Use Caution
Medium dog serving: 1 small piece
Key warning: pit (very high cyanide risk), leaves and stems (toxic), dried apricots (concentrated sugar), large amounts
Can Dogs Eat Apricots? Caution — Tiny Flesh Only, Pit Leaves and Stem Are Toxic
This food requires caution. Read the details carefully before feeding.
Apricot flesh without the pit leaves or stem is safe for dogs in tiny amounts. Apricot pits contain very high concentrations of amygdalin — one of the highest cyanide risks of any fruit pit. Leaves and stems also contain toxic compounds. Tiny amounts of flesh only.
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Warning Signs & Symptoms
Pit: very high amygdalin cyanide concentration — more dangerous than peach pit. Leaves and stems: also contain toxic compounds. Large amounts of flesh: digestive upset. Dried apricots: high concentrated sugar.
If Your Dog Ate This
Call vet if pit was accessed — high cyanide concentration.
Safe to Feed
tiny amounts of fresh apricot flesh only — pit stem and leaves removed
What to Avoid
pit (very high cyanide risk), leaves and stems (toxic), dried apricots (concentrated sugar), large amounts
Preparation & Serving
Pit leaves and stems must never be accessible. Tiny amounts of flesh only. Fresh not dried.
Potential Health Benefits
Vitamins A C fiber in tiny amounts.
Safer Alternatives
- peaches-safe|nectarines-safe|plums
Did you know?
Apricots contain higher concentrations of amygdalin in their pits than almost any other stone fruit — approximately 5-10 times more than peach pits. This high concentration is why apricot kernels have been the subject of controversial alternative cancer treatments based on the theory that cyanide compounds could target cancer cells — a claim not supported by scientific evidence and potentially dangerous. The very same compound that proponents claimed as medicine is the reason apricot pits are particularly dangerous for dogs.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- tiny sliver
- Serving (medium dog)
- 1 small piece
- Serving (large dog)
- 2 small pieces
- Calories (per 100g)
- 48
- Safe frequency
- Rarely — tiny amounts only
Source
What You Need to Know
Apricot pits contain particularly high concentrations of amygdalin making them one of the more dangerous fruit pits. The leaves and stems also contain toxic compounds. The flesh itself is safe in very small amounts. Dried apricots concentrate the sugar and if treated with sulfur dioxide may cause digestive upset. Extremely small amounts of fresh apricot flesh without any other plant part are the only appropriate form.
This food requires care — if your dog has eaten a large amount read our emergency guide
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