Safety guide
Is Apricots safe for dogs?
Use with caution
The flesh is fine in moderation, but the stone must always be removed.
Ripe apricot flesh is safe for dogs as an occasional treat, but the stone (pit) is the real hazard — it contains cyanogenic compounds that release cyanide, and its size makes it a serious choking and intestinal-obstruction risk. Always remove the stone, wash the fruit, and cut the flesh into small pieces. Feed only small amounts, as the sugar content is high and too much can cause loose stools.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Choking, gagging or retching
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Difficulty breathing or bright-red gums (if cyanide from a chewed stone is ingested)
What to do immediately
- 1Remove any remaining apricot or stones and stop further access
- 2Check whether a stone was swallowed and note the time
- 3Watch closely for choking, vomiting or signs of a blockage
- 4Do not induce vomiting unless a vet tells you to
When to call your vet
Call your vet immediately if your dog swallowed a stone, is choking, retching, straining, or shows breathing difficulty or bright-red gums.
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