If you’re wondering which animals eat apples in the wild, on the farm, or at home, the answer is many! Even our pets love apple slices as a treat, but be warned, as much as they love them, they should not be given as a daily snack because of the high sugar content. Apples are highly nutritious, tasty fruits enjoyed by millions across the world, and the crunch of a juicy apple is hard to beat. Many wild animals, as well as our domestic pets and barnyard animals, find apples irresistible, but it’s important not to make them a significant part of their diets. Let’s look at some of the essential facts to consider about animals and apples.
What Wild Animals Enjoy Apples?
Lucky for them, if granted access, many wild animals enjoy apples in their natural habitats. Wild apples, however, are mainly seasonal fruits, making them a rare treat for these animals, and are not a staple in their diets. Some wild animals even store the apples and consume them after they have fermented, but be mindful that as the apples ferment, they produce a little amount of alcohol, causing some animals to get drunk unintentionally!
Which Wild Animals Enjoy Apples?
If accessible, the following wild animals will happily indulge in apples:
- Deer
- Bears
- Chimps
- Raccoons
- Elk
- Moose
- Possums
- Foxes
- Pandas
- Wild boar
- Badgers
- Hedgehogs
- Birds
- Insects
Which Barnyard Animals Enjoy Apples?
Similar to our pets, farm animals enjoy apples as an occasional treat. But it’s important to note that too many apples can cause colic, bloating, or acidosis, and the sugar in them can also lead to dental problems. If you choose to give your farm animal an apple, slice it into smaller pieces to avoid choking.
Although horses, pigs, goats, and chickens can eat apples in small quantities, it’s not an excellent idea to feed them frequently or in large amounts. Additionally, horses with hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (HYPP) should avoid high potassium foods like apples.
Which Pets Enjoy Apples?
Like farm animals, our pets love a slice of apple from time to time, but it’s not always the best choice for them.
- Dogs
- Sugar Gliders
- Hamsters
- Rabbits
- Mice
- Rats
Which Reptiles Enjoy Apples?
Some omnivorous and herbivorous reptiles enjoy a small amount of apple as part of their healthy diets. For instance, a bearded dragon might find shaved or grated apple to be a delicious sweetening addition to their salad.
Are Apples Good for Animals?
Apples are a great source of essential nutrients for animals. For example, vitamins A and C help boost the immune system, while potassium helps the body function correctly. Additionally, they provide helpful fiber that can aid digestion and antioxidants that combat inflammation and promote gut health.
Is It Safe to Feed Apples to Pets?
Yes, feeding pets apples in moderation is safe because they are packed with nutrients and low in calories. For most animals in the wild, apples are only a small part of their diet, and they obtain the nutrients necessary for life from other sources. Likewise, when it comes to feeding pets, it is best to provide a well-balanced diet and feed them apples only occasionally as a treat.
Are Apples Bad for Pets?
Feeding apples as a part of a pet’s regular diet is extremely dangerous since excessive sugar can lead to obesity and calcium absorption issues. Furthermore, too much vitamin C can lead to kidney problems, while too much vitamin A can harm the skin and brain. Apple seeds and stems are toxic to many animals, particularly small pets, so it’s best to slice the fruit before feeding them. Also, avoid giving apples to animals with metabolic problems like insulin resistance or Cushing’s disease.
How Should Apples Be Served to Pets?
Always give your pet fresh apples, and ensure to wash them thoroughly before serving to remove any chemicals or pesticides. To prevent choking, remove the seeds, stem, and core, and slice the apple into small pieces. On hot days, you can freeze apple slices and give them to your pet as a refreshing treat.
Always introduce new food in small amounts to your pet, one at a time, giving their stomach enough time to adjust. If you notice any adverse reactions like diarrhea, stop feeding the apple and consult your veterinarian.
Can Animals Eat Fermented Apples?
Apples that have started fermenting help balance the pH levels in an animal’s stomach and digestive system. However, rotten apples can cause ethanol poisoning in animals, which might lead to death, causing a slowed breathing and heart rate, a drop in body temperature, a loss of equilibrium, and going from hyperactivity to lethargy.
The Bottom Line
Animals across the world enjoy apples, from the smallest insect to the largest elephant. Although the fruit is packed with important nutrients and provides many health benefits, apples should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content. Give your furry friend the love and care they deserve by feeding them a balanced diet and keeping their health and wellbeing in mind.
Learn More About What Animals Eat
Resources
Hyson, 2011. A Comprehensive Review of Apples and Apple Components and Their Relationship to Human Health. Oxford Academic.
Joshi et al, 1996. Preparation and evaluation of an animal feed byproduct produced by solid-state fermentation of apple pomace. Bioresource Technology.