Can Dogs Eat Apricots? In Moderation

Why it’s fine in small amounts

Pet Poison Helpline says apricot flesh is fine for dogs, while the pits, seeds, stems and leaves are not. The flesh provides vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and it is fine in small amounts as an occasional treat.

The rest of the tree is the concern. The ASPCA lists apricot as toxic to dogs because the stems, leaves and seeds contain cyanogenic glycosides, which release cyanide, and wilting plant material is especially dangerous. Cyanide blocks an enzyme that cells need to use oxygen. Pet Poison Helpline rates the risk from a few leaves or a swallowed pit as low, while hulled apricot kernels, the bitter seeds inside the pit, carry a high risk. Acute poisoning signs can appear within 15 to 20 minutes and include trouble breathing, a fast heart rate, vomiting, dilated pupils, bright red gums, seizures and collapse.

Pits and stems can also cause choking. Dried apricots are fine only in moderation because of their high sugar content.

Benefits

The flesh provides vitamins, minerals and antioxidants
A soft, bite-size fruit when the pit is removed

Risks

Pits, seeds, stems and leaves contain cyanide-forming compounds
Pits and stems can cause choking or a blockage
Dried apricots are high in sugar

How to serve it safely

Wash a ripe apricot, remove the pit completely, and cut the flesh into small pieces. Start with a small piece, give a small dog less than a large one, and keep all treats under about 10% of daily calories.

Dried apricots are concentrated in sugar, so keep them to an occasional small piece, if at all. Never leave pits where your dog can reach them, and do not let your dog chew on apricot branches or fallen leaves. Peaches and other stone fruits need the same pit-removal care.

Related forms

Food	Verdict	Why
Apricot flesh	In moderation	Pit removed, in small pieces.
Dried apricots	In moderation	Concentrated sugar, so only a small piece now and then.
Apricot pits and kernels	No	Cyanide-forming compounds plus a choking and blockage risk.
Apricot leaves and stems	No	Contain cyanide-forming compounds, especially when wilting.

If your dog already ate it

If your dog swallowed an apricot pit, call your vet right away. Pet Poison Helpline advises immediate veterinary care if you suspect poisoning.

Go to an emergency clinic right away for trouble breathing, a fast heart rate, vomiting, dilated pupils, bright red gums, seizures or collapse. You can also call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply). Outside the US, call your local emergency vet. Do not make your dog vomit at home. Tell the team how much of the pit, kernel or leaves your dog ate.

A few extra bites of apricot flesh usually cause only a soft stool.

Frequently asked questions

Are apricot pits poisonous to dogs?

Yes, they can be. The ASPCA and Pet Poison Helpline say apricot seeds, stems and leaves contain cyanide-forming compounds, and pits can also cause choking or a blockage.

Can dogs eat dried apricots?

In moderation only. Pet Poison Helpline cautions about the high sugar content of dried apricots.

What are the signs of cyanide poisoning in dogs?

Pet Poison Helpline lists trouble breathing, a fast heart rate, vomiting, fatigue, dilated pupils, bright red gums, seizures and collapse, and says signs from fresh apricots can appear within 15 to 20 minutes.

My dog ate an apricot pit. What should I do?

Call your vet or an emergency clinic right away, along with ASPCA Animal Poison Control or Pet Poison Helpline if you are in the US. Do not wait for signs and do not make your dog vomit at home.

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy

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