Why limited
Keep dried apricots to small, occasional amounts. Sensitive pets may react to it, and sugar- or fat-heavy foods raise the risk of obesity and pancreatitis.
Dried apricots without pits can be given in very small quantities, but the high sugar content may cause gastrointestinal upset and contribute to weight gain. If pits are present, they are toxic due to cyanogenic compounds. Watch for vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty breathing.
Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Feed with care), so the notes below hold for either pet.
If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.
Other foods that need limits
The full A–Z food list groups every food by verdict for each species.
Why these cautions matter
Added sugar brings empty calories, and over months that means weight gain and dental disease — both far harder to undo than to avoid.
Stone-fruit pits and some seeds release cyanide when crushed, and quite apart from that they are a choking and blockage hazard.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat dried apricots?
CAUTION — limited. Dried apricots without pits can be given in very small quantities, but the high sugar content may cause gastrointestinal upset and contribute to weight gain. If pits are present, they are toxic due to cyanogenic compounds. Watch for vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty breathing.
How much dried apricots can dogs have?
Keep dried apricots to small, occasional pieces and never part of the main meal. It is classed as with care, so pets with a sensitive gut, pancreatitis or diabetes should skip dried apricots entirely.
What reaction should I watch for after dogs eats dried apricots?
In the 24 hours after dogs eats dried apricots, look for vomiting, diarrhoea, gas or a drop in appetite. Dried apricots without pits can be given in very small quantities, but the high sugar content may cause gastrointestinal upset and contribute to weight gain. If pits are present, they are toxic due to cyanogenic compounds. Watch for vomiting, lethargy, or difficulty breathing.
How often can dogs have dried apricots?
Save dried apricots for rare moments rather than building it into a routine; your dog may enjoy it, but that alone does not make it fit to feed often.
What are safer treats than dried apricots for dogs?
Pick from the safe list instead — Sweet potato (cooked) or Cooked turkey carry none of the risk that dried apricots does, and they work better as an everyday treat.