Yes, dogs can eat apricots — but only the flesh. The pit, leaves, and stem contain amygdalin, a compound that releases cyanide when digested, and must be removed every time before serving.
The fruit itself is safe in small amounts. It’s a reasonable occasional treat — just one where preparation matters more than most fruits.
Are apricots good for dogs?
In moderation, apricot flesh offers a few genuine benefits:
- Vitamin A — Supports skin health, coat condition, and eye health.
- Vitamin C — Helps immune function. Dogs produce their own, so it’s a bonus rather than a necessity.
- Fibre — Supports digestion in small amounts.
- Antioxidants — Help reduce oxidative stress and support overall wellbeing.
Apricots are higher in natural sugar than many other dog-safe fruits, which is why they’re better as an occasional treat than a daily snack — even for healthy dogs.
Can apricots be harmful to dogs?
Yes — if the wrong parts are served, or in too large a quantity.
The pit, stem, and leaves
These contain amygdalin — a cyanogenic compound that releases cyanide when broken down in the body. According to the American Kennel Club, cyanide from plant parts is a serious concern for dogs. The pit is also a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockage if swallowed whole.
Remove these completely before serving, every time. Don’t leave pits in an accessible bin where your dog can reach them.
Too much flesh
Apricot flesh is high in natural sugars and fibre. Too much at once can cause loose stools, gas, or stomach discomfort. For diabetic or overweight dogs, the sugar content warrants extra caution — speak to your vet before adding apricots to their diet.
Dried apricots — including khubani
If you have an Indian kitchen, this one deserves attention. Khubani (dried apricots) is a staple in Indian cooking — used in khubani ka meetha, biryanis, and kept as a kitchen snack. The problem: dried apricots sold in Indian markets are often whole (pit still inside), concentrated in sugar, and frequently treated with sulphur dioxide as a preservative.
Even dried apricot flesh without the pit is not a good choice for dogs — the sugar and preservative concentration is much higher than in fresh fruit. If you keep khubani at home, store it out of reach. Dogs investigate kitchens, and a single pit can cause serious harm.
Packaged apricot products
Apricot jam, juice, canned apricots, apricot-flavoured biscuits or sweets — avoid all of these. They typically contain added sugar, artificial sweeteners, or preservatives that are not safe for dogs.
How much apricot can dogs eat?
Keep apricots as an occasional treat, not a regular snack. A rough guide by size:
| Dog size | Weight | Apricot serving |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-small | 2–9 kg | 1–2 small pieces of flesh |
| Small | 9–14 kg | 2–3 pieces |
| Medium | 14–23 kg | Half an apricot |
| Large | 23–41 kg | 1 apricot (flesh only) |
| Extra-large | 41+ kg | 1–2 apricots |
Approximate serving guidelines — treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s daily calories.
Apricots are higher in sugar than apples or pumpkin, so start small and see how your dog responds.
How to feed apricots to your dog
- Wash the apricot — removes surface residue and any pesticide from the skin.
- Remove the pit, stem, and any leaves completely — these are toxic. No shortcuts.
- Cut the flesh into small pieces — sized appropriately for your dog.
- Serve plain — no added sugar, no cream, nothing extra.
Ways to serve
- Fresh apricot slices — the simplest option. A few pieces on their own.
- Frozen apricot chunks — a good summer treat. Fresh apricots arrive in Indian markets around May and June; cut the flesh into pieces, freeze them, and serve as a cooling snack during the hot months.
- Apricot with plain dahi — a few apricot pieces mixed into plain, unsweetened curd. No added sugar, no flavouring. A simple, India-specific combination that dogs tend to enjoy.
- Baked into homemade treats — apricot flesh works in simple baked dog treats alongside oat flour and peanut butter (xylitol-free only).
Signs your dog isn’t handling apricots well
Watch for these after introducing apricots for the first time:
- Loose stools or diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Gas or bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
These typically indicate too much sugar or fibre at once. Stop giving apricots for at least a week, then try again with a smaller portion.
When to see a vet
Call your vet immediately if
- Your dog swallowed an apricot pit, stem, or any leaves — even just one. Cyanide poisoning can develop quickly; don’t wait for symptoms to appear. The Pet Poison Helpline is available 24/7 if you need immediate guidance.
- You notice dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, or bright red gums — these are signs of cyanide toxicity and require emergency care.
- Your dog ate khubani or packaged dried apricots in any significant quantity, especially if whole — the pits in dried apricots can be crushed or partially broken, releasing toxins even without being fully swallowed.
- Vomiting or diarrhoea persists beyond 24 hours.
If you’re in Ahmedabad, the best vets in Ahmedabad can help with any dietary concerns or reactions.
Are homemade apricot treats safe for dogs?
Yes — when made with apricot flesh only and no added sugar, xylitol, or unsafe ingredients.
Homemade is the better route for apricot-based treats, because you control exactly what goes in. Apricot flesh pairs well with oat flour and xylitol-free peanut butter for simple baked treats. Keep recipes plain and the portions small.
If you’d rather skip the baking, our Fruit & Veggie Cookies are made fresh with dog-safe fruit and vegetable ingredients — no preservatives, no added sugar, made to order.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat apricot skin?
Yes, if the apricot is washed properly and the pit, stem, and leaves are fully removed. The skin adds a small amount of fibre.
Can dogs eat khubani (dried apricots)?
No — not recommended. Khubani is typically high in sugar, may contain preservatives like sulphur dioxide, and is often sold whole with the pit inside. Even without the pit, the concentrated sugar and additives make it unsuitable. Keep it stored out of reach.
Can dogs eat dried apricots?
Generally no. Dried apricots have much higher sugar concentration than fresh, and most commercially sold versions include preservatives. Stick to fresh apricot flesh only.
What if my dog ate an apricot pit?
Call your vet immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms. The pit contains cyanogenic compounds that can cause poisoning. Bring the fruit or any packaging to the vet if possible.
Can diabetic dogs eat apricots?
Only with vet approval. Apricots are higher in natural sugar than many other dog-safe fruits. A very small amount may be fine, but consult your vet first.
Can dogs eat canned apricots?
No. Canned apricots are packed in syrup or juice with high added sugar. Some may also contain xylitol. Avoid them entirely.
Can dogs eat cooked apricots?
Yes, if cooked plain — no added sugar, sweeteners, or spices. The issue is that most cooking applications (jam, compote, pie) include ingredients that are unsafe for dogs.
Can dogs eat apricot oil?
No. Apricot kernel oil is derived from the seed, which contains cyanogenic compounds. Avoid it entirely.
Can dogs eat apricots with curd or yogurt?
Yes — plain, unsweetened dahi or yogurt with no xylitol or added flavouring is fine in small amounts alongside a few pieces of apricot flesh.
The bottom line
Apricot flesh is safe for most dogs in small amounts. Prepare it correctly — pit, stem, and leaves removed every time — and keep the portions modest.
The bigger watch-out for Indian households is khubani. It’s common in Indian kitchens, often stored with the pit inside, and far more concentrated in sugar than fresh fruit. Keep it out of reach.
For more fruit options that are safe for dogs, see our complete guide to dog-safe fruits. Apples and bananas are two lower-risk options that are easier to prepare safely.
