Can dogs eat apricots?
No — apricots are not recommended for dogs. The pit, leaves, and stems contain cyanide, and the pit is a major choking and obstruction hazard. The flesh itself is high in sugar.
Fruits · 48 kcal per 100 g
Benefits and risks
Benefits
- Apricot flesh contains vitamins A and C
- Provides potassium and dietary fiber
- Source of beta-carotene for eye health
Risks
- Pit, leaves, and stem contain cyanogenic glycosides
- Cyanide poisoning is a veterinary emergency
- Pit is a serious choking and obstruction risk
- Dried apricots are extremely high in sugar
- Many baked apricot products contain other harmful ingredients
⚠ Toxic threshold
Cyanide toxicity can occur from chewing 1-2 apricot pits, depending on dog size. Symptoms within 15-30 minutes: difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, bright red gums, weakness, seizures. Veterinary emergency.
Recommended serving size
Adjust portions based on your dog's weight, age, and activity level. Treats and snacks should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
| Dog size | Weight range | Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Small dog | Under 20 lbs (9 kg) | Avoid entirely |
| Medium dog | 20–50 lbs (9–23 kg) | Avoid entirely |
| Large dog | Over 50 lbs (23 kg) | Avoid entirely |
How to prepare and serve
Preparation
Don't feed apricots to dogs. Keep apricot pits, leaves, and branches well out of reach — they're the real danger. If your dog grabs a piece of pitted flesh, monitor but don't panic.
Frequency
Avoid — choose safer fruit treats.
Key nutrients
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Beta-carotene
- Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
- Call your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) immediately. Apricot pits contain amygdalin, which releases cyanide when chewed, and can cause symptoms within 15-30 minutes: difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, bright red gums, weakness, and seizures. The pit is also a choking and intestinal obstruction risk that may require emergency surgery. Don't wait for symptoms — early treatment dramatically improves outcomes. Have your dog's weight and the number of pits eaten ready when you call.
- No — dried apricots are even worse than fresh. The drying process concentrates the natural sugar dramatically (a single dried apricot can have as much sugar as several fresh ones), which can cause stomach upset and contribute to obesity and diabetes. Many commercial dried apricots also contain added sugar, sulfites, or preservatives. Worst of all, dried fruits are easy to over-feed because they're small and lightweight. Skip dried apricots entirely and pick safer fruit treats.
- If the pit, stem, and leaves are completely removed, a tiny piece of fresh apricot flesh isn't toxic — but the high sugar content and the constant risk of accidentally including the pit make apricots a poor choice. Most veterinarians recommend skipping them entirely in favor of safer fruits like blueberries, watermelon, or apple slices. If you absolutely want to share apricot once, offer a single carefully pitted piece, and never make it a regular treat.
Related fruits
Apples
SafeCrunchy, fibrous treat that helps clean teeth — just remove the core and seeds first.
Bananas
SafeSweet, soft, easy-to-digest treat — excellent natural source of potassium but high in sugar.
Blackberries
SafeLow-sugar antioxidant powerhouse — like raspberries, contains trace xylitol but is safe in moderation.
Blueberries
SafeOne of the safest and healthiest fruit treats — low calorie, packed with antioxidants, easy to serve.
Browse all dog-safe foods
DogDataHub covers 100+ foods with clear safety verdicts, serving sizes, and prep tips.
See all foods