Can Dogs Eat Apple Pie?

Dogs should not eat apple pie. Apples themselves are fine, but pie adds sugar, crust, and spices like nutmeg. A tiny lick or crumb is unlikely to cause harm. A real slice can upset your dog’s stomach, and some pies hold raisins or sweeteners that are far more serious.

Why is apple pie bad for dogs?

The apple is not the problem. The AKC says apples are fine for dogs in small amounts. What goes around the apple is the problem. The AKC says dogs can’t have apple pie because of the added sugar and the crust.

A few things in a pie can make your dog sick:

• Sugar and fat. Rich foods can upset your dog’s stomach and cause diarrhea. The ASPCA also lists fatty foods as a possible cause of pancreatitis, a painful swelling of the pancreas.
• Nutmeg. This spice is common in apple pie. More on it below.
• Raisins. Some pies have them. The ASPCA says raisins and grapes can damage a dog’s kidneys.
• Xylitol. This sweetener is found in some baked goods and sugar-free foods. The ASPCA says it can cause low blood sugar and may harm the liver. Pie made with it needs a call to your vet.

Is nutmeg in apple pie dangerous for dogs?

It can be, but the amount matters. Nutmeg has a substance called myristicin. The AKC says it can cause high blood pressure, hallucinations (seeing or sensing things that aren’t there), a fast heartbeat, stomach pain, and seizures.

The AKC also says the nutmeg in one bite of a cookie may have little or no effect. Still, it advises keeping dogs away from nutmeg completely. A whole pie, or a jar of nutmeg, is a different story.

What about apple seeds and cores?

A pie usually has no seeds, but whole apples do. The AKC says seeds hold a small amount of cyanide, which can harm a dog in large doses. The ASPCA also lists the seeds, stems, and leaves of apple plants as sources of cyanide. Cores and stems can also cause choking.

If you share fresh apple, take out the core and seeds first. See our guide on whether dogs can eat apples.

Signs to watch for after your dog eats pie

The sources don’t give a set time window, so keep watching your dog for a while. These signs mean trouble:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Belly pain
• Tiredness or weakness (the ASPCA lists these for xylitol and raisins)
• Poor balance or coordination
• For nutmeg, the AKC lists confusion, dry mouth, vomiting, tremors, and poor coordination

Call a vet right away for serious signs such as tremors or seizures.

What to do if your dog ate apple pie

1. Take the pie away and figure out how much your dog ate.
2. Check the ingredients. Look for raisins, xylitol, and nutmeg.
3. Call your vet or a poison hotline if your dog ate raisins, xylitol, a large amount. Tell them what and how much.
4. Watch your dog closely. If signs start, call your vet.

The AKC says not to try home fixes unless a vet or poison control tells you to. Treatment for a serious nutmeg problem can include medicine to stop vomiting, IV fluids, and close monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure.

Safer apple treats to try

If your dog loves the smell of fall baking, try these instead:

• Plain apple slices. The AKC says a slice or two is enough, since a whole apple has about 19 grams of sugar. Remove the core and seeds.
• Homemade apple chips. The AKC suggests thinly sliced, cored apples baked at 200°F for two hours, with nothing added.

Treats should be no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily food. For a longer list of foods to avoid, see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs. If you want to know about another common baking spice, read can dogs eat cinnamon.