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Ingredient file

Apples

The fruit of the apple tree, used fresh or dried with the seeds removed.

Apples

Our read // In our catalog

In 1 of every 6 foods we track

Share of foods that list it

18%

577 of the 3,204 foods with an ingredient list on file, from 43 brands. 400 dry dog food, 69 wet dog food, 48 frozen dog food.

Each square is 1% of the catalog

Where it sits on the label

Median position 14. In the top five of 48 foods, so it is usually a minor ingredient.

Top five List position, heaviest first

Above the salt

62%

Listed before the salt in 62% of foods. In the rest it is under about 1% of the recipe.

Price per lb

Foods with it $3.93
All foods $3.25

Median of the cheapest bag price across 347 priced foods, 21% above the catalog. The price is the food's, not the ingredient's.

Who leans on it

13%

of the foods that list it are from Instinct. 43 brands use it in total.

What it is

Why it turns up in dog food

  • Provide pectin fiber, vitamin C and antioxidants at very low calorie cost. The flesh is safe and useful, while the seeds are removed in commercial processing.

Who uses it

Brands, best sellers and the company it keeps

Top brands, by foods that list it

  1. Instinct 75 / 98
  2. Wellness 73 / 118
  3. Merrick 51 / 107
  4. Now Fresh 26 / 35
  5. Hill's 26 / 116
  6. Horizon 26 / 27
  7. Open Farm 25 / 42
  8. Go! Solutions 24 / 46
  9. Fromm 22 / 67
  10. Earthborn Holistic 19 / 28

Foods that list it / all the brand's recipes we track.

Plus 33 more brands.

Amazon best sellers that list it

  1. #4 Hill’s Science Diet Light Small & Mini Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
  2. #31 Open Farm Wild Caught Salmon with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
  3. #46 The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Beef Recipe Whole Food Clusters Dry Dog Food
  4. #53 Orijen Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  5. #57 Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal Dry Dog Food
  6. #60 Fromm Four-Star Beef Frittata Veg® Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  7. #62 Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
  8. #69 Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Paws Chicken Meal, Barley & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Rank on Amazon's dog food best seller list, checked October 2026.

Usually listed with, share of the foods that list it

  1. Flaxseed 42%
  2. Peas 39%
  3. Chicken 38%
  4. Chicken Meal 34%
  5. Chicken Fat 33%
  6. Mixed Tocopherols 33%
  7. Sweet Potatoes 28%
  8. Carrots 27%
  9. Potatoes 24%
  10. Natural Flavor 23%
  11. Brown Rice 19%
  12. Turkey 19%

On the shelf

Foods that list Apples

577 foods in our catalog list it. These 60 list it highest on the label.

Cesar Simply Crafted Adult Chicken Dog Food TopperCesarCesar Simply Crafted Adult Chicken Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 3 on the labelCesar Wholesome Bowls Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Wet Dog FoodCesarCesar Wholesome Bowls Chicken, Apple & Sweet Potato Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 3 on the labelGo! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Salmon Meal Mixer Dog Food TopperGo! SolutionsGo! Solutions Skin + Coat Care Salmon Meal Mixer Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 3 on the labelGo! Solutions Weight Control Turkey Meal Mixer Dog Food TopperGo! SolutionsGo! Solutions Weight Control Turkey Meal Mixer Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 3 on the labelNorthwest Naturals Nuggets; Bulk Meal Bars; Chubs Trout Recipe Frozen Dog FoodNorthwest NaturalsNorthwest Naturals Nuggets; Bulk Meal Bars; Chubs Trout Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 4 on the labelCaru Classics (Natural Stews) Classics Turkey with Lamb Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodCaruCaru Classics (Natural Stews) Classics Turkey with Lamb Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelKoha Limited Ingredient Lamb Entrée Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodKohaKoha Limited Ingredient Lamb Entrée Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelFromm Nutritionals Digestive Pâté Dog Food TopperFrommFromm Nutritionals Digestive Pâté Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelRachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Apple Recipe Whole Health Blend Premium Paté Wet Dog FoodRachael Ray NutrishRachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Apple Recipe Whole Health Blend Premium Paté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 4 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Pumpkin Pour Overs Turkey Dog Food TopperThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Pumpkin Pour Overs Turkey Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Pumpkin Pour Overs Salmon Dog Food TopperThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Pumpkin Pour Overs Salmon Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelSolid Gold Turkey Bone Broth with Pumpkin & Ginger Dog Food TopperSolid GoldSolid Gold Turkey Bone Broth with Pumpkin & Ginger Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the label
Show 48 more
Go! Solutions Digestive Health Turkey Meal Mixer Dog Food TopperGo! SolutionsGo! Solutions Digestive Health Turkey Meal Mixer Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 3 on the labelGo! Solutions Hip + Joint Support Pork Meal Mixer Dog Food TopperGo! SolutionsGo! Solutions Hip + Joint Support Pork Meal Mixer Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 3 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Pumpkin Pour Overs Chicken Dog Food TopperThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Pumpkin Pour Overs Chicken Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelSolid Gold Beef Bone Broth with Turmeric Dog Food TopperSolid GoldSolid Gold Beef Bone Broth with Turmeric Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelSojos Turkey Plus Raw Dog Food TopperSojosSojos Turkey Plus Raw Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelSojos Beef Plus Raw Dog Food TopperSojosSojos Beef Plus Raw Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelSojos Lamb Plus Raw Dog Food TopperSojosSojos Lamb Plus Raw Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelInstinct Raw Boost Mixers Blends Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food TopperInstinctInstinct Raw Boost Mixers Blends Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 4 on the labelGrandma Lucy’s Pureformance Pre-Mix Grain-Free Dog Food TopperGrandma Lucy'sGrandma Lucy’s Pureformance Pre-Mix Grain-Free Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 5 on the labelOC Raw Dog Rabbit & Produce Freeze-Dried Dog FoodOC Raw DogOC Raw Dog Rabbit & Produce Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 5 on the labelOC Raw Dog Complete Meals Lamb & Produce Frozen Dog FoodOC Raw DogOC Raw Dog Complete Meals Lamb & Produce Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelOC Raw Dog Complete Meals Turkey & Produce Frozen Dog FoodOC Raw DogOC Raw Dog Complete Meals Turkey & Produce Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelOC Raw Dog Complete Meals Rabbit & Produce Frozen Dog FoodOC Raw DogOC Raw Dog Complete Meals Rabbit & Produce Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelAgainst the Grain Pulled Beef with Gravy Dinner Wet Dog FoodAgainst the GrainAgainst the Grain Pulled Beef with Gravy Dinner Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelAgainst the Grain Pulled Chicken with Gravy Dinner Wet Dog FoodAgainst the GrainAgainst the Grain Pulled Chicken with Gravy Dinner Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelCaru Classics (Natural Stews) Classics Beef Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodCaruCaru Classics (Natural Stews) Classics Beef Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelCaru Classics (Natural Stews) Classics Chicken Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodCaruCaru Classics (Natural Stews) Classics Chicken Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelCaru Classics (Natural Stews) Classics Pork Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodCaruCaru Classics (Natural Stews) Classics Pork Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelCaru Daily Dish Chicken Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodCaruCaru Daily Dish Chicken Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelCaru Classics (Natural Stews) Classics Turkey Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodCaruCaru Classics (Natural Stews) Classics Turkey Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelFromm Gold Nutritionals Sensitive Skin and Stomach Complete Pâté Wet Dog FoodFrommFromm Gold Nutritionals Sensitive Skin and Stomach Complete Pâté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelFromm Four-Star Diner Specials Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Entrée in Gravy Wet Dog FoodFrommFromm Four-Star Diner Specials Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork Entrée in Gravy Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Slow Cooked Chicken One Pot Stew Wet Dog FoodThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Slow Cooked Chicken One Pot Stew Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelThe Honest Kitchen Turkey & Autumn Veggies Butcher Block Pâté Wet Dog FoodThe Honest KitchenThe Honest Kitchen Turkey & Autumn Veggies Butcher Block Pâté Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 5 on the labelInstinct Raw Longevity Patties Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Adults Ages 7+ Frozen Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Raw Longevity Patties Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Adults Ages 7+ Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelInstinct Raw Longevity Patties Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Puppies Frozen Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Raw Longevity Patties Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Puppies Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelInstinct Raw Longevity Patties Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Frozen Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Raw Longevity Patties Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelInstinct Raw Longevity Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Adults Ages 7+ Frozen Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Raw Longevity Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Adults Ages 7+ Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelInstinct Raw Longevity Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Frozen Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Raw Longevity Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelInstinct Raw Signature Patties Real Chicken Recipe Frozen Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Raw Signature Patties Real Chicken Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelInstinct Raw Signature Bites Real Chicken Recipe Frozen Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Raw Signature Bites Real Chicken Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelInstinct Raw Patties Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Frozen Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Raw Patties Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelInstinct Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Seniors Frozen Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe for Seniors Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelInstinct Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Frozen Dog FoodInstinctInstinct Raw Bites Cage-Free Chicken Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 5 on the labelWellness Core Bowl Boosters Functional Toppers Digestive Health Dog Food TopperWellnessWellness Core Bowl Boosters Functional Toppers Digestive Health Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 5 on the labelInstinct Raw Boost Mixers Blends Real Beef Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food TopperInstinctInstinct Raw Boost Mixers Blends Real Beef Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 5 on the labelOnly Natural Pet PowerStew Venison & Duck Feast Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodOnly Natural PetOnly Natural Pet PowerStew Venison & Duck Feast Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelNutriSource Chicken & Duck Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog FoodNutriSourceNutriSource Chicken & Duck Recipe Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 6 on the labelMerrick Fresh Selects Beef & Brown Rice Fresh Frozen Dog FoodMerrickMerrick Fresh Selects Beef & Brown Rice Fresh Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 6 on the labelNorthwest Naturals Nuggets; Bulk Meal Bars; Chubs Lamb Recipe Frozen Dog FoodNorthwest NaturalsNorthwest Naturals Nuggets; Bulk Meal Bars; Chubs Lamb Recipe Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 6 on the labelGrandma Lucy’s Artisan Pre-Mix Grain-Free Dog Food TopperGrandma Lucy'sGrandma Lucy’s Artisan Pre-Mix Grain-Free Dog Food TopperTopper // No. 6 on the labelGrandma Lucy’s - Pureformance Fish Freeze-Dried Dog FoodGrandma Lucy'sGrandma Lucy’s - Pureformance Fish Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 6 on the labelGrandma Lucy’s - Pureformance Chicken Freeze-Dried Dog FoodGrandma Lucy'sGrandma Lucy’s - Pureformance Chicken Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 6 on the labelGrandma Lucy’s - Artisan Chicken Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog FoodGrandma Lucy'sGrandma Lucy’s - Artisan Chicken Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 6 on the labelOC Raw Dog Chicken & Produce Freeze-Dried Dog FoodOC Raw DogOC Raw Dog Chicken & Produce Freeze-Dried Dog FoodFreeze-Dried // No. 6 on the labelOC Raw Dog Complete Meals Chicken & Produce Frozen Dog FoodOC Raw DogOC Raw Dog Complete Meals Chicken & Produce Frozen Dog FoodFrozen // No. 6 on the labelWellness Complete Health Lamb & Beef Wet Dog FoodWellnessWellness Complete Health Lamb & Beef Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the labelCaru Daily Dish Beef Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodCaruCaru Daily Dish Beef Stew Grain-Free Wet Dog FoodWet // No. 6 on the label

On labels as

Other names for this

Manufacturers do not all use the same wording. These all mean the same thing.

Fresh Apples Whole Apples
An ingredient on its own tells you very little. What matters is how much of it there is and where it sits in the list. That is why we weigh the top five rather than reacting to any single name further down. Back to the wiki

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