Can Dogs Have Dried Apricots? Safety, Serving Sizes & Risks
Can dogs have dried apricots safely? Learn serving sizes by weight, preparation tips, nutritional benefits, and when to avoid this chewy fruit treat.
If you've ever reached for a bag of dried apricots and caught your dog giving you that hopeful stare, you probably wondered: can dogs have dried apricots? The short answer is yes — but only under specific conditions. Dried apricots can be a safe occasional treat for most adult dogs when served pit-free, unsweetened, and in carefully controlled portions. However, the concentrated sugar content, choking risk from the chewy texture, and potential for digestive upset mean this isn't a snack you can toss freely into your dog's bowl.
Dogs can eat dried apricots in small amounts as an occasional treat. The flesh is non-toxic, but you must remove any pit remnants, choose unsweetened varieties with no added sulfites or sugar, and limit portions due to high natural sugar concentration. Never feed dried apricots to puppies, diabetic dogs, or dogs with a history of pancreatitis.
Nutritional Profile: What Dried Apricots Offer Your Dog
When you dehydrate an apricot, you concentrate its nutrients — and its calories. According to USDA nutritional data, a 100-gram serving of dried apricots contains roughly 241 calories, 53 grams of sugar, and 7 grams of fiber. That's a significant sugar load for a dog whose daily caloric needs might be as low as 200–400 calories depending on size.
That said, dried apricots do deliver meaningful micronutrients:
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g | Benefit for Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A (as beta-carotene) | ~3,770 IU | Supports vision, immune function, skin health |
| Potassium | 1,162 mg | Muscle function, nerve signaling, electrolyte balance |
| Vitamin E | 5.5 mg | Antioxidant protection, coat health |
| Iron | 2.7 mg | Red blood cell production, oxygen transport |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.3 g | Digestive regularity (but excess causes loose stools) |
| Natural Sugars | 53 g | Quick energy — but a concern for weight gain and blood sugar |
The practical takeaway: These nutrients are beneficial, but your dog's complete-and-balanced commercial diet (look for the AAFCO statement on the label) already covers them. Dried apricots should supplement, never replace, a nutritionally complete diet. Think of them as a bonus, not a necessity.
Safe Serving Sizes by Dog Weight
This is where most owners get it wrong. "A small piece" is vague — and with dried fruit's concentrated sugar, precision matters. Here are specific portion guidelines based on your dog's weight class. Treats should never exceed 10% of your dog's daily caloric intake, per AKC nutrition guidelines.
| Dog Weight Class | Weight Range | Max Serving | Frequency | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toy / Small | Under 20 lb (9 kg) | ½ of one dried apricot half (~3 g) | Once or twice per week | ~7 kcal |
| Medium | 20–50 lb (9–23 kg) | 1 full dried apricot half (~6 g) | Twice per week | ~14 kcal |
| Large | 50–90 lb (23–41 kg) | 1–2 dried apricot halves (~6–12 g) | Twice per week | ~14–28 kcal |
| Giant | Over 90 lb (41 kg) | 2 dried apricot halves (~12 g) | Twice per week | ~28 kcal |
Why so conservative? A single dried apricot half weighs about 6 grams and contains roughly 3 grams of sugar. For a 15-pound (6.8 kg) dog, that's proportionally similar to a human eating a candy bar. The fiber concentration can also trigger loose stools or gas in dogs unaccustomed to dried fruit.
How to Prepare Dried Apricots for Your Dog
Preparation is non-negotiable. Here's the step-by-step process to make dried apricots safe:
- Check the ingredient label. Choose dried apricots with one ingredient: apricots. Avoid brands with added sugar, corn syrup, honey glaze, or artificial sweeteners (xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs — even trace amounts can cause fatal hypoglycemia). Sulfur dioxide (sulfites) used as a preservative to maintain orange color isn't toxic at trace levels but can cause stomach irritation in sensitive dogs.
- Inspect for pit fragments. Even commercially pitted dried apricots occasionally contain small pit pieces. Apricot pits contain amygdalin, a compound that converts to cyanide when chewed and digested. While a tiny fragment is unlikely to cause acute poisoning, it's an unnecessary risk — and hard pit pieces can crack teeth.
- Cut into appropriate pieces. For small dogs, cut a half into 2–3 small pieces to reduce choking risk. The chewy, sticky texture of dried fruit can lodge in the throat or get stuck on the roof of the mouth, especially in brachycephalic breeds (Pugs, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus) with shorter airways.
- Serve plain. No yogurt coating, no chocolate drizzle, no trail mix combination. Just the plain dried fruit.
- Supervise the first feeding. Watch your dog chew and swallow. If they gulp pieces whole, cut them even smaller next time or rehydrate the apricot in warm water for 10 minutes to soften the texture.
What Happens If Your Dog Eats Too Many Dried Apricots?
Overconsumption is the most common issue with dried fruit treats. Here's what to expect based on how much they ate:
Mild overindulgence (2–3x the recommended serving): Expect gastrointestinal upset within 6–12 hours. Symptoms include soft stools or diarrhea, mild gas, and possibly a decreased appetite at the next meal. The high fiber and sugar content draws water into the intestines, creating an osmotic diarrhea effect. This typically resolves within 24–48 hours with a bland diet (boiled chicken and white rice).
Moderate overindulgence (a handful or more): More pronounced vomiting, watery diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal discomfort. Smaller dogs are at higher risk for dehydration. Offer fresh water and withhold food for 12 hours, then reintroduce a bland diet in small portions.
If your dog consumed apricot pits: This is a different situation entirely. Pit ingestion carries risks of cyanide toxicity (if crushed and chewed), intestinal blockage (whole pits), and dental fractures. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, cyanide poisoning symptoms include bright red mucous membranes, difficulty breathing, dilated pupils, and in severe cases, seizures or collapse. This is an emergency.
- Your dog swallowed one or more apricot pits (whole or cracked)
- Vomiting or diarrhea persists beyond 24 hours
- Blood appears in vomit or stool
- Your dog shows signs of abdominal pain (hunched posture, whining when touched)
- Lethargy, weakness, or collapse
- Bright red or pale gums
- Your dog is a puppy, senior, or has pre-existing conditions (diabetes, pancreatitis, kidney disease)
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435 — available 24/7 (consultation fee applies). You can also reach the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
Dogs Who Should NOT Eat Dried Apricots
While most healthy adult dogs can handle a small piece of dried apricot occasionally, several groups should skip this treat entirely:
- Puppies under 12 months: Their digestive systems are still developing, and the concentrated sugar and fiber can cause significant GI upset. Stick to puppy-formulated treats.
- Diabetic dogs: The 53g of natural sugar per 100g of dried apricots can spike blood glucose. Even a small piece can disrupt insulin management protocols.
- Dogs with pancreatitis: While dried apricots are low in fat, the high sugar load can stress the pancreas and potentially trigger a flare-up in predisposed dogs (Miniature Schnauzers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels are especially prone).
- Overweight or obese dogs: If your dog has a body condition score (BCS) of 7 or above on the 9-point scale, every calorie counts. Dried fruit is calorically dense and offers less satiety than fresh vegetables like carrots or green beans.
- Dogs with kidney disease: The potassium content (1,162 mg per 100g) is problematic for dogs with compromised kidney function who need potassium-restricted diets.
- Brachycephalic breeds: Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, and similar breeds face elevated choking risk due to their shortened airways and elongated soft palates. If you do offer dried apricots, rehydrate them first and cut into very small pieces.
Related Foods: What to Avoid and Safer Alternatives
Understanding what's related to dried apricots helps you avoid accidental poisoning and find better treat options:
| Food | Safe for Dogs? | Key Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh apricot (flesh only) | ✅ Yes — safer than dried | Lower sugar concentration; remove pit and stem |
| Apricot pit / kernel | ❌ Toxic | Contains amygdalin → cyanide; choking/blockage risk |
| Apricot leaves and stems | ❌ Toxic | Also contain amygdalin |
| Dried peaches / nectarines | ⚠️ Same rules as dried apricots | Same stone fruit family; same pit risks |
| Dried cherries | ⚠️ Flesh only, no pits/stems | Cherry pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide compounds |
| Dried plums (prunes) | ⚠️ Small amounts only | Strong laxative effect; pit toxicity same as apricots |
| Dried mango | ✅ Yes, in small pieces | High sugar; remove skin and pit |
| Raisins / dried currants | ❌ Toxic — NEVER feed | Cause acute kidney failure in dogs; no safe dose established |
Healthier, lower-sugar alternatives for regular training treats: Fresh apple slices (cored, no seeds), blueberries, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or small pieces of cooked sweet potato. These offer crunch, nutrition, and far less sugar per calorie.
How to Introduce Dried Apricots Safely
If you've decided dried apricots are appropriate for your dog, follow this introduction protocol:
Day 1: Offer a piece roughly the size of a pea (regardless of dog size). Watch for immediate reactions — lip licking, drooling, head shaking (signs of oral irritation), or refusal to eat.
Hours 1–24: Monitor stool consistency, energy level, and appetite. Note any gas, vomiting, or behavioral changes.
Day 2–3: If no adverse reactions, you can offer the full weight-appropriate serving (see table above) once during this period.
Ongoing: If your dog tolerates dried apricots well, limit them to twice per week at most. Rotate with other safe fruits and vegetables to provide nutritional variety without sugar overload.
Use dried apricot pieces as high-value rewards during positive reinforcement training sessions — their sweet taste makes them motivating for dogs who aren't excited by standard kibble treats. Break servings into tiny pieces (pea-sized) so you can reward multiple behaviors without overshooting the portion limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat dried apricots every day?
No. Daily feeding of dried apricots introduces too much concentrated sugar into your dog's diet, increasing the risk of weight gain, dental issues, and blood sugar instability. Limit dried apricot treats to no more than twice per week, and rotate with lower-sugar options like blueberries or carrots on other days.
Are organic dried apricots safer for dogs?
Organic dried apricots avoid synthetic pesticide residues, which is a minor benefit. However, the more important factor is the ingredient list. Many conventional dried apricots contain sulfur dioxide as a preservative (to maintain bright orange color). Organic brands often skip this, making them slightly gentler on sensitive stomachs. Still, the sugar content is identical regardless of organic status — that's the primary concern.
My dog ate a whole bag of dried apricots. What should I do?
First, check the bag: were there pits? Is xylitol or any artificial sweetener listed in the ingredients? If xylitol is present, this is an immediate emergency — call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control hotline at (888) 426-4435 right now. If the apricots were pit-free and contained no toxic additives, expect significant GI upset (diarrhea, possibly vomiting) over the next 12–24 hours. Offer plenty of fresh water, withhold food for 12 hours, then introduce a bland diet. Call your vet if symptoms persist beyond 24 hours, if your dog is small (under 20 lb), or if you notice blood in the stool.
Can dried apricots help with my dog's constipation?
The fiber in dried apricots can promote bowel movements, but it's not a recommended treatment for canine constipation. The sugar content makes it a poor choice for regular digestive management. If your dog is constipated, consult your veterinarian rather than self-treating. They may recommend canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling), increased water intake, or specific veterinary-prescribed fiber supplements.
Is fresh apricot better than dried for dogs?
Yes, in most cases. Fresh apricot flesh has significantly less sugar per gram because the water content hasn't been removed. A fresh apricot half contains about 3.9 grams of sugar compared to roughly 3 grams in a 6-gram dried half — but the fresh version is larger and more filling, so your dog gets more volume and satisfaction for fewer concentrated calories. Always remove the pit, stem, and any leaves before offering fresh apricot.
Veterinary Disclaimer: This article provides general nutritional guidance and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your dog's diet, especially if your dog has existing health conditions, is on medication, or follows a prescription diet. Your vet can provide personalized portion recommendations based on your dog's specific caloric needs and health status.
Aaron Whyte
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
