Can dogs eat apricot seeds? Can they be used to treat mast cell tumors in dogs?

Original Question: I was wondering if a 66 pound Boxer is able to have apricot seeds and if so how much? I'm trying to help treat his cancer since his first chemo attempt hasn't worked. I'm looking for a few home remedies to help him and this is a famous thing I found online. He's on Prednisone Benadryl, Pepcid supplements and he is also taking milk thistle, fish oil, flaxseed oil and coconut oil. Diagnosed with a mast cell tumor. - Felicia

Mar 5, 2018

Hi Felicia,

I’m sorry to hear that this is happening.

Unfortunately, I don’t think I can add much value here. I have searched both an extensive veterinary and human database for any research trials performed investigating the benefits of apricot seeds for dogs when it comes mast cell tumors. I have not found a single peer-reviewed study that has looked into the effects of apricot seeds for cancer in dogs.

Apricot seeds would be a supplement and therefore are unlikely to cause harm, but may not be of value. The Internet is full of stories about a single case that responded to a supplemental treatment. These stories tend to catch popularity but without a study evaluating the effect of the treatment on a population, it’s difficult to know its worth. I know that apricot seeds contain cyanide but it’s in such a low concentration that you’re very unlikely to experience a toxic effect unless a large quantity is ingested. My only other concern is that if the seed or pit is large, it could create a blockage that would be devastating. In short, I don’t think there is harm, but it’s unknown whether there would be a benefit. For more information about other alternative therapies, have a look at our video, about integrated care as a treatment plan for dogs and cats with cancer.