Can dogs eat apricots?

Caution — flesh fine, stone dangerous

Apricot flesh is safe in small amounts. The stone contains cyanide compounds and is a choking hazard.

The full picture

Apricots share the stone-fruit family warning: flesh is safe, stone is dangerous. The stone contains amygdalin, a cyanide-releasing compound, and is the right size to cause intestinal blockage. Always pit apricots before offering. Dried apricots are worse — more concentrated sugar and often sulphur preservatives that some dogs react to. Apricot jam usually contains too much sugar to be a good share.

Risks to watch for

  • Stone: cyanide + blockage + choking
  • Sugar content
  • Sulphur preservatives in dried

Potential benefits

  • Vitamin A, beta-carotene
  • Fibre
  • Potassium

Safe portion size

A couple of chunks of flesh occasionally.

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Related foods

Peaches caution Plums caution Cherries no
Written and reviewed by
The Can My Dog Eat editorial team

Every food page is cross-checked against UK veterinary sources including the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), the Animal PoisonLine, PDSA, and the Merck Veterinary Manual before publication. We do not accept paid placements from brands. If you spot an inaccuracy, please let us know — we take errors seriously and correct them quickly.

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Checked against UK veterinary guidance — see our editorial standards and source list. If your dog has eaten something and you need urgent advice, call a vet or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000.

Important: This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different, and individual factors (age, breed, health conditions, medications) can change what's safe. If in doubt, always contact your vet — or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 in the UK.