Can Dogs Eat Applesauce?

Apples have been one of the most commonly consumed fruits since the 18th century. The fruit is a favorite with many people, especially in its puree form, applesauce.

A dog owner who loves consuming this fruit may wonder, ‘can my dog also have a bite of the applesauce?’

Is Applesauce Safe for Dogs?

The short answer is yes, applesauce is safe for dogs. The principal ingredient in applesauce is apples, making them safe for consumption but only in moderation. While applesauce is just a mashed version of apples, most store-bought brands may contain unhealthy ingredients such as preservatives, food coloring, and sugars that may be harmful to dogs.

You should also be aware that there are sweetened and unsweetened brands; this is useful if your dog is diabetic.

On the bright side, applesauce has a lot of nutrients that help fight major diseases.

If you choose to make homemade applesauce, consider using organic apples as they are not sprayed with pesticides that might harm your dog.

Related: Can Dogs Eat Apples? Are Apples Safe For Dogs?

How Much Applesauce Can a Dog Eat?

Like most human foods and fruits you feed your dog, you should give them applesauce as an occasional treat. Usually, applesauce is a common ingredient in homemade dog biscuits, and it is acceptable to give your dog once a day. When giving them applesauce on its own, a spoonful in a dog’s food is enough.

Can Puppies Eat Applesauce?

Pups have undeveloped digestive tracts, so applesauce can upset their stomach. As with most foods, hold off introducing applesauce to your dog until they are mature enough to handle it. Your vet can help you determine when the time is right.

Benefits of Applesauce for Dogs

Some of the benefits of applesauce for dogs include:

Contains antioxidants that protect the dog against free radicals
Low in calories, fat, and sodium.
It contains plenty of calcium and phosphorus that helps in strengthening a dog’s bones, teeth, and nails.
It contains Pectin, which keeps the cholesterol levels in dogs down.
High insoluble fiber, is good in preventing constipation and diarrhea.
Vitamin A and C help provide healthy skin and heal joint diseases.

What Type of Applesauce is Best for Dogs

It is essential to note that only plain and unsweetened applesauce is a healthy snack for dogs. There are a lot of sugary and flavored varieties found in grocery stores that can be dangerous to dogs. Flavored applesauce may contain chemicals and harmful preservatives.

To feed healthy applesauce to your dog, we recommend making it at home, from scratch, using organic apples.

How to Prepare Applesauce for Dogs

If you cannot find an unsweetened applesauce brand in your grocery store or prefer doing it for yourself, the following steps will help you make homemade applesauce for your dog.

1. Prepare the Apples – Carefully peel the skin off your apples and cut them into small pieces. Remove all the seeds and stem in the apple slices.
2. Boil the Apples – Add the apple slices to at least half a cup of water and two spoonfuls of honey in a pot. Leave them to cook for about 20 minutes.
3. Mash the Apples – Remove the apples from the pot and using whichever mashing tool you have at hand, mash the boiled apples into a chunky sauce. You can also use a blender for a smoother consistency.

You can add other ingredients to boost the flavor of your applesauce, such as lemon juice and cinnamon. If you choose to add these ingredients, we recommend using them only in small amounts. You should also ensure that the ingredients are safe for dogs, so avoid using onions or garlic, either natural or powdered.

Final Thoughts

Certain human foods can cause terrible reactions in canines. Before introducing a new meal to your dog, it’s always important to consult your vet, especially if your dog has pre-existing medical conditions. If your vet gives you the go-ahead, you can start feeding applesauce to your dog, as long as it is unsweetened.