Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricots? A Pet Parent’s Guide to Risks, Benefits & Safety

You’re curled up on the couch, snacking on a handful of sweet, chewy dried apricots, when suddenly you feel a wet nose nudge your hand. Your dog, eyes wide and tail wagging, is clearly begging for a bite. It’s a common scenario: we love sharing our favorite treats with our furry friends, but is this one safe? Dried fruits are a popular human snack, but when it comes to dogs, not all “healthy” human foods translate well. So, can dogs eat dried apricots? Let’s dive in.

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? (If Any)
5. Healthier Alternatives to Dried Apricots
6. FAQ: Common Questions About Dogs and Dried Apricots
7. Conclusion: Moderation is Key
8. References

Can Dogs Eat Dried Apricots? The Short Answer

Yes, dogs can eat dried apricots in very small, occasional amounts—but they are not an ideal treat. Dried apricots are not toxic to dogs, but their high sugar content, concentrated fiber, and potential choking hazards make them a risky choice compared to fresh fruits or safer alternatives. Think of them as a “once-in-a-blue-moon” snack, not a regular part of your dog’s diet.

Potential Benefits of Dried Apricots for Dogs

At first glance, dried apricots might seem like a nutrient-dense snack. After all, they’re made from fresh apricots, which are packed with vitamins and minerals. When dried, some of these nutrients become more concentrated (though so do the downsides). Here’s what dried apricots could offer your dog, in theory:

1. Fiber for Digestive Health

Dried apricots are rich in dietary fiber, which helps regulate digestion by promoting regular bowel movements. A small amount of fiber can ease constipation in dogs, just as it does in humans. However, this benefit is double-edged—too much fiber can quickly lead to stomach upset (more on that later).

2. Potassium for Heart & Muscle Function

Potassium is an essential mineral that supports heart health, muscle contraction, and nerve function. Dried apricots contain potassium, which helps balance fluids in your dog’s body and keeps their heart rhythm steady. For active dogs, potassium is especially important for post-exercise recovery.

3. Vitamins A & C for Immune Support

• Vitamin A: Critical for eye health, skin health, and a strong immune system. It helps maintain healthy mucous membranes (which act as a barrier against infections) and supports cell growth.
• Vitamin C: An antioxidant that fights free radicals, reduces inflammation, and boosts collagen production (important for joint and skin health). While dogs can produce their own vitamin C, extra antioxidants from food may benefit older dogs or those with chronic conditions.

The Catch: Concentration = Risk

The problem? Drying removes water from apricots, which concentrates both nutrients and sugar. A single dried apricot has roughly 4–5 times more sugar than a fresh one (we’ll break down the numbers later). So while the nutrients sound appealing, the sugar and fiber overload often outweigh the benefits.

Risks of Feeding Dried Apricots to Dogs

Now, let’s get real: the risks of dried apricots for dogs are significant. Even small amounts can cause issues, especially if fed regularly. Here’s what to watch out for:

1. High Sugar Content: Obesity, Diabetes, & Dental Decay

Dried apricots are loaded with sugar. A fresh apricot has about 3–4 grams of sugar per fruit; a dried apricot (about the size of a thumb) has 15–20 grams of sugar—that’s the equivalent of 4 teaspoons of sugar! Dogs have no biological need for added sugar, and excess sugar in their diet leads to:

• Obesity: Extra calories from sugar quickly add up, leading to weight gain and related issues like joint pain or heart disease.
• Diabetes: Chronic high sugar intake can impair insulin function, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Dental problems: Sugar feeds harmful bacteria in your dog’s mouth, leading to plaque, tartar, and tooth decay.

2. Stomach Upset: Diarrhea, Bloating, or Gas

While fiber is good for digestion, too much fiber (especially from dried fruit) can overwhelm your dog’s gut. Dried apricots have a high fiber content—about 3 grams per dried fruit. For a 20-pound dog, the daily recommended fiber intake is 2–4 grams total. Feeding even one dried apricot could push them over the edge, causing:

• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Bloating or gas
• Abdominal discomfort

3. Choking Hazard (Especially for Small Dogs)

Dried apricots are chewy and sticky, making them a choking risk—especially for small breeds like Chihuahuas, Yorkies, or Shih Tzus. Their texture can get stuck in your dog’s throat, blocking their airway. Even larger dogs may struggle if they gulp down a piece without chewing. To reduce risk, you could chop dried apricots into tiny pieces, but honestly? There are safer snacks that don’t require this extra step.

4. Hidden Danger: Apricot Pits

Most commercially dried apricots have their pits removed, but it’s not uncommon to find fragments of pits (or even whole pits) in some brands. Apricot pits contain cyanide, a toxic substance that can poison dogs. Even a small piece of pit can release cyanide when chewed, causing symptoms like difficulty breathing, vomiting, seizures, or even death. Always inspect dried apricots carefully before feeding—if you see any hard, brown fragments, discard them immediately.

How Much Dried Apricot Can Dogs Safely Eat? (If Any)

If you still want to share a tiny piece of dried apricot with your dog (maybe as a rare reward), follow these strict guidelines:

General Rule: Less Than 10% of Daily Calories

Treats of any kind should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake. For dried apricots, this translates to very small portions, depending on your dog’s size:

Key Notes:

• “Occasional” = Once Every 1–2 Weeks
  Dried apricots should never be a daily treat. Even small portions add up over time, increasing sugar and fiber intake.
• Chop It Up
  Always cut dried apricots into tiny pieces to reduce choking risk, especially for small dogs.
• Monitor for Reactions
  After feeding, watch for diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, or lethargy. If you see any of these, stop feeding dried apricots and consult your vet.

Healthier Alternatives to Dried Apricots

Let’s be honest: dried apricots aren’t the best choice for your dog. Instead, opt for these safer, lower-sugar alternatives that offer similar nutrients without the risks:

1. Fresh Apricots (Pit Removed!)

Fresh apricots are far better than dried. They have less sugar (since water dilutes it), more water to aid digestion, and the same vitamins (A, C, potassium). Just remove the pit (it’s toxic!) and slice into bite-sized pieces. A small dog can enjoy 1–2 slices; a large dog can have half a fresh apricot.

2. Blueberries

Blueberries are a “superfood” for dogs: low in sugar (only 1 gram per 10 berries), high in antioxidants, and packed with fiber and vitamin C. They’re also small and easy to chew, making them safe for all breeds. Toss a handful into your dog’s bowl or use them as training treats.

3. Carrots

Crunchy, low-calorie, and high in fiber and vitamin A, carrots are a perfect snack. They’re great for dental health (chewing them scrapes plaque off teeth!) and safe for dogs of all sizes. Raw or cooked, they’re a win-win.

4. Green Beans

Green beans are low in calories, high in fiber, and contain vitamins K and C. They’re a great option for overweight dogs or those on a diet. Serve them steamed (no salt or butter) for a soft treat, or raw for crunch.

5. Apples (Core & Seeds Removed)

Apples are rich in fiber (pectin) and vitamin C. Just remove the core and seeds (seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, though you’d need a lot to poison a dog) and slice. Avoid apple skins if your dog has a sensitive stomach.

FAQ: Common Questions About Dogs and Dried Apricots

Q: Can puppies eat dried apricots?

A: No. Puppies have sensitive digestive systems and are more prone to sugar-related issues (like obesity) and choking. Stick to puppy-safe treats recommended by your vet.

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

A: Contact your vet immediately. A large amount of dried apricots can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas, triggered by high sugar/fat). Your vet may recommend inducing vomiting or monitoring for dehydration.

Q: Are dried apricots better than raisins for dogs?

A: Neither is great, but raisins are more dangerous. Raisins (and grapes) are toxic to some dogs, causing kidney failure. Dried apricots aren’t toxic, but they’re still high in sugar. Avoid both!

Q: Can dogs with diabetes eat dried apricots?

A: Absolutely not. Dried apricots are high in sugar, which will spike your dog’s blood glucose levels. If your dog has diabetes, stick to low-sugar treats approved by your vet (like green beans or plain cooked chicken).

Q: Are organic dried apricots safer?

A: No. Organic dried apricots still have the same high sugar content and choking risk. “Organic” just means fewer pesticides, but the sugar and fiber issues remain.

Conclusion: Moderation is Key

Dried apricots aren’t toxic to dogs, but they’re far from an ideal treat. Their high sugar content, choking hazard, and risk of stomach upset make them a “proceed with extreme caution” snack. If you do share a tiny piece, chop it up, limit it to once every week or two, and monitor your dog for reactions.

For daily treats, opt for fresh fruits (like blueberries or apples) or veggies (carrots, green beans) instead. These are lower in sugar, higher in water, and safer for regular feeding.

As always, when in doubt, consult your vet—especially if your dog has health issues like diabetes, obesity, or digestive sensitivities. Your vet can help you choose treats that fit your dog’s unique needs.

After all, the best treat for your dog is your love… but a safe, healthy snack doesn’t hurt either!

References

• American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). “Apricot.” ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants.
• PetMD. “Can Dogs Eat Apricots?” PetMD.
• American Kennel Club (AKC). “Human Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat.” AKC.
• Merck Veterinary Manual. “Cyanide Poisoning in Animals.” Merck Vet Manual.
• Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. “Nutrition: Feeding Your Dog.” Tufts Veterinary Nutrition.