Limited — no pits

Can dogs eat apricots?

Dogs can have a tiny cube of ripe apricot flesh. Like other stone fruits, the pit is off-limits — choke hazard plus cyanide compounds — so never share a whole apricot.

Not medical advice — general pet-safety info only. Confirm with your vet before changing your dog’s diet.

Updated Aug 4, 2026 Category Nutrition

Alternatives to apricots for dogs

Stone fruit needs careful prep. These treats are safer fruit rewards.

Fruit dog treats

Fruit treats without stone-fruit pit cleanup.

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Apple dog treats

A safer everyday fruit reward.

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Blueberry dog treats

Small berries portion more cleanly than stone fruit.

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How much is okay?

A rare ripe cube with the pit fully removed.

Small under 20 lb
1 small cube
Keep it occasional and plainly prepared.
Medium 20–50 lb
2 small cubes
Keep it occasional and plainly prepared.
Large 50+ lb
2–3 small cubes
Keep it occasional and plainly prepared.

Rule of thumb: treats of all kinds should stay under ~10% of daily calories.

How to prepare them

  • Remove the pit completely before sharing.
  • Skip dried apricots in large amounts — concentrated sugar.
  • Serve plain ripe flesh only.

Risks & exceptions

  • Pits are a toxin and choke risk.
  • Dried fruit concentrates sugar.
  • Too much flesh loosens stool.

Apricot flesh is a tiny occasional bite; pits are never OK.

If they ate too many

A larger portion or the wrong preparation is most likely to cause trouble.

  • Soft stool

Call your vet / pet poison line if:

  • Pit swallowed
  • Choking
  • Repeated vomiting

Apricot pits contain cyanide compounds and are a choke hazard.

FAQ

Can dogs eat apricot pits?

No — never.

Can dogs eat dried apricots?

A tiny piece occasionally is less ideal than fresh; skip sugary packs.

Are apricot kernels safe?

No — keep kernels away.

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from product links. Safety guidance is editorial and may change — verify with your veterinarian for your dog.