dried apricots? Yes—but they’re not a “must-have” treat. While they offer small amounts of vitamins and fiber, their high sugar, choking risk, and potential for digestive upset make them a snack to approach with caution.

If you do share dried apricots, keep portions tiny, cut them into pieces, check for pits, and limit them to once in a while. And when in doubt, opt for fresh fruits like blueberries, apples, or carrots—your dog will love them just as much (if not more!), and you’ll have peace of mind.

As always, every dog is different. If your pup has health issues (diabetes, obesity, allergies), or if you’re unsure about a new treat, talk to your vet. They know your dog’s unique needs and can help you make the best choices.

Happy snacking—for both you and your furry friend!

References:

• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). “People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.” aspca.org
• American Kennel Club (AKC). “Can Dogs Eat Apricots?” akc.org
• PetMD. “Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can Eat.” petmd.com
• Veterinary Centers of America (VCA). “Dietary Fiber for Dogs.” vcahospitals.com