Can dogs eat applesauce? Yes.
Can applesauce keep the vets away? Well.. let’s have a look at that.
If you and your dog are scratching your heads over this, we have some Paw-fect answers for both of you. Dogs can eat applesauce in moderation, with the sugar content essential in deciding whether it is a good treat for your dog.
Multiple human foods are safe for dogs, but should applesauce be one of them? Let’s dive in!
What is Applesauce Made of?
Apples. Duh.
But there is more to applesauce than just the apples.
Apples are a fibrous, crunchy fruit with low calories, meaning they do not add to the dog’s weight. Its soluble version, applesauce, also has the same nutritional value as vitamins A, C, B6, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These elements help your puppy’s health.
Benefits of Applesauce for Dogs
Applesauce contains proteins and carbohydrates that increase their energy levels. With all the goodness of applesauce, it can benefit your dog in multiple ways.
1. Quercetin
Extracted from natural plant-based food like broccoli and blueberries, Quercetin is a pigment that helps build immunity and has anti-inflammatory properties (study).
2. Antioxidants
Applesauce has antioxidants that prevent your pooch from getting diseases and infections. It supports their immune system and gives them the power to fight illnesses.
3. High water content
Goofing around all day can be tiring for your dog. Applesauce to the rescue! Due to high water content, it keeps your dog hydrated as well as helps to release toxins from their body.
4. Vitamin C
Who doesn’t like a glossy, healthy furry coat? Applesauce also helps to keep your dog healthy from the outside. Additionally, it keeps the skin healthy so your dog does not spend days scratching themselves off.
5. Fibrous
Even though applesauce is the cooked version of apples, it still is very fibrous. It is easy to digest and makes the poop-time easier for your pooch.
However, apples are not a dog’s enemies; it is essential to consult your vet before giving your dog an apple feast. As each doggo has unique dietary requirements, allergies, and sensitivities should be considered.
When to be Concerned if Your Dog Ate Applesauce?
With all these paw-sitives comes the risks!
Talking of risks, the BIGGEST one here is sugar! Sugar might work great for your sweet tooth, but it can create a nightmare for dogs. If your dog has dunked their heads in applesauce, here are things you should be concerned about:
1. Sugar
As a parent, always be sure if your dog is diabetic. Store-bought applesauce already has a sweetness to it, which can be harmful to your dog. Before feeding your dog unsweetened applesauce, consult your veterinarian.
2. Allergies
Your dog might be allergic to applesauce which can cause skin irritation, aches, diarrhea, and even breathlessness. You should know about your dog’s allergies and keep them away from them.
3. Too much applesauce
How much applesauce is too much applesauce? Well, more than 1-2 tablespoons is more than enough!
This will give your dog the nutrients it needs, a new taste without affecting their health negatively.
Safe Ways to Feed Your Dog Applesauce
Knowing the risks and benefits of applesauce can end up with you being in an apple-solutely confused place. Especially when you’re wondering,”can dogs eat applesauce?” and if you should serve it.
With multiple ways of preparing applesauce for your pooch without making them sick, you can be at ease when serving it. We have got you glazed!
Here are four ways to feed your dog applesauce without getting into trouble:
1. Salads
Dogs love crunchy, chewy salads!
You can add proteins, fibers, greens, veggies, and delicious applesauce drizzled. Instead of giving your dog a whole bowl of applesauce, add a few tablespoons on the side to fulfill their nutritional needs and give their taste buds a pop!
2. DIY
The best way to ensure your kid gets nutrition is to be a chef yourself!
Time to wear your chef hat and grab a spatula. You can make homemade applesauce, ensuring no added preservatives or harmful ingredients. To make applesauce, you only need two super ingredients – Apples and water.
Here are the steps-
Step 1: Peel the apple’s skin and remove its core and seeds.
Step 2: Chop the apples into small chunks.
Step 3: Add chopped apples to a pan, and pour water.
Step 4: Let it simmer for 10 minutes (or till apples get all mushy).
Step 5: Once it’s pulpy and thick, turn off the heat and let it sit until it reaches room temperature.
Step 6: Transfer the applesauce to an air-tight container and keep it for a week or so (or until your pup sneaks and licks it all!)
3. Unsweetened version
The real monster in applesauce is sugar. Be sure to check the ingredients before buying canned or store-bought applesauce. Or you can DIY and not add sugar to it. Without the sugar, applesauce is a great treat for your dog!
4. Not a whole meal
Applesauce has many benefits, from relieving digestive problems to keeping the fur healthy. However, it is only good as a treat and not a meal. You can add 1-2 teaspoons of applesauce to your dog’s diet as a treat or side, but your dog needs more protein and fats to function than you should give as a meal.
Moreover, dogs also like to eat strawberry applesauce and cinnamon applesauce. You can incorporate these fruity textures into your dog’s diet. They are healthy if taken in moderation.
NOTE: Before feeding your dog anything new, it is essential to consult with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
We can conclude that dogs can eat applesauce, but moderation is the key. Applesauce comes with the goodness of vitamins, fiber, and water content, giving your doggo the hydration and health they deserve.
Making applesauce a regular meal or feeding your dog sweetened applesauce becomes problematic. Especially for diabetic and allergic dogs, this can be a nightmare! In addition to this, making applesauce at home will ensure that there are no unnecessary ingredients.
And guess what? You and your pooch can enjoy this treat together!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can give your dog applesauce with cinnamon. It is not toxic for your dog to have 1-2 tablespoons of this delicious combination. However, making it a regular treat for your dog is not recommended, as there are multiple other alternatives.
Yes, your dogs can eat strawberry applesauce in moderation. As it can be a sugary treat on its own, do not add more sugar. If your dog is diabetic, please consult your veterinarian before adding anything new to their menu.
It is essential to check the ingredient list before buying applesauce for your furry friend. Until and unless added sugar, unnecessary vitamins, and preservatives exist, you can purchase applesauce from anywhere. In fact, to be on the safer side, you can make your own applesauce at home.
YES! Dogs absolutely will love adding applesauce to their dog food! You can drizzle some of it to add flavor without interfering with their sugar levels or health. You can also give your dog cinnamon applesauce and strawberry applesauce to add a fruity punch to their diet!
Apples are fibrous, and so is applesauce! They can easily be digested and help with a smooth bowel movement in dogs. However, giving too much applesauce to cure constipation can cause diarrhea. Hence, applesauce is good only if ingested in moderation.
