Is unsweetened applesauce good for dogs

Applesauce is widely loved for its sweet and tangy flavour, and some unsweetened, homemade apple sauces can also be nutritionally beneficial for humans, but is this the case for our dogs?

it safe to give your dog applesauce? Keep reading to find out if dogs can eat applesauce and if they can see the same benefits as us.

Can dogs eat applesauce?

Yes, dogs can eat applesauce provided it’s plain. Homemade applesauce is essentially just apple (which is not toxic for dogs) in its puréed form, so this is safe for your dog to enjoy as an occasional treat.

However, whether you’re making applesauce at home, or buying it readymade from the shop, many recipes include ingredients like lemon juice and zest, cider vinegar, cinnamon and other spices, which can irritate your pup’s stomach! Many applesauce products also include sugar, which won’t offer any nutritional benefit, but can contribute to obesity and dental disease, so is generally best avoided. And some readymade apple sauces may also contain sweeteners, such as xylitol, which is toxic for pups, in addition to thickeners, food colouring and preservative ingredients which may also be harmful for your dog. Because of this we would only recommend offering your pet small amounts of homemade applesauce made from apples alone, to avoid any hidden ingredients causing problems for your dog.

Is applesauce good for dogs?

Homemade, plain applesauce does contain fibre and vitamins like C and A, as well as phosphorous and calcium, but these are all things your dog will get from their complete and balanced diet, so there’s no need to supplement your dog’s diet with applesauce. Additionally, as we only recommend offering your dog a small amount of applesauce, it’s unlikely the nutrients involved will really make a difference to their diet.

However, readymade applesauce, purchased from the supermarket, may not be okay for your dog to eat. As we’ve already mentioned, these options can be loaded with sugars, preservatives, colours, flavourings and thickeners, and these chemical additives aren’t good for your dog to consume.

How to feed apple sauce to dogs

If you want to offer your pup a small amount of applesauce as a treat, stick to plain, fresh homemade applesauce, and only ever offer your pup the occasional teaspoon.

We would also advise to stick to using apples as your only ingredient to make your sauce, peeled and with their cores removed. It’s also important to make sure you remove all the seeds from your apples, as well as the stalk, as these can contain cyanide – which is poisonous for pups. Mash your applesauce thoroughly before offering it to your pup, to make sure you remove any large pieces of apple, as these can sometimes cause choking, especially in very small dogs. And avoid adding additional sugar and other ingredients if you’re planning on offering your dog some of your applesauce.

When feeding your dog treats – such as applesauce – always remember to follow the 10% rule, making sure that no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calorie intake comes from treats, with the other 90% coming from their complete and balanced dog food.

Before you ever offer your pup human food, it’s best to always speak to your vet for advice. They’ll be able to tell you if it’s OK to give them it as a treat or if it should be avoided for your dog altogether.

Now you know the answer to ‘can dogs eat applesauce’! Want to find out more about what foods your dog can eat? Learn if dogs can eat oranges, next.

Can dogs eat applesauce? Find out if it’s ok to give your dog this jarred fruit in both unsweetened and sweetened forms to your dog.

Is unsweetened applesauce good for dogs

Wondering if the “apple a day…” saying applies to your dog?

Well, while you may not want to give your dog an entire apple every single day, apples and applesauce are definitely a dog friendly food.

Apples are one of the many fruits that can be a nutritious addition to our dog’s diet.

We’ve all heard about apple seeds containing cyanide and while that’s true, the amount that it takes for it to be toxic isn’t really of concern if your dog were to eat an entire apple.

That said, avoid giving your dog a whole apple as the core and stem can be a choking hazard especially for smaller breeds.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF APPLESAUCE FOR YOUR DOG

Since applesauce is just pureed apples, all the same nutritional information applies.

Apples are high in vitamin C, vitamin A and dietary fiber. They also have a good amount of calcium and phosphorous.

This makes applesauce a great fruit that can help in the promotion of strong bones, healthy joints and coat and of course all the immune boosting benefits of antioxidants.

IS APPLESAUCE GOOD FOR DOGS?

The one caveat with applesauce and feeding it to your dog is to be aware of the difference between unsweetened applesauce and those brands that are sweetened and flavored.

If you make your own applesauce with just apples this isn’t something you need to worry about. However, if you buy applesauce from the store be on the lookout for added ingredients.

Many store bought applesauces are loaded with sugar (or even worse, high fructose corn syrup), artificial flavors, preservatives and food coloring. Just like with ketchup, caution should be taken with any added ingredients like this when introducing to our dog’s diet.

It’s a shame really to think this is a food we often feed our children let alone our pets with the chemicals that can be added!

The other point of consideration with applesauce is whether it’s been made with organic apples.

Conventional apples are heavily sprayed with pesticides so it’s best to consume organic varieties. This is true for both humans and dogs and applies to almost any fruit like cherries as well.

Is unsweetened applesauce good for dogs

HOW MUCH APPLESAUCE CAN I GIVE MY DOG?

Like most human foods and especially fruits when it comes to dogs, applesauce should be viewed as a “sometimes” treat.

It’s often times an ingredient in homemade dog biscuits like these homemade peanut butter dog biscuits in which case it’s fine to give once a day but on its own, a small spoonful in your dog’s food is plenty.

Pumpkin is another common ingredient in dog treats which is also safe for dogs to eat and can be used as a natural sweetener like applesauce and molasses.

If you prefer to feed your dog the whole apple instead of applesauce, a slice or two is a good serving amount.

Dried apples that are simply just dehydrated apple slices are also ok to give your dog and can be substituted for “jerky” if desired.

Related – eggplant jerky for dogs and can dogs eat dates?

Is unsweetened applesauce good for dogs

CAN DOGS EAT CINNAMON APPLESAUCE?

One of the more popular flavors or applesauce varieties is the cinnamon kind.

Cinnamon is safe for dogs to eat, we use it in our cinnamon turmeric roasted cauliflower recipe that’s dog friendly.

Be aware, however, that often times the cinnamon flavored applesauces tend to have added sugar as well which is unnecessary for your dog.

If you want to add cinnamon to homemade applesauce made purely from apples, a small amount can be stirred in.

CAN PUPPIES HAVE APPLESAUCE?

Puppies have undeveloped stomachs and digestive tracts so it’s best to avoid giving them applesauce or strictly limit their intake.

As with most foods, it’s a good idea to hold off on introducing applesauce until your dog has matured.

Can dogs eat pumpkin seeds?
Can dogs eat mango?

Why is unsweetened applesauce good for dogs?

Low calorie: Unsweetened applesauce is low in calories and fat, making it a great healthy dog treat for weight maintenance or loss. 4. Regulates cholesterol: Apples contain a soluble fiber called pectin, which may help lower your dog's cholesterol levels.

Can I give my dog applesauce everyday?

Applesauce is best served in small amounts, as a treat rather than a meal. (Serving too many fruits or vegetables can cause digestive upset in dogs.) Applesauce should constitute no more than 5 percent of your dog's diet.

Is unsweetened applesauce good for a dog with an upset stomach?

Banana and Applesauce If your dog is having tummy troubles, these fruits are just as good for them as they are for you. Banana and apple sauce can be given to your dog in a rate of one teaspoon to every ten pounds of body weight daily.

Will applesauce help a dog poop?

Applesauce and apples have a lot of fiber, which will help keep your dog's digestion working the best it possibly can. Applesauce can also be feed to your dog if they have constipation or diarrhea.