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Can Dogs Eat Apricots? NZ Safety Answer
13 June 2026
Can dogs eat apricots in NZ? Avoid apricot stones, stems and leaves. Plain flesh is not worth the pit risk for many dogs.
Quick answer
Dogs should not eat apricot stones, stems or leaves. A tiny piece of plain ripe apricot flesh is different from a whole apricot, but apricots are best handled cautiously because the stone can be swallowed.
Why
Pet Poison Helpline's toxic food guide groups apricots with stone fruits because stems, pits and leaves can contain cyanide compounds. ASPCA's people-foods guidance also warns about fruit pits and seeds for pets. In NZ, apricot risks often come from summer fruit bowls, orchard windfalls, lunchboxes, jams, baking and compost scraps.
If your dog ate it
Contact your NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.
Safer alternatives
Safer options are tiny pieces of plain, prepared fruit your dog already tolerates, or your dog's normal complete food used as a treat. Keep treats small and avoid stones, pits, stems, leaves, sweetened fruit, alcohol-soaked fruit and baked desserts.
Related reading
References
- Pet Poison Helpline, Toxic Food Guide for Pets, checked 2026-06-13: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/4671_Toxic-Food-Guide-for-Pets-Infographic_FINAL_REVISION.pdf
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control, People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets, checked 2026-06-13: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets
Important notice
*General food-safety information for NZ pet owners, reviewed against ASPCA/VCA guidance (June 2026). For any suspected ingestion or illness, contact a NZ vet, after-hours emergency clinic, or SPCA for advice.*
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